This resonated so much, even though I'm not an art student (I studied literature), I feel like I had a very similar arc of art purist in college --> faced with the reality of the world --> corporate job --> back to being focused on art (somewhat). I haven't quit my job yet but I'm planning to and hearing your experience is incredibly helpful. I would love to hear more about what it has been like going back to art full time with this new perspective. Also love love love the art student pieces you shared I want to decorate my entire apartment with art student pieces!
I love this so much and that tag line is probably my whole career trajectory, if I had to sum it up. Was always an artist as a kid, never thought/was told that was practical, so went to college for something practical (engineering). Once I had that, I felt like I had "done my duty" so to speak and did what I thought I wanted (architecture). Worked in that. After all of this, I'm realizing that each step that I want to take is less and less technical, and more and more just...being an artist. I'm finally giving myself permission to consider it, but I have bills! Anyway, spoke to me deeply.
As a mom of an artist (also a STAMPS UMich grad- 2024), when I found you on TikTok I instantly thought wow! this is an example of somebody who has made it happen! I admire your story and am happy that your journey led you to all of us.
Loved reading this piece. It was great to be reminded that although some make it look easy from afar, leaving art school and finding your way as an artist in the “real world” is never linear and often takes some serious time.
Reminds me of the agents in Hollywood. To be an assistant to be a coordinator before you can be an agent - you have to have family wealth, no assistant or coordinator could make it in LA on that salary alone.
I'm operating in another medium (poetry) but I'm constantly trying (...and mostly not succeeding) to pursue that work as a priority and also treat the job that pays the bills/gives me health insurance with the respect it deserves. It is possible?
I miss that undergrad assurance and urgency, that deep belief, the eye bags from spending all night writing because what else could I possibly care about...! It's delicious to be around.
sending you bravery and prosperity as you gear up to take the leap! you can do it!
it's funny, i don't consider what i'm doing now as "art full time" seeing as i'm not "making anything" the way that i used to. maybe i just need a mindset shift?
Hahaha I feel that, I don't technically make anything either (I facilitate groups on classic literature) but I feel like being in the mindset of paying attention, writing, and then ultimately sharing that with others can be art? or maybe I'm also justifying myself haha
This resonated so much, even though I'm not an art student (I studied literature), I feel like I had a very similar arc of art purist in college --> faced with the reality of the world --> corporate job --> back to being focused on art (somewhat). I haven't quit my job yet but I'm planning to and hearing your experience is incredibly helpful. I would love to hear more about what it has been like going back to art full time with this new perspective. Also love love love the art student pieces you shared I want to decorate my entire apartment with art student pieces!
I love this and you are always an artist
:) thank you
this was brilliant, and precisely what I needed to hear today. Thank you <3
thank you for reading :)
we must experience hardships and misalignment in order to appreciate and trust our true internal compass.
amen
Romain's already in his blue period as a student - could be a record speed run
this might be the one
I love this so much and that tag line is probably my whole career trajectory, if I had to sum it up. Was always an artist as a kid, never thought/was told that was practical, so went to college for something practical (engineering). Once I had that, I felt like I had "done my duty" so to speak and did what I thought I wanted (architecture). Worked in that. After all of this, I'm realizing that each step that I want to take is less and less technical, and more and more just...being an artist. I'm finally giving myself permission to consider it, but I have bills! Anyway, spoke to me deeply.
As a mom of an artist (also a STAMPS UMich grad- 2024), when I found you on TikTok I instantly thought wow! this is an example of somebody who has made it happen! I admire your story and am happy that your journey led you to all of us.
Loved reading this piece. It was great to be reminded that although some make it look easy from afar, leaving art school and finding your way as an artist in the “real world” is never linear and often takes some serious time.
Reminds me of the agents in Hollywood. To be an assistant to be a coordinator before you can be an agent - you have to have family wealth, no assistant or coordinator could make it in LA on that salary alone.
as a former ish academic this resonates deeply. Thanks for this
OH I loved this.
I'm operating in another medium (poetry) but I'm constantly trying (...and mostly not succeeding) to pursue that work as a priority and also treat the job that pays the bills/gives me health insurance with the respect it deserves. It is possible?
I miss that undergrad assurance and urgency, that deep belief, the eye bags from spending all night writing because what else could I possibly care about...! It's delicious to be around.
Thanks for this <3
sending you bravery and prosperity as you gear up to take the leap! you can do it!
it's funny, i don't consider what i'm doing now as "art full time" seeing as i'm not "making anything" the way that i used to. maybe i just need a mindset shift?
Hahaha I feel that, I don't technically make anything either (I facilitate groups on classic literature) but I feel like being in the mindset of paying attention, writing, and then ultimately sharing that with others can be art? or maybe I'm also justifying myself haha
i’m on your side