While you’re a student in school, do not focus too much on what you have to do to gain only a safe and stable job. Stay constantly curious and never give up on what you initially fell in love with doing; Continue to grow deeper in your creative practice until you feel satisfied. It will take hard work, but the world changes positively with people who are passionate about they are doing. And do not do what everyone else is doing, but think about what no one else is doing. That is where the creativity comes from. That is how you can change the world.
It is also important for you to have a positive mentor. Your creative potential is nurtured by passionate, committed teachers that will guide you on the right track. You can try to follow their path until you feel satisfied. And think about what you have learned, if it’s something that is valuable and changes your life. It is so unfortunate to see that a student has a negative view of art because they met uninspired or hardened teachers, parents or people. It’s also very important
that you read lots and lots of books, newspapers, magazines (Art in America, ArtNews, Artnet, museum websites, workshops, Saatchi Online Gallery, etc.) covering all topics. Having an understanding of what’s currently going on in the world will give you a wider range of ideas and knowledge in nurturing your unique voice. You have instant access to any sort of information you need online. An example I always go back to is Steve Jobs’ commencement speech and many different interviews. Those give me positive energy and encourage me when I loose my confidence. As cliché as it sounds, life will be like a roller-coaster and it goes up and down unpredictably. As Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” Therefore, when you have a hard time, think of it as a chance on how to improve yourself. But, you have to be the one that puts in the effort, knows how to get better and change. Stay positive! Work harder! Think how no one else thinks!
So what’s the importance of going to a good art or liberal arts school? Some might argue that a great artist or designer needs to learn their craft “on their own,” that this is the best way for any artist to develop their unique voice. However, going to a good school provides countless benefits you wouldn’t receive otherwise. The main benefit is meeting great professors that will influence you and your work throughout your lifetime, and developing strong friendships with your peers. Having a solid network in the creative field is absolutely essential these days. And be open to criticism. Without criticism, your artwork would not improve. However, the only ones who should consider college are those that will take full advantage of their experience there. Some of the hardest students I’ve struggled to teach over the years is a lazy student that is uninspired. It is up to each one of you to find what moves you, to find the things that interest you or bother you. You should take bold action, and by having conversations with your teachers and peers, I believe it can make all the difference.