I have no idea what to do

soulwanderer13 · Jul 3, 2017

I don't think this forum is very active, but I'm really wanting some advice. So I'm gonna put this here and hope for the best.

I'm 21, and have taken 2 years off from college now. I went for a year right after I got out of high school, and I was convinced that college just wasn't for me. And part of me still feels that way. But basically I've been told by everyone around me that I should really go back. I feel ashamed that I don't want to... And I know that if I don't go I'll be letting my parents down. They're the most insistent on me going back. But I have no idea what I should get a degree in.

I love art, and I have for a very long time. I've been into it since I was in like first grade. I've been thinking about getting a degree in graphic art, photography, maybe a minor in creative writing. That's what I had my mind set on when I was in junior high and the beginning of high school. But by the time I graduated high school, my dreams of becoming an artist were almost completely erased. My art teacher didn't seem to be proud of anything I did, my parents never were as excited as I was (like I'd show them something I had made and they'd say "oh nice" and go back to whatever they were doing previously), and there were some others that told me that art just wasn't something I should pursue because it won't pay me well. And well, they are partly correct, I can't fault them on that. I've been so discouraged from what I wanted to do that I'm very hesitant to try.

However, I can't think of anything else that I would want to go to college for. I hate math, accounting sounds boring, law is way to involved, I do not want to be a teacher of any kind, anything medical is out of the question for sure, and even though I find psychology or sociology interesting sometimes, I definitely don't want to get into a career field for that.

So I'm stuck between do I try to go to school for something that maybe won't pay me too well and might even be a waste of money on (because I honestly don't think I need a college degree to be a graphic artist, or a photographer) but I will like, or do I go into something I know I won't like, but will make me more money and will please my parents?

If there is anyone willing to give me some advice I would love that. I know this isn't religion related, but I really am wanting some outside opinions. Sorry this is so long, and thank you for anyone who reads this and gives me some advice.

Greg Merrill · Jul 3, 2017

soulwanderer13 said:
I don't think this forum is very active, but I'm really wanting some advice. So I'm gonna put this here and hope for the best.

I'm 21, and have taken 2 years off from college now. I went for a year right after I got out of high school, and I was convinced that college just wasn't for me. And part of me still feels that way. But basically I've been told by everyone around me that I should really go back. I feel ashamed that I don't want to... And I know that if I don't go I'll be letting my parents down. They're the most insistent on me going back. But I have no idea what I should get a degree in.

I love art, and I have for a very long time. I've been into it since I was in like first grade. I've been thinking about getting a degree in graphic art, photography, maybe a minor in creative writing. That's what I had my mind set on when I was in junior high and the beginning of high school. But by the time I graduated high school, my dreams of becoming an artist were almost completely erased. My art teacher didn't seem to be proud of anything I did, my parents never were as excited as I was (like I'd show them something I had made and they'd say "oh nice" and go back to whatever they were doing previously), and there were some others that told me that art just wasn't something I should pursue because it won't pay me well. And well, they are partly correct, I can't fault them on that. I've been so discouraged from what I wanted to do that I'm very hesitant to try.

However, I can't think of anything else that I would want to go to college for. I hate math, accounting sounds boring, law is way to involved, I do not want to be a teacher of any kind, anything medical is out of the question for sure, and even though I find psychology or sociology interesting sometimes, I definitely don't want to get into a career field for that.

So I'm stuck between do I try to go to school for something that maybe won't pay me too well and might even be a waste of money on (because I honestly don't think I need a college degree to be a graphic artist, or a photographer) but I will like, or do I go into something I know I won't like, but will make me more money and will please my parents?

If there is anyone willing to give me some advice I would love that. I know this isn't religion related, but I really am wanting some outside opinions. Sorry this is so long, and thank you for anyone who reads this and gives me some advice.

