2 answers
Rayona
Student
East Providence, Rhode Island
1
Question
Updated
491 views
Why should I pick Johnson and Wales College?
I like to draw. When I draw I either draw animate or cartoons characters #art #artist
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2 answers
Luke Durkin, NCARB, AIA
Architect
24
Answers
Lakewood, Colorado
Updated
Luke’s Answer
I don't know about the specifics of this university but since nobody has answered:
I work in a creative/design field as well. The best advice I have has two elements
1. I can give is to consider alternate ways to get into the field without such a high up-front cost. Are you willing to do this as a side-gig or hobby while your primary job is higher-paying, more secure (times like these)/less cyclical? I'm not sure if this is a field you can break into that way, but with college you're going to have 1. the cost of attending. 2 the cost of wages you would have earned if you were otherwise working.
With creative fields, it seems to be largely a meritocracy so if you can find out if you're successful at it before you sink big money into an education that'd be great.
2. think of ways you could use interest, animation/cartoon art, in other fields. In my field, architecture, a lot of people love doing renderings of projects. So many people will end up in positions where they do renderings occasionally but do many other architectural tasks. Those people have stronger careers typically than people who are full time renders. Their jobs are more stable, they make more money and they're more like to be kept in hard times. Also having a diversified skill set is always good long-term.
The other thing you could do to set yourself apart from other animators/cartoon artists would be to study and try and excel at the business aspect of it. Trying to get clients, learning about could business practices if you go the freelance direction, etc. In my field, Architecture, Architects are notorious for not being good at running businesses. I think that is likely inherent to the design/creative fields.
I work in a creative/design field as well. The best advice I have has two elements
1. I can give is to consider alternate ways to get into the field without such a high up-front cost. Are you willing to do this as a side-gig or hobby while your primary job is higher-paying, more secure (times like these)/less cyclical? I'm not sure if this is a field you can break into that way, but with college you're going to have 1. the cost of attending. 2 the cost of wages you would have earned if you were otherwise working.
With creative fields, it seems to be largely a meritocracy so if you can find out if you're successful at it before you sink big money into an education that'd be great.
2. think of ways you could use interest, animation/cartoon art, in other fields. In my field, architecture, a lot of people love doing renderings of projects. So many people will end up in positions where they do renderings occasionally but do many other architectural tasks. Those people have stronger careers typically than people who are full time renders. Their jobs are more stable, they make more money and they're more like to be kept in hard times. Also having a diversified skill set is always good long-term.
The other thing you could do to set yourself apart from other animators/cartoon artists would be to study and try and excel at the business aspect of it. Trying to get clients, learning about could business practices if you go the freelance direction, etc. In my field, Architecture, Architects are notorious for not being good at running businesses. I think that is likely inherent to the design/creative fields.
Katie Rzemien
Graphic Designer
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Rayona,
I think it's amazing that you're interested in studying art and drawing. Though I don't know anything about the specific school you're referencing, I can speak to my own experience! Growing up, I was always interested in art and knew it was something I wanted to turn into a career. I went to a state university and pursued a degree in studio art. While I was there, I honed in on my skills and found various fields in art that really interested me, particularly graphic design. Throughout earning my degree, I took on internships to learn more and grow my skillset. The combination of a formal education and work experience (learning on the job) really helped me gain confidence, improve my art skills and gain more inter-personal skills through working with others in a formal setting.
If you do decide to pursue a formal education, I'd suggest working on the side and continuing to practice your drawing as a hobby. This will help you build your muscle and define your style and what you're interested in!
Hope that helps!
I think it's amazing that you're interested in studying art and drawing. Though I don't know anything about the specific school you're referencing, I can speak to my own experience! Growing up, I was always interested in art and knew it was something I wanted to turn into a career. I went to a state university and pursued a degree in studio art. While I was there, I honed in on my skills and found various fields in art that really interested me, particularly graphic design. Throughout earning my degree, I took on internships to learn more and grow my skillset. The combination of a formal education and work experience (learning on the job) really helped me gain confidence, improve my art skills and gain more inter-personal skills through working with others in a formal setting.
If you do decide to pursue a formal education, I'd suggest working on the side and continuing to practice your drawing as a hobby. This will help you build your muscle and define your style and what you're interested in!
Hope that helps!