8 answers
Taron
Student
Holland, Ohio
2
Questions
Updated
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What are some challenges that comes with being an Artist in college??
What are some challenges that comes with being an Artist in college.
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8 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
59
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hey Taron,
Good question!Being an artist in college is super exciting, but I totally get that it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few you might run into:
1. Balancing Time:
I know how hard it can be to juggle classes, assignments, and still find time for your personal art projects. It can feel like there are never enough hours in the day, but with a little planning, you can make it work.
2. Creative Blocks:
Trust me, we’ve all been there. Sometimes the pressure of deadlines can mess with your creativity. Just remember, it's okay to take breaks and let inspiration come naturally it always does eventually.
3. Handling Criticism:
For me sometimes feedback can feel tough, especially when it’s about something as personal as your art. But it’s part of growing and improving.
4. Budgeting for Supplies:
This one is frustrating to me because art supplies can definitely get expensive. I’ve had to get creative with finding affordable options, and sometimes I have to work with what I have.
5. Feeling of that everyone is better than you:
It may not resonate with everyone but I have experienced it because there were many talented students and I used to compare myself.
6. Networking:
Building connections can feel intimidating, especially if you're more on the introverted side. But honestly, just being yourself and showing genuine interest in others goes a long way.
Remember, every challenge you face in college is an opportunity to grow as an artist. Take it one step at a time, and believe in your talent.
I hope this helps.
Best of Luck!
Good question!Being an artist in college is super exciting, but I totally get that it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few you might run into:
1. Balancing Time:
I know how hard it can be to juggle classes, assignments, and still find time for your personal art projects. It can feel like there are never enough hours in the day, but with a little planning, you can make it work.
2. Creative Blocks:
Trust me, we’ve all been there. Sometimes the pressure of deadlines can mess with your creativity. Just remember, it's okay to take breaks and let inspiration come naturally it always does eventually.
3. Handling Criticism:
For me sometimes feedback can feel tough, especially when it’s about something as personal as your art. But it’s part of growing and improving.
4. Budgeting for Supplies:
This one is frustrating to me because art supplies can definitely get expensive. I’ve had to get creative with finding affordable options, and sometimes I have to work with what I have.
5. Feeling of that everyone is better than you:
It may not resonate with everyone but I have experienced it because there were many talented students and I used to compare myself.
6. Networking:
Building connections can feel intimidating, especially if you're more on the introverted side. But honestly, just being yourself and showing genuine interest in others goes a long way.
Remember, every challenge you face in college is an opportunity to grow as an artist. Take it one step at a time, and believe in your talent.
I hope this helps.
Best of Luck!
Éverton Backes
Saxophone teacher
69
Answers
Joinville, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hello Taron! Embracing your artistic journey in college is a truly wonderful experience. When you step foot on campus, you'll find individuals who share your passion! You'll witness others creating art just like you, and it's absolutely thrilling! Remember, though, this is your golden opportunity to shine. College is the perfect platform to hone your artistic abilities and mindset. Seize this chance to enhance your talent. Stay on the path of success!
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Character Modeler/ 3D Artist
43
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hello, Taron! I’m happy to help with your question. One of the biggest challenges I faced in college was managing my time. Balancing classes, studio work, and personal projects often felt overwhelming. The financial side was tricky too; art supplies and other essentials can add up quickly.
Creative blocks were also common. The pressure to keep producing sometimes made it hard to feel inspired. While feedback is important for growth, it can be tough to hear, especially when you’re invested in your work. Self-doubt often sneaks in, and finding your unique voice while meeting expectations can feel tricky.
One piece of advice I’d share is to connect with your network. Building relationships with your teachers and classmates can provide valuable support. I would try using LinkedIn or ArtStation to connect with professionals and other artists online. Seek mentorship—teachers have great insights that can help your work. Collaborating with classmates can also inspire new ideas.
Make the most of available resources—attend workshops, use studio time, and participate in critique sessions. These experiences can really help you grow as an artist. Embrace the journey; every challenge is a step toward improving your craft!
Creative blocks were also common. The pressure to keep producing sometimes made it hard to feel inspired. While feedback is important for growth, it can be tough to hear, especially when you’re invested in your work. Self-doubt often sneaks in, and finding your unique voice while meeting expectations can feel tricky.
One piece of advice I’d share is to connect with your network. Building relationships with your teachers and classmates can provide valuable support. I would try using LinkedIn or ArtStation to connect with professionals and other artists online. Seek mentorship—teachers have great insights that can help your work. Collaborating with classmates can also inspire new ideas.
Make the most of available resources—attend workshops, use studio time, and participate in critique sessions. These experiences can really help you grow as an artist. Embrace the journey; every challenge is a step toward improving your craft!
Kindra Back
Artist
1
Answer
Kansas City, Missouri
Updated
Kindra’s Answer
As an artist with no business education my experience has been trial and error as far as getting my art "out there."
I've tried; paid advertising, social media, etsy, my own website, craft shows, art shows, art auctions, plein air/live painting events, consignment sales in home decor shops and coffee shops, as well as selling in a few art galleries.
Marketing is always my biggest struggle. But I'm learning to accept all the little things slowly build into an art business. There is no, "magic bullet." Be grateful for each sale. Value each person that likes or comments. Invest in the people.
The best customers are people who feel connected to you and your work.
Pour your heart and soul into your work and learn to accept not everyone will value it, and that's OK. Just find your people.
I've tried; paid advertising, social media, etsy, my own website, craft shows, art shows, art auctions, plein air/live painting events, consignment sales in home decor shops and coffee shops, as well as selling in a few art galleries.
Marketing is always my biggest struggle. But I'm learning to accept all the little things slowly build into an art business. There is no, "magic bullet." Be grateful for each sale. Value each person that likes or comments. Invest in the people.
The best customers are people who feel connected to you and your work.
Pour your heart and soul into your work and learn to accept not everyone will value it, and that's OK. Just find your people.
Rebecca Phillips
Senior Product Designer
7
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
For me, Art reviews and in class criticism could be harsh. But the feedback you get does help you improve as an artist and you will get thicker skin. But the first few times getting hard criticism can sting. It gets easier and nothing in your career will be as harsh as what a professor might say.
listen to feedback with an open mind
ask eers their honest opinion about your work
don’t let it discourage you
work to make improvements to your art
draw every day
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Richard Leguillowjr
1
Answer
Haverstraw, New York
Updated
Richard’s Answer
One of the challenges that can come when you enter College as an artist is that you start to learn about many different ways to make or approach art. Some approaches might not be one's that click with you immediately or be one's you like at all. It can be intimidating at first but it's a great way to advance your craft and know what kinds of art you do and don't want to make.
You get to interact with many kinds of artists with their own unique styles of artwork and on uniquely different paths in their art journey. It came be a good way to allow you to both learn about other styles of artwork and potentially make a connections between you and another person.
Don't get discouraged if you don't understand something immediately
Allow yourself to enjoy the process of learning\creating
Be willing to take feedback from others when you're unsure on where you can improve
You get to interact with many kinds of artists with their own unique styles of artwork and on uniquely different paths in their art journey. It came be a good way to allow you to both learn about other styles of artwork and potentially make a connections between you and another person.
Richard recommends the following next steps:
Adjei Adjetey
Artist
1
Answer
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Adjei’s Answer
Hello Taron,
I'm honored to be able to give an answer to your question. Combining Work and Lectures at the same time was a mega challenge. If you are only focused on lectures then it's a good thing, that way you will have enough time to tackle your assignments.
Buying art materials was another challenge I faced in my days. There were a lot of practicals which demanded a lot of materials every week. If you're lucky enough to have your parents support you financially then you're good to freely focus on school.
Lots of practical assignments was another challenge. I had way more assignments for the weekend than I could actually tackle. What I did was to tackle some of these assignments on Fridays right after lectures then I can have the Saturday and Sunday to tackle the rest.
I strongly believe that these few answers can help you in your day to day art journey.
I believe in you Taron.
I'm honored to be able to give an answer to your question. Combining Work and Lectures at the same time was a mega challenge. If you are only focused on lectures then it's a good thing, that way you will have enough time to tackle your assignments.
Buying art materials was another challenge I faced in my days. There were a lot of practicals which demanded a lot of materials every week. If you're lucky enough to have your parents support you financially then you're good to freely focus on school.
Lots of practical assignments was another challenge. I had way more assignments for the weekend than I could actually tackle. What I did was to tackle some of these assignments on Fridays right after lectures then I can have the Saturday and Sunday to tackle the rest.
I strongly believe that these few answers can help you in your day to day art journey.
I believe in you Taron.
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
14
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
I agree with what others have said about time management, feeling insecure, and constructive feedback in particular. To their advice I would add: 1) Try to become accustomed to "failure" in terms of your own expectations for your work. Your job as a student is to absorb information, and it will take time to integrate that knowledge so it becomes second nature. Success depends on self-discipline and persistence, particularly in the face of frustration and disappointment; 2) Spend as much time as you can looking at others' art in person or, if that's not practical, online; 3) Pay as much attention to art you dislike as art you're attracted to. You can learn just as much if not more about yourself and about art by figuring out why something seems boring or puts you off.