4 answers
Michael
Student
Raleigh, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do I stay passionate and creative when entering an artistic field?
I'm a high school senior going to FIT for fashion design next year, and I want to avoid things like burnout and creative block. Are there specific practices for staying passionate? Is there anything I can be doing right now to prepare myself? What can I do to be my most creative self?
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4 answers
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
3
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey, Michael and any art or college newcomers!
Wow, congrats on getting accepted to one of the greatest fashion schools, FIT. This is a great accomplishment and truly just the start. It is great that you are thinking about preparing yourself for this next step. Here are some of my suggestions:
Burnout
-This comes when working hard on anything. Even if you have a lot of work to get done, taking care of yourself is key. Keep extra track of your eating and sleep. Even if you are sleeping less, make time for it with naps when you can. Make sure to eat healthy as your body might be off a bit. Also, do something completely different than what you are doing within your study. Find time for a mini side project or a hobby. Doing something else can keep your mind refreshed rather than focusing all your energy on one thing for a long time. Also, be sure to experience college outside of your studies. Meet new people, make time for friends, and especially make sure to enjoy the city. In times when you can't find someone to do something with you, don't be afraid to go out and do it on your own. But also look into what other activities and events you can join within and outside of your university.
Creative Block:
- "Creative Block" or "writing block" is a common term that creatives use...but not exactly in the most appropriate way. The flow of creativity is not being blocked by itself, but rather by other elements within yourself. When we feel creatively blocked it is usually an outside factor that we have to tackle first in order for things to start flowing again. For example, if there is a large stressor in your life, that might be in the way of your creating. This can also be your environment itself as well, so always make sure you stay in a healthy one. If you feel blocked try your best to tackle other parts of your life that would make you more comfortable if you improved on it. If still nothing, try something creative that is completely different, then come back. If still not, make something completely abstract and do not worry about making it good or bad. Just make. Doing these things will get you to push past any blocks quicker than doing nothing about it.
For now:
-Keep producing work. If you do not have your own design identity or interest just yet that's okay. Start familiarizing yourself with the brands, styles, and purposes that you stand for. Find out what previous students have done, not to copy or meet expectations, but to see what is out there and what people are working on. Be sure to always stay true to yourself and your morals. Think of why you are entering this field and what you would like to get out of it. You do not have to have all the answers just yet, but being productive with this and getting a good base of basics will only positively affect your entrance to university.
Best of luck!
Wow, congrats on getting accepted to one of the greatest fashion schools, FIT. This is a great accomplishment and truly just the start. It is great that you are thinking about preparing yourself for this next step. Here are some of my suggestions:
Burnout
-This comes when working hard on anything. Even if you have a lot of work to get done, taking care of yourself is key. Keep extra track of your eating and sleep. Even if you are sleeping less, make time for it with naps when you can. Make sure to eat healthy as your body might be off a bit. Also, do something completely different than what you are doing within your study. Find time for a mini side project or a hobby. Doing something else can keep your mind refreshed rather than focusing all your energy on one thing for a long time. Also, be sure to experience college outside of your studies. Meet new people, make time for friends, and especially make sure to enjoy the city. In times when you can't find someone to do something with you, don't be afraid to go out and do it on your own. But also look into what other activities and events you can join within and outside of your university.
Creative Block:
- "Creative Block" or "writing block" is a common term that creatives use...but not exactly in the most appropriate way. The flow of creativity is not being blocked by itself, but rather by other elements within yourself. When we feel creatively blocked it is usually an outside factor that we have to tackle first in order for things to start flowing again. For example, if there is a large stressor in your life, that might be in the way of your creating. This can also be your environment itself as well, so always make sure you stay in a healthy one. If you feel blocked try your best to tackle other parts of your life that would make you more comfortable if you improved on it. If still nothing, try something creative that is completely different, then come back. If still not, make something completely abstract and do not worry about making it good or bad. Just make. Doing these things will get you to push past any blocks quicker than doing nothing about it.
For now:
-Keep producing work. If you do not have your own design identity or interest just yet that's okay. Start familiarizing yourself with the brands, styles, and purposes that you stand for. Find out what previous students have done, not to copy or meet expectations, but to see what is out there and what people are working on. Be sure to always stay true to yourself and your morals. Think of why you are entering this field and what you would like to get out of it. You do not have to have all the answers just yet, but being productive with this and getting a good base of basics will only positively affect your entrance to university.
Best of luck!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Gena
Joanne Wiess
teacher
9
Answers
East Norriton, PA
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Passion and creativity are initiated from within, they are not acquired, but if initially within, ways can be found to build onto them. Not every day will be to your liking; in fact, most days won't be noteworthy in the overall scheme of a well-lived life. Each day however, if you dedicate yourself in the morning to the goals you have outlined and the end of day dedicate some reflection time on how the goals have been pushed forward even if only an inch, you will remain focused throughout.
Thanks for the help.
Gena
Jacqueline Smith
Manager, Customer Advocacy & References
3
Answers
Teaneck, New Jersey
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
Take breaks. Do activities unrelated to fashion. NYC is the perfect place to explore. Attend a Broadway play, perform selfless acts such as feeding the hungry, visit a farmer's market, or volunteer at a shelter. Doing things outside of your professional pursuits will give you depth and dimension as an individual, making you more dynamic and well-rounded. You never know what might inspire you without focusing on work. You'll become a better designer and a better person overall.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Gina DEANTONIO CHEBETAR
Fashion Designer Women's Apparel
2
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gina’s Answer
I admire the fact that you have narrowed your artistic scope to fashion design. It isn't easy to make the choice especially since you are teeming with talent but once you have that is half the battle. Fashion Design is an every changing landscape especially in the advent of social media. Celebrities, influencers, magazines are the pulse of the industry now. Depending on the demographic of the group you would like to design for is where you start. Visit stores to see what brands resonate with you. When you find something that does, it will be a lightbulb aha moment- you will know it when it hits you. I've been a fashion designer for over 3 decades now and the things that keep me fresh and inspired is getting out there- There is so much inspiration that surrounds us- nature ( new colors for the season), small boutiques- just how people decorate their stores show you what customer they are trying to attract, you will notice the demographic the store attracts by the people shopping in the store. Finding your own voice and vision takes practice. Carry a notebook, take pictures constantly so you have a record of what you see and where you have been. Look back on it, organize it, see what the common points are and mentally connect the dots as to why the attraction. Surfing the internet is great to make some determinations but getting out in the real world is the most inspiring. I've traveled the world for market shopping and it is always exciting and inspirational. Good luck - you will be great.