Carrers - Practically SPeaking

[_SirLoin]

Hi all. Sorry if this is the wrong section, but it seemed to fit here better than the employment page.

I'm currently taking engineering/science classes at a community college in Charlotte, but recently got bit hard by the art bug again (that and I started to question my interest in my current course). I was just wondering if there were people here than have any info/suggestions on the paths I'm currently considering. I love being creative and doodling/sketching all sorts of stuff, but as far as employment goes, I would prefer something a bit more stable even if it is very commercial.

The two basic paths I'm interested in are:

Design: When I go to NCSTate to look at their engineering soon, I'll be checking out their graphic design courses as well. Their Architecture (might utilize my interests and abilities in both science and art) and Industrial Design degrees seem interesting.

Animation: No idea how to get into this professionally aside from applying for a tweening position at a studio.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I'll mention that, years ago I was a student of Full Sail that made it to the end of their Computer Animation course, but ended up running out of the alloted time to get the degree. I was stupid, young, and had a lot of stuff going on then that I let get in the way. But I still feel a bit burnt by the experience and was wondering if there are any tips y'all have to help someone stay motivated and studious when you're feeling especially lazy. I've recently figured out that a good part of my procrastination comes from fear of failure or a bad outcome when I really care about something.

[edit] I just realized I misspelled "careers" [/edit]

[Farvus]

Here some little hint of architecture path for you:

http://pintday.org/funny/architecturestudentwhen

It might be stable job but sometimes it can make your mind unstable. Don't listen to me though. I just got corrupted (goes back to project)

[CruShTinbOX]

Well, my buddy is an intern architect, graduated from SCAD in '06 with a masters and has been out of work for 2 years now. That industry has been hit very very hard by the recession. I'm sure it'll bounce back eventually, but right now it's tough times.

[Peter Coene]

Look into courses in industrial design. It will allow you to use your engineering background but in an artistic way. Plus, with some schools a degree in product design is a BS rather than a BFA, which will look good on your resume if looking for non art jobs.

[IanE]

Architecture (or Architorture as the likes of Farvus and myself refer to it) is insanely rewarding and amazing. It's a beautiful combination of art, science, psychology, cultural and social anthropology, and so many other things. If you can't imagine yourself spending between 16-24 hours per day JUST on architecture for the first couple years of the program, then don't bother with it. It destroys the weak and makes world famous the strong. If you're really interested in it, interested in people, interested in art and science to an equal level of each, architecture would definitely be great for you. Doing the first year or two at a state school is fine. If you really like it after the first year or two and you've proven good at it, transferring into a top10 program is easy and they're spread all over the country.

Don't get lost in thinking you need to pick ONE path, though. Architecture, design, fine arts are all allied disciplines - they constantly intersect and interact and regardless of which overall choice you come to, be sure to explore the ones that surround and comprise it.

Talk to people, ask the hard questions, see what the school and that specific program is like during class hours, and then go back at midnight. The architecture studio is alive 24 hours a day, every day.

Now if you'll excuse me I too must return to my project.

[Farvus]

Yep. I agree. It can be either Funchitecture or Architorture depending on how much you're dedicated. I wouldn't choose it just because there is drawing involved (my mistake). I think you got to be already pumped about designing buildings with all aspects of it before you even start attending classes. Get to know everything that goes into process of designing architecture before making a choice.

[IanE]

Originally Posted by Farvus

Yep. I agree. It can be either Funchitecture or Architorture depending on how much you're dedicated. I wouldn't choose it just because there is drawing involved (my mistake). I think you got to be already pumped designing buildings with all aspects of it before you even start attending classes. Get to know everything that goes into process of designing architecture before making a choice.

Exactly right. And don't go in thinking architecture is what HGTV tells you it is. It's a lot more thinking, re-thinking, and considering the million different factors that come into play with every new project. Likewise with any major, it's never what you think it to be until after you've been there long enough to know how it works.

Take time to watch and observe these choices you've narrowed down so you don't end up finding out it isn't what you expected. Take the time to really think about it - a couple months spent preparing will be worth much more than several semesters only to find out you don't like it.

Slow down and take your time and really pay attention to the parts that interest you most about each path, and which parts you don't understand, which ones you can't stand, and so on. It's a huge decision deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life, but be sure to consider what you want and need for the next 4-6 years, too.

It's never too late to start doing what you love, but don't waste your time now doing things you don't love.

[_SirLoin]

Thanks for taking some time away from your projects to help me out. I'll definitely be more thoughtful in my choice this time around; I have a bad tendancy just to dive into things.

Oh, and Farvus, I love your 555 Self Portraits thread. I think I need to do something diligently like that myself to really hone in my skills.