Let Go, Move On

 LET GO OF YOUR EDUCATION FIRST 

 BEFORE IT HOLDS YOU BACK 

Hey. So, we're back. I personally needed a break to evaluate what UAS means to me, and how it can help you. See, I began UAS because I was a confused, exhausted graduate with a piece of paper that to me stood for internal turmoil rather than pride, self worth, accomplishment, and clarity of art and design as business (and pleasure). Basically, pure rage fueled this positive thing I have going on here. 

In order to post here and share ideas, I need to return to that dark place where I was genuinely pissed off. Except, that's not very helpful for my current illustration career. It often makes me frustrated easily with the work I produce, I still have the voice of the professor (you know that ONE professor that really gave you a hard time) criticizing my work. Then, I get a damn student loan bill and realize: I'm paying for an education in which I feel I didn't even get my monies worth. And I am back at annoyed. I don't want to live and create like this!

I needed February off to realize I need to set boundaries about my feelings about my education and I need to let them go so I can professionally and personally move forward. I'm grateful for if my education was perfect, there would be no Underground Art School. 

The question here for any art school grads who feel disillusioned by their education: how long do you plan on staying frustrated? Is this frustration effecting your work? What steps can you take to move forward? 

Set a time frame to soak in your disdain and then let go. 

 

Comments

[lea]

we're in the same boat. this frustration really effecting my work. i don't have any passion doing it because no matter how hard i try they seemed to hate it and this end up me doing a typical design in order to pleasure their taste. it really sucks. it's been one and a half year. i really want to let it go but my parents would be so frustrated with me. i'm still confused and don't know what to do.i'm afraid if i let it go, i found myself jobless.

[Racheal @ Underground Art School]

@ Lea
Sounds like you're in a really tough spot. First, aside from your recent experience and job/parents fears, how passionate about art are you? Would YOU be ok with quitting?

Also, if the program is too unbearable, have you considered transfering to another school?

[Katherine Moss]

Well, it's a long time now since I went to art college and began my first steps into the creative industry. I'll be honest I was very pissed off after my first experience. I hear the same story again and again actually and it doesn't seem to be limited to where I studied, my location or even my country! We all seem to have had similar experiences with some critical git (and I don't mean CONSTRUCTIVE criticism either!) putting our work down...and our work is a part of ourselves so it's hard not to take it personally.

My advice is, after being bitter for...woah ...longer than I'd like! :O is to wave your two finger flag at whoever put you down (it's only an opinion after all which you can choose to listen to ignore) and do what makes you happy. It's a short life and you can let this kinda thing eat away at you or you can say no..."I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!"

For me personally, I eventually found my way and I'm happy now - but I only got to where I am now by accepting that not everyone will like me or my work. It's not Maths, it's not right and wrong, people have tastes.

I had to make a slight course adjustment, after referring to my creative compass ;) and went from studying the very traditional to very technological. Now my ships bobbing about in the middle and it's all looking like calm waters.

Careers are tricky beasts. They need training, feeding and lots of cuddles. Tame that beasty!

Cheers for this post, I feel better :D

Carpe Diem!