where and when do i start? multi-media artist with no direct plan
I'm Jada, hello. Maybe this will make a lot of sense or it will sound terribly cliche. I know where I want to go as an artist, but the reality is that I don't know where to start. My strongest inspiration is my favorite singer-songwriter, Lady Gaga. With certainty, if Gaga weren't one of the best models of how I'd like to act and work via art in a variety of disciplines, I wouldn't pursue my aspirations. But, as an 11th grader in high school, my alternatives are currently rather constrained. I want to be a strong competent worker, however, it seems I can't discover the ability to learn anything new. Even in class, I'm having trouble. I just need some instruction along the road. Although self-teaching has not been effective, I do strive to keep trying for everything. Even though I haven't learned how to make a Resume, it appears that I can here, which is encouraging. Any advice on how to study or learn better depending on my style of learning would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, it would be really helpful if anyone knew of any free resources I could use to either become a professional or develop the necessary skills. Thank you
5 answers
Tatyana’s Answer
The 8 Learning Styles:
1. Visual : take in information visually with maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, and others. Using visual aids such as patterns and shapes.
2. Auditory : take in information when it is heard or spoken. Sorting ideas by saying things out loud helps with understanding concepts.
3. Kinesthetic : learns by doing. Hands-on experience such as tactile experience to understand something better.
4. Reading/Writing : consumes information best when it’s in words, whether that’s by writing it down or reading it.
5. Logical/analytical : type of learners who search for connections, causes, patterns, and results in their learning. Reach conclusions based on facts & reasoning.
6. Social/linguistic learners : favor educational lessons that include peer work or participation through role-playing, group activities, etc.
7. Solitary learners : solo learners prefer to study alone without having to interact with other learners.
8. Nature learners : excel when in contact with nature or a calm and relaxing environment. Try learning with different types of nature sounds or opening the windows.
Tatyana recommends the following next steps:
TRAVIS’s Answer
Jose’s Answer
Please don't put too much pressure on yourself and miss the beauty of your own personal life. You are in the 11th grade and so you have done a lot of things well already. I am a little saddened because you seem anxious about many things (hopefully I am wrong). I wish there was a way to show you just how precious, unique, and wonderful you really are. We put ourselves up against the world we think we don't measure up. It's unfair as we can't compare ourselves to everything and everybody. There's an old saying, "a person who is everywhere is really nowhere". Please take heart that you are getting things done well. If you think you need help ask for it. Believe me people admire a person who is trying to do better for themselves. I wish you all the best.
Chris Otieno’s Answer
Explore Your Mediums: As a multimedia artist, you have the freedom to work with various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video, digital art, and more. Experiment with different mediums to discover what resonates with you the most and aligns with your artistic vision.
Develop Your Skills: Invest time in honing your artistic skills. Take workshops, classes, or online courses to learn new techniques, experiment with different styles, and push yourself creatively. Practicing regularly and pushing your boundaries will help you grow as an artist.
Create a Portfolio: Build a portfolio of your best work to showcase your skills and style. A portfolio is essential when presenting your work to potential clients, galleries, or other opportunities. Consider creating an online portfolio or website to showcase your multimedia artwork to a wider audience.
Network and Collaborate: Connect with other artists, creative professionals, and art communities in your area or online. Attend art events, exhibitions, and networking events to build relationships, gain exposure, and collaborate with other artists. Networking can open up opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations.
Experiment and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks in your art. Embrace the process of trial and error and allow yourself to iterate and evolve. Keep pushing yourself to try new things and explore different ideas to keep your work fresh and dynamic.
Set Goals and Take Action: Create short-term and long-term goals for your artistic career and take actionable steps to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and take consistent action towards them. Whether it's creating a new body of work, applying for grants or residencies, or submitting your work to exhibitions, taking action is crucial in moving your artistic career forward.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to starting your artistic journey as a multimedia artist. It's a personal and unique process. Embrace your creativity, stay persistent, and be open to learning and growing along the way. Good luck on your artistic endeavors!
Dr’s Answer
1. Where and When to Start?
You’ve got this vision of blending art, music, and performance, so why not start right now? You don’t need to wait for everything to be perfect or have a clear roadmap—you can start by exploring and experimenting with whatever interests you! Here are some starting points:
Pick Your Medium: Since you're drawn to multi-disciplinary art, start experimenting with different forms. Whether it's music, visual arts, performing arts, or a combination, try to explore each of these to see what resonates most with you. If you love Gaga, maybe music production or performing arts could be your entry point!
Create a Routine: You don't need hours of practice every day, but developing a daily habit where you work on something creative—even if it's for just 30 minutes—will start to build momentum.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start by mastering smaller, achievable tasks like creating a song, painting, or performing in front of a mirror. This will help you gradually build up the confidence and skills needed for larger projects.
2. Struggling with Learning and Staying Motivated?
It’s totally normal to feel stuck sometimes, especially when you’re trying to self-teach or figure things out on your own. But there are ways to make learning more fun and efficient:
Active Learning: Instead of just watching videos or reading, try to actively create while learning. For example, if you're learning how to use a music program or a drawing tool, create a small project with it right away. That will help you apply what you're learning and keep it engaging.
Break It Down: If you're feeling overwhelmed, break things into smaller steps. If you're learning something like digital art or music production, try focusing on just one tool or technique at a time. Overloading yourself can slow down your progress, but small wins will keep you motivated.
Use Your Passion: Channel your love for Lady Gaga into your work! Find ways to connect your creative process with what inspires you. If you’re passionate about performing, use your music and visuals to tell a story that’s true to your vision.
Self-Care: Keep reminding yourself that creativity isn’t always about constant work—it’s also about recharging and reflecting. Take time for rest and let ideas simmer!
3. Resources to Help You Grow
There are so many free resources out there to help you along your artistic journey! Here are some to get you started:
YouTube: You can find tutorials on basically anything, whether it’s music production, drawing techniques, or performance skills. Channels like GAGA Daily, Draw with Jazza, and Point Blank Music School (for music production) are great.
Coursera & edX: Both offer free online courses in art, music, and design from top universities. You can start learning without any pressure, and the best part is you can learn at your own pace.
Skillshare: They offer free trials (1 month), which can give you access to high-quality classes in a ton of creative fields—perfect for building new skills.
Audacity: A free music editing software that can help you dive into music production without having to spend a penny!
Adobe Spark: If you’re into graphic design, this free tool will let you experiment with creating cool visuals, similar to Gaga's bold style.
4. How to Build a Resume for a Multi-Disciplinary Artist 🎨🎤
Creating a resume can feel daunting, but don’t worry—you can totally do it! Even if you’re not ready for big jobs yet, you can still showcase the work you’ve done and your creative aspirations:
Personal Projects: List anything you’ve created so far—whether it’s music, art, or performances. If you’ve done any personal or school projects, count that as experience!
Skills: Focus on creative skills like music production, graphic design, performance—anything that fits your path as an artist.
Online Presence: If you don’t have one already, start a portfolio on Instagram, Behance, or YouTube to showcase your work. You’ll not only have an online presence, but you’ll also demonstrate that you’re putting yourself out there.
Achievements: Anything you’ve done, no matter how small, is an achievement! Whether it’s a school project, a cover of a song, or even a digital art piece, put it on your resume.
5. Don't Give Up—Keep Pushing!
The most important thing is to keep going, even when it gets tough. Just like Lady Gaga, who faced tons of challenges before becoming a global icon, you will face your own obstacles along the way—but your passion and dedication will carry you through!
Start small, keep learning, and use your art to express yourself. The world needs your creativity, and you have the potential to make it happen. 💪✨
Good luck, Jada—I believe in you, and I know you’re going to do amazing things!