Don't live for money, 1 Timothy 6:10. Honor, yes, but don't live for parents either, Matthew 10:37. Live for God, 1 Timothy 6:6. "Find something you are passionate about", I have always thought was good advice. Art, photography, have been money makers for some that are passionate about them. God can be glorified in that field. Thomas Kincaid "The painter of Light" comes to mind, though he strayed from God in later life. Sometimes one has to work at what they don't like, until they are stable enough to work at what they do like. Consider trade school, or being an apprentice to a successful artist/photographer. College can be a waste of time and money for many like you. Pray God will provide You direction, Psalms 37:5; Proverbs 3:5-6.

soulwanderer13 · Jul 3, 2017

I could definitely look into a trade school. I think that would be more productive. But you do bring up a good point. I should do things for myself, and ultimately for God. I do remember now that when I was younger, I would think about the talents that I have and how I would use them as a way to worship God. If it means that I need to wait to do something enjoyable, then that's okay. I hope.

kittysbecute · Jul 3, 2017

I know some people who have gone to college for graphic arts, photography, art, or music, etc. Some of those people were able to find related jobs after some not. I know quite a few people who never went to or completed a degree and still were able to get jobs in those fields. College isn't necessary to be an artist, but college or taking a class here and there can help in learning new things as well as getting networking opportunities. Are you more motivated to work on those skills on your own or in a classroom setting? Can you see yourself doing any of those creative pursuits as a long term career? Perhaps look into what careers each of those majors of interest could help with. Then look closely at the program to see if what is taught might be of use in that pursuit. Also look at the overall cost of the program to see how much you would need to pay for it now and in the long term.

I wasn't really sure what to do when I first graduated high school either, so I went to a community college to complete my general education for cheaper and took as many electives that I could that I thought might be interesting to get an idea more about what to do. I chose my undergraduate degree based more on interest than on career usability. I don't regret it because my goal was to learn and get a bachelors (to open up the ability to get one of the masters degrees I was looking at), and I took advantage of that opportunity while in school. I didn't know the economy was going to crash and that getting any regular job would take me years. Just be aware of the job market and what different degrees can be used for, and what you can do without one. Now I'm in grad school with a potentially more usable degree for getting a job.

Edit to add: I think going to a trade school or apprentice type thing is a great idea. Because actually starting to work in the field especially one that might not need a degree may be a lot wiser than going to college for an expensive art degree. Sometimes there are also inexpensive community classes that you can take as well.

HoleyHermit · Jul 3, 2017

I'm fairly certain that your high school art teacher isn't the final authority on artistic talent. I'm not sure your parents would be excited about you doing art even if you were Rembrandt, Van Gough, and Bob Ross rolled into one.

Will you make any money at it? I don't know. Neither will you if you don't try. Can you live with that?

soulwanderer13 · Jul 4, 2017

kittysbecute said:
College isn't necessary to be an artist, but college or taking a class here and there can help in learning new things as well as getting networking opportunities. Are you more motivated to work on those skills on your own or in a classroom setting? Can you see yourself doing any of those creative pursuits as a long term career?

I also think that college isn't necessary to be an artist. I think it's one of those things where if you're good at it, then you just are, college degree or not. However, you bring up a good point about the networking opportunities, as well as the motivation part. I really do think that I would be more motivated to get things done in a classroom setting because I am basically forced to get it done. I'm paying for it, and things are due at certain times, so I will get them done when I need to. Whereas if I do it on my own, I will probably start to get lazy and just drop it off all together eventually.

I think trade school/community college and apprenticeships are good too. The only bad thing is there isn't anywhere here where I live that offers what I want. We have a small community college here but it doesn't have anything art or photography related. And I would move in a heartbeat if I could. But my fiance is going to school here, so I'm kind of stuck.

soulwanderer13 · Jul 4, 2017

HoleyHermit said:
I'm fairly certain that your high school art teacher isn't the final authority on artistic talent. I'm not sure your parents would be excited about you doing art even if you were Rembrandt, Van Gough, and Bob Ross rolled into one.

Will you make any money at it? I don't know. Neither will you if you don't try. Can you live with that?

Well that's the thing, I feel like if I don't try I'm really going to regret it. I've missed out on 2 years already, and I feel awful about it. I could have been going still and getting ahead, but no, I took a couple of years off and haven't accomplished anything. I know that if I don't go back, I will regret it. But at the same time, I'm worried that if I do go back I will eventually regret doing that too. If I go back and it doesn't do anything for me, then it was a HUGE waste of time and money.

