3 answers
Jayden
Student
Phillips, Maine
1
Question
Asked
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Any advice for feeling a disconnect between your passions and making a difference in this world?
Hello! My name is Jayden, and I am currently a college freshman. I care a lot about the environment. But art is also my passion. I've felt conflicted and lost on how to proceed when it comes to my future. I want to do important things and help in causes I care about, but I also want to make art that is impactful.
If anyone has any advice on how to narrow down career options, learning about career options, or just get through this stage of my life it would so helpful.
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3 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
136
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
Former University of Maine at Orono art student here. You don't have to choose between your studio life and what you need to do to pay the bills. Most studio artists don't make enough money from their art to support themselves, so they have to do something else.
I worked for 12 years as a graphic designer for a social and environmental message products retailer and got a lot of satisfaction out of working with nonprofits, political candidates, schools, and others to design t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and so on, in addition to designing products we sold in our catalog and online. Now I'm a freelancer and I work with publishers, nonprofits, and a cultural competence educator-trainer, and I work on my drawing and sculpture projects as I can. I try to do something in the studio every day. It's not easy--particularly now--but all I'm saying is, it can be done.
I've been out of the swag business for a while now, but The Green Store (I think there were a couple of them--one in Belfast and the other maybe Brunswick) used to carry our products. You might check them out and see if they have some leads for you; I'm thinking internships or pro bono work depending on your strengths and interests. Then there are state parks that sometimes offer artist residencies you could apply to.
For now, I'd say really focus on your education. You could talk to an advisor at school and see if they have any suggestions for you; there might be some opportunities to combine your art and environmental interests while you're a student, as Cynthia mentioned. But also look around your community and see who's doing ecology-related creative work. And don't forget to see as much art in person as possible!
One other thing about making art that is impactful: No successful artist sets out to do that. A body or bodies of work unfold in their own way, in their own time, and being an artist is a lifetime commitment. Don't put paralyzing pressure on yourself to make Important Art. Just make your art and keep making it and then make some more. A lot of it will be bad. Some of it will be good. The more you practice, the luckier you'll get, as the old saying goes.
Hope this helps!
Former University of Maine at Orono art student here. You don't have to choose between your studio life and what you need to do to pay the bills. Most studio artists don't make enough money from their art to support themselves, so they have to do something else.
I worked for 12 years as a graphic designer for a social and environmental message products retailer and got a lot of satisfaction out of working with nonprofits, political candidates, schools, and others to design t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and so on, in addition to designing products we sold in our catalog and online. Now I'm a freelancer and I work with publishers, nonprofits, and a cultural competence educator-trainer, and I work on my drawing and sculpture projects as I can. I try to do something in the studio every day. It's not easy--particularly now--but all I'm saying is, it can be done.
I've been out of the swag business for a while now, but The Green Store (I think there were a couple of them--one in Belfast and the other maybe Brunswick) used to carry our products. You might check them out and see if they have some leads for you; I'm thinking internships or pro bono work depending on your strengths and interests. Then there are state parks that sometimes offer artist residencies you could apply to.
For now, I'd say really focus on your education. You could talk to an advisor at school and see if they have any suggestions for you; there might be some opportunities to combine your art and environmental interests while you're a student, as Cynthia mentioned. But also look around your community and see who's doing ecology-related creative work. And don't forget to see as much art in person as possible!
One other thing about making art that is impactful: No successful artist sets out to do that. A body or bodies of work unfold in their own way, in their own time, and being an artist is a lifetime commitment. Don't put paralyzing pressure on yourself to make Important Art. Just make your art and keep making it and then make some more. A lot of it will be bad. Some of it will be good. The more you practice, the luckier you'll get, as the old saying goes.
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for this, it was really helpful and I will keep your advice in mind going forward. Also thank you for letting me know about the internship opportunities!!
Jayden
Rita Chuang
Physician
312
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I remember when I was in medical school doing my ENT rotation (Ear, Nose, and Throat), one of the residents was suturing a patient and had classical music playing in the background. Someone told me that classical music was his passion and he was a doctor so that he could enjoy his passion. You can be the same. Do something that interests you and you can also have art on the side.
When I was in medical school, everyone used Dr. Netter's gross anatomy book. The book was filled with pictures of the body. From what I understood, Dr. Netter wanted to be an artist but his parents did not approve so he went to medical school and went into surgery internship. It was during the Depression and I'm not sure what happened but he started doing freelance art and sold them. Now, almost everyone in medical school buys his books to study medicine. I don't know if he even practiced medicine but he definitely is doing well selling his books.
Some doctors go into law school and become lawyers. They understand medicine and so they can better present a medical case in a law dispute. My point is that you don't necessarily do only one thing. You can do many things and the combination makes you a more interesting person with more knowledge.
When I was in medical school, everyone used Dr. Netter's gross anatomy book. The book was filled with pictures of the body. From what I understood, Dr. Netter wanted to be an artist but his parents did not approve so he went to medical school and went into surgery internship. It was during the Depression and I'm not sure what happened but he started doing freelance art and sold them. Now, almost everyone in medical school buys his books to study medicine. I don't know if he even practiced medicine but he definitely is doing well selling his books.
Some doctors go into law school and become lawyers. They understand medicine and so they can better present a medical case in a law dispute. My point is that you don't necessarily do only one thing. You can do many things and the combination makes you a more interesting person with more knowledge.
Cynthia Thompson
Higher Education Professional
15
Answers
Springfield, Illinois
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
You have many options in art and the environment. To decide, think about the problems you care most about. Are you interested in climate change, saving endangered species, or meteorology? In art, do you prefer pottery or painting, and what issues do you want to address through your work?
You can combine these interests in your career. For example, you might paint endangered animals and sell the art to raise funds for conservation. Or, you could work in environmental jobs while painting as a hobby.
As a former Student Life Director, I saw students grow their careers through clubs and opportunities. Join an art or environmental club to learn more. Also, talk to people on campus or in the community who work in areas you're interested in.
Good luck!
You can combine these interests in your career. For example, you might paint endangered animals and sell the art to raise funds for conservation. Or, you could work in environmental jobs while painting as a hobby.
As a former Student Life Director, I saw students grow their careers through clubs and opportunities. Join an art or environmental club to learn more. Also, talk to people on campus or in the community who work in areas you're interested in.
Good luck!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Jayden