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 Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:46 pm
This is part rant, part ramble, and mostly confusion.
I am at a crossroads that, by all accounts, I should have been at and taken and gotten past nearly 5 or more years ago. The crossroads of the future, of choice of career, of choice of programs for school.
I thought I had decided this long ago, settled it. I wanted to write, to make my own comic book series, to write my own series of novels, and to one day break into writing scripts and screenplays for movies. Heck, even a TV show.
But after talking to a few people, I am confused. Most warn the danger of studying any field in arts, that I should not expect to get work if I do arts, or that it won't benefit me in the short term. It's inconsistent, it's not in demand; it doesn't make a lot of money.
Afriend also said I shouldn't be concerned with the concern of others as they cannot live the life I lead, cannot directly feel the consequences of my actions and decisions, and that I should find a way to do what I want to do, what I am comfortable in doing so long as I am able to earn enough money to live comfortably. It's awesome advice.
It got me thinking, "What's the point in having your dreams, your own desires, to be talented at something, if I'll only ever find 'happiness' or 'success' in doing the same thing everyone else is doing?" What is the POINT of dreaming? Why do I bother becoming a writer if it's not going to make me money? If it's not going to support me? If it was the wrong decision, if it was not going to be a success, why was I ever allowed to go down this path by my parents, by my teachers, by other adults who have watched over me and watched me grow all these years? Why did I have to have a penchant for picking up a pen or pencil, or to type away on a keyboard, writing all these fantastical worlds? Is it too much to ask, too much to THINK, that the act of writing by itself should be enough to sustain me?
Dare I ask what is the point of individuality if everyone will end up having to take the same sort of jobs, find the same sorts of careers? Or is it even a question of individuality?
Is it just harsh reality finally telling me I cannot survive whimsically writing worlds where such rules do not exist?
School is coming up fast again, and before the past few days I've welcomed it. Set in my way, set in my path, I was going to succeed in my choices. Yet now, with revelations that I shouldn't expect to make money...do I back track? Do I now question just how far I should follow my dreams now?
...
...
This sucks.
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:33 pm
Many write, very few publish, even fewer are successful enough to live off their writing.
I think you have a good measure of raw talent.
Why don't you compromise.
Take a couple of years of college in the arts and focus on writing. Get some feedback from advanced teachers and see if this is really what you want to do and if you can produce on command.
Then, if you don't like it, or if you are unsure, you can re-address the issue, you can alter your major to somsething that incorporates what you will have done so far.
So think about this idea.
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:06 pm
Yes, yes, to Obi-Wan you listen!
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:07 pm
umar is so not Obi-wan! she's more like Yoda, or at best, Windu. Ya know, what with the purple lightsaber and all...but I digress!!
Yeah, I've thought about it.
Essentially, what my friends are worried about are what's "practical." Herb explained it as "going to school to land a job" or "going to school to improve a skill", and that 'practical' is "going to school to land a job soon". Something 'stable'.
I could do it in one of two ways.
The first is umar's way, where I go to school for 2 years involving arts and nothing but arts to improve my writing and perhaps get in touch with others who are willing to work with me.
The second is Herb's suggestion, which is to go to school for something practical for 2 years, land a stable job, then go to school for arts/take night courses.
The thing I'm afraid of is if these 'practical' jobs will require skills and knowledge that I do not have, or not very good at. Such as maths and sciences. I'm very weak in that regard. And I would not have the prerequisites readily available, which would mean I'd have to go back to high school level and take adult courses until I meet the credits and knowledge.
So, I don't know. I'm at a loss. At first I thought it was clear cut, but apparently not. It's so much more daunting, and it's a lot of pressure to think that if I make a decision now it will determine the rest of my life.
This bites!
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 10:25 pm
Wow, Ethan. That whole spiel of yours could practically have been my own.
I took Herb's way, incidentally. I went to school, got a degree, and now I'm going to be a nurse. But I chose this field deliberately - it's shift work, I will never have to bring my work home with me (although I might occasionally have to work a double), and best of all, it's not full time. I'm going to be able to write my stories on the side and if and when I make enough by publishing, I will be able to quit. It's practical, with enough room left for dreams.
So, that's my advice. Research what's out there, jobs with skills that match your own, or near enough, and jobs that will let you earn enough to let you take a day or three off a week to do your art. I won't lie, it WILL be hard, and you WILL question yourself, your choices, and even your dreams. I did. I did all the time, and I occasionally nearly despaired. But now that I'm nearly on the other side, I can see why I postponed it. I'll let you know how it works out, later, but for now, it was worth it. The pain, tears, doubt...my writing has actually improved based on my college experiences, and I can see the ways I'll be able to bring my life as a nurse into my art.
But whatever you choose, Ethan, make the decision be for YOU. Look at your future and decide what it is YOU want. Choose a consequence, and then pick the path that will lead to that consequence. That's the best advice I was ever given, and the best advice I will ever follow.
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 12:31 am
I guess..."Know Thy Self"? I mean, I don't really know any more what it is *I* want to do, or what it is others want me to do...what I do for myself, or what I do for others.
It's tough.
