PART 1
Having the upperclassmen St. Ed’s Visu majors visit class was very clarifying and impactful. Not only was each student’s work absolutely incredible and inspiring, but the visits helped me to better understand each major within the Visu department.
Each of the upperclassmen gave us pieces of advice, as well as the things that they have learned while studying at St. Ed’s. Each presenter was able to build off the others, so I compiled a master list of advice that I resonate with.
Advice for VISU majors:
1. Go see art! If you want to be a good artist, you need exposure. More art equals better art and understanding of your place within the spectrum of art.
2. Take advantage of your studio space. This is your face to grow and it will become your second home. Treat it like a haven.
3. Be aware that art is time consuming. You have to put effort into your work in order to get what you want from your art. Be patient.
4. Explore your motivations. Concept is a big piece of being an artist, start exploring and thinking about your concept now.
5. Make a ‘List of 10’. List out your 10 areas of expertise and the 10 most influential forces in your life. This will not only help to find your concept, but also yourself as an artist.
6. Make work outside of class. This is your passion, take time to grow outside of the classroom. Personal work is always welcome in a portfolio.
7. Take advantage of the classes here. Explore as many disciplines as you want. This not only builds your portfolio and experience, but makes your experience more fulfilling.
8. Intern with an artist or creative organization. As much as you;ll learn inside of class, nothing beats real-life experience, be it on a resume or for learning.
9. Ask a lot of questions. Of your peers, of your teachers, of your discipline, of yourself.
10. Open your own doors. If you want to do it, make it happen. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. It is important to know your worth as a creative.
11. Work your muscle memory. Practice makes perfect, and repetition makes things second-nature.
12. Join a professional association. establish your presence as an artist, getting involved as a student will set you apart from others within the creative community.
13. Growth is inevitable and something to look forward to, regardless of how scary it may seem. We grow as artists constantly, embrace that change.
Individual Comments
Rachel Broussard: I really liked Rachel’s idea of the ‘List of 10’. She definitely stressed the idea of getting to know yourself as an artist, which is something I struggle with fairly constantly. I liked that Rachel was able to draw in the influences from her life (history) and apply them to her work. This makes her work extremely personal, while also beautiful.
Caelan Navarette: Caelan talked extensively about the need for experience outside of the classroom, and the need to explore as an artist. Being an artist isn’t an impersonal title, it is who you are. I like that self-awareness is something that has pushed artistic exploration for Caelan.
Shelby Savage: I loved that Shelby talked about being able to bring what you enjoy into the classroom. Shelby seems to have a style that is authentically hers, and she is not afraid to constantly explore within her artwork. I