L a n a · Jul 4, 2017

My little sister is interested in applying to art school. She loves animation, and can't imagine doing anything else (career-wise), but she was also concerned about whether or not it is worth it to major in digital arts vs. getting a degree in something more practical. I'm encouraging her to go for art school, because I know deep down she would not regret it. I'm sure there are many people out there who have college degrees and/or advanced degrees, are making a boatload of money in "lucrative" careers, but absolutely hate their job and can't stand waking up every morning.

tl;dr: If art school is what you want, go for it.

Philonous · Jul 6, 2017

I'll take my own example, in the hope that it's useful to you: It took me years to go back to the major I was actually enjoying. I did a first year back in 2009, during which I had terrible grades, and I kind of ran away because I became too afraid of failing again. I did many different jobs and activities between then and now, and every time I would quit after a few months. This is quite natural, because only one field could meet my "intellectual needs" and keep my curiosity alive.
Sure, in the end I could've managed to keep a job, and make a compromise with life, but I wouldn't have been happy. I don't have much money, I'm still far away from graduation, my life is a bit chaotic, I can't afford to go on vacation, but I'm grateful because I study something I don't need to take a vacation of.
If art means that to you, then by all means, this is the way to go, in my opinion

2PhiloVoid · Jul 6, 2017

soulwanderer13 said:
I don't think this forum is very active, but I'm really wanting some advice. So I'm gonna put this here and hope for the best.

I'm 21, and have taken 2 years off from college now. I went for a year right after I got out of high school, and I was convinced that college just wasn't for me. And part of me still feels that way. But basically I've been told by everyone around me that I should really go back. I feel ashamed that I don't want to... And I know that if I don't go I'll be letting my parents down. They're the most insistent on me going back. But I have no idea what I should get a degree in.

I love art, and I have for a very long time. I've been into it since I was in like first grade. I've been thinking about getting a degree in graphic art, photography, maybe a minor in creative writing. That's what I had my mind set on when I was in junior high and the beginning of high school. But by the time I graduated high school, my dreams of becoming an artist were almost completely erased. My art teacher didn't seem to be proud of anything I did, my parents never were as excited as I was (like I'd show them something I had made and they'd say "oh nice" and go back to whatever they were doing previously), and there were some others that told me that art just wasn't something I should pursue because it won't pay me well. And well, they are partly correct, I can't fault them on that. I've been so discouraged from what I wanted to do that I'm very hesitant to try.

However, I can't think of anything else that I would want to go to college for. I hate math, accounting sounds boring, law is way to involved, I do not want to be a teacher of any kind, anything medical is out of the question for sure, and even though I find psychology or sociology interesting sometimes, I definitely don't want to get into a career field for that.

So I'm stuck between do I try to go to school for something that maybe won't pay me too well and might even be a waste of money on (because I honestly don't think I need a college degree to be a graphic artist, or a photographer) but I will like, or do I go into something I know I won't like, but will make me more money and will please my parents?

If there is anyone willing to give me some advice I would love that. I know this isn't religion related, but I really am wanting some outside opinions. Sorry this is so long, and thank you for anyone who reads this and gives me some advice.

As someone who has been, and still is, in pretty much the same place that you've just described (even though I'm quite a bit older now), what you will probably want to do first, before making any major decisions on this, is to research the kinds of Graphic Arts jobs that are actually out there and available. Then, find out where and with which companies/firms these jobs are situated (unless you plan to freelance, which is a whole other 'ballgame' in and of itself). But, don't just "decide" to be an artist/graphic designer.

You might also read some books or websites that help you explore related occupations or fields which you may still find tolerable as a form of work. For instance, maybe you don't end up being an artist, per say, but you could still work as a production coordinator handling the art/photography that your company receives from artists, or something along that line. Etc. Etc. Ever see the 2013 movie, "the Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?

Just something to think about before committing yourself. Be flexible, and try to visualize a small network of related occupations in your mind that have some appeal to you. And be realistic; something that I had a very hard time contending with and my lack of dealing with it has partially contributed to my present state of being stuck in the 'blah zone' of careers.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

soulwanderer13 · Jul 7, 2017

Philonous said:
I'll take my own example, in the hope that it's useful to you: It took me years to go back to the major I was actually enjoying. I did a first year back in 2009, during which I had terrible grades, and I kind of ran away because I became too afraid of failing again. I did many different jobs and activities between then and now, and every time I would quit after a few months. This is quite natural, because only one field could meet my "intellectual needs" and keep my curiosity alive.
Sure, in the end I could've managed to keep a job, and make a compromise with life, but I wouldn't have been happy. I don't have much money, I'm still far away from graduation, my life is a bit chaotic, I can't afford to go on vacation, but I'm grateful because I study something I don't need to take a vacation of.
If art means that to you, then by all means, this is the way to go, in my opinion

I can relate to all of this. Being afraid to go back because of failure, and moving between jobs too. Sure I've only been through two jobs so far, but I'm currently looking for another one again because I am not making nearly enough and I need something else. I'm very glad that you're able to do something you like. I used to think that I would prefer a life that is more relaxed, but honestly not having enough to keep me busy has been driving me crazy. Even if I end up having a really busy life and I can't take vacation, as long as I stay productive I think I'll be okay.
Thank you for your advice.

soulwanderer13 · Jul 7, 2017

L a n a said:
My little sister is interested in applying to art school. She loves animation, and can't imagine doing anything else (career-wise), but she was also concerned about whether or not it is worth it to major in digital arts vs. getting a degree in something more practical. I'm encouraging her to go for art school, because I know deep down she would not regret it. I'm sure there are many people out there who have college degrees and/or advanced degrees, are making a boatload of money in "lucrative" careers, but absolutely hate their job and can't stand waking up every morning.

tl;dr: If art school is what you want, go for it.

Yeah, I would much rather make less money (as long as I can still live) and do something I like than make a lot more money but hate my job.

soulwanderer13 · Jul 7, 2017

2PhiloVoid said:
As someone who has been, and still is, in pretty much the same place that you've just described (even though I'm quite a bit older now), what you will probably want to do first, before making any major decisions on this, is to research the kinds of Graphic Arts jobs that are actually out there and available. Then, find out where and with which companies/firms these jobs are situated (unless you plan to freelance, which is a whole other 'ballgame' in and of itself). But, don't just "decide" to be an artist/graphic designer.

You might also read some books or websites that help you explore related occupations or fields which you may still find tolerable as a form of work. For instance, maybe you don't end up being an artist, per say, but you could still work as a production coordinator handling the art/photography that your company receives from artists, or something along that line. Etc. Etc. Ever see the 2013 movie, "the Secret Life of Walter Mitty"?

Just something to think about before committing yourself. Be flexible, and try to visualize a small network of related occupations in your mind that have some appeal to you. And be realistic; something that I had a very hard time contending with and my lack of dealing with it has partially contributed to my present state of being stuck in the 'blah zone' of careers.

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

I can certainly do that. Long term, I would love to freelance so that I could be a stay at home mom (whenever I get to that point), but I know that being a freelance artist can get kind of sketchy. It wouldn't be the same amount of money coming in every month, so that could cause some problems. I'd just hate to get a big job and then have kids and not be able to take care of them. And that's another reason why I'm not sure if it's worth going to college. But that degree would at least prove that I did the hard work to be what I would be. But still, I can research some possible jobs I could get with the degrees that I'm interested in. Thank you.

Philonous · Jul 7, 2017

soulwanderer13 said:
I can relate to all of this. Being afraid to go back because of failure, and moving between jobs too. Sure I've only been through two jobs so far, but I'm currently looking for another one again because I am not making nearly enough and I need something else. I'm very glad that you're able to do something you like. I used to think that I would prefer a life that is more relaxed, but honestly not having enough to keep me busy has been driving me crazy. Even if I end up having a really busy life and I can't take vacation, as long as I stay productive I think I'll be okay.
Thank you for your advice.

There is something I didn't mention: I live in a country where tuition is cheap, and I currently live with my parents. I wouldn't want you to take risks that would put you on the street. But you got the idea: do what you were meant to do, what makes you want to get up in the morning and what makes you want to keep busy

Unofficial Reverand Alex · Feb 19, 2018

I have an uncle who's a graphic designer; he makes logos & labels for companies & products. It's a very nicely paying job, considering the kind of house he lives in, and the vacations him & his family go on a few times a year to Disney. It's a great field for more artistic people that want a more stable salary than an Etsy-published artist would get. Not sure how important college is for it, but some amount of training would certainly give you an edge; see if there's any graphics shops around you, and ask them about it--they are the professionals, after all!

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