I talked to an art friend who's been pretty much all artsy all his life. He said that, if done right, taking arts can be both practical and inspirational at the same time. But he didn't sugarcoat the hard parts; he said that if I'm willing to do some pretty mundane tasks, and to essentially let what I love to do become work, to take the lumps with that, that I'll pull through.
He agreed it won't be an instant transition from college to some thing glamorous, but the rewards are there if done right.
On the other hand, ppl keep bugging me to move out, and I can't move out if I do school and then not land a stable job with monies >_> soooo blah.
Also, I have to decide pretty soon, otherwise I might miss out on registration @_@
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 5:42 am
I personally would always debate against going to school for something that you aren't fascinated with, because you'll have a hell of a time being motivated to care enough about it. Thus it can be very tricky to go to school for something other than what you love, especially with you seemingly not aware of any otehr alternatives to what you'd be satisfied doing. Also, if you take their practical route into something that supposedly puts you financially stable, you will also have a hard time making time to come back to your writing, as a full time job coupled with paying bills and making dinner will come to dominate your daytime. Yet.... It can be managed if at that time you are still dedicated enough to wanting to write. In the United States, as far as I know, you would have a hell of time trying to take night classes because either they don't exist for what you need, or you'll be too tired after everything else. Can't speak for Canadia though.
Although I didn't take J's or Uma's path, or follow the advice they are giving you, I support their advice. I dislike Herb's idea of throwing you into the workforce. Ok, you'll have enough money to live on your own... then what? Go to school for art, explore your options, talk to people. It will all come to you while you are there, opportunities present themselves, and you'll learn more about this career business.
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:46 pm
Yoda huh? lol.
I like what Dave is saying. I know you pretty well after all these years. I am thinking that Herb is steering you wrong for your personality.
However, what are your options. Let's not discount the idea without first talking about it. What practical things can you study that you think you might be happy doing?
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Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 2:34 am
I'm really not sure. I really should take the time to really take a look at the available programs. But here are my restrictions: 1. If program requires high school completion then I would have to go and complete high school 2. If program requires a specific course I never took in high school 3. My ineptitude when it comes to anything math and science related... Programs that I believe I would enjoy would be stuff involving writing. That's my bread and butter...but anything arts related I might enjoy. I just don't know if I'd end up wasting my time if I don't use what I learn...ugh, this is frustrating >_< I could also do game art and design, but while I love art I'm not particularly good at it. http://dirtch.deviantart.com/ That's my deviant page, and I just don't know if it' *good enough* for me to spend thousands of dollars to learn how to get better, ya know? What I mean is...I don't know if there's enough potential in me to make it worth it. And I certainly can't be a judge of that.
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Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:51 am
We have already discussed what you can to do complete HS and you know I am in favor of you doing that. It is not hard though I don't know the specifics for Canada. Why don't you at least look that up? It might be easier than you think. Look it up and post what you would have to do.
Also, look, you are a smart cookie, you can do some simple maths and that is all you really need. Any liberal arts college has a "science for dummies" class that you can take to fufill your requirements. I would not worry much about that.
There are a few things you can do that might work with the anticpated major and your longterm goals. I am sure something can be figured out.
As for the art, I think you are right, I see some rudimentary talent but nothing that would prompt me to say that you should pursue art and design.
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Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:49 pm
yeah, I know the completion of HS part...it's justthat it might not be necessary depending on what I end up taking. Some courses just look to see if you're over 19, without consideration for high school graduation/courses.
Yeah, the art I'm not sure should be a 'main' focus...it could be something I decide to take on the side? Or something...I mean, I'd still be interested in learning how to draw, don't get me wrong! But I don't think it'd be the type of thing I should bank all my hopes on, ya know?
Anyway, one of the colleges nearby do have Creative Writing courses...I just have to double check on requirements, and then make sure of myself...:S
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Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:28 am
You should take a beginning drawing class if you are interested. I fully support education in all aspects of the Arts. It makes for a well rounded person. Also, any experience that you have is fodder for your writing.
Speaking of which, I made up the most interesting species today. They are a sentient plant species, 6 limbs, that suck up tree sap for energy off of "mother trees". They look like tree branches. I don't know much about plant physiology except what I had in biology and biochem and cell biology but I think it woud work. I just have to figure out how a plant would think. Like what the underlying structure of the thinking mechanism is. That is, do they have a brain or can they think in a different manner.
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Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 5:23 pm
O_o buh? Sounds nifty! ~steals~
um, but yeah, I don't know...I've got this week and maybe next to figure things out or totally miss my shot for this semester...@_@
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 3:16 pm
I hope you figure everything out, Ethan. Good luck!
Cool idea, Uma. Lessee, a brain for a plant... Well, you know how the heartwood of a tree is really soft and porous, with all of the minuscule, vertical tubules? What if the brain/nervous tissue of the plant creature is located at the heart of the heartwood? Alternatively, have you ever read the Ender Wiggin saga by Orson Scott Card? It featured a "race" of intelligent trees that had a sort of collective brain, contributed to by every member of the species. Sort of like an organic internet that you could never log off of.
Meh, it's an idea, anyway.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 4:22 pm
man, this has turned into "umar's cool idea" thread. I thought it was supposed to be about me! me me me! ~pouts, and then stomps feet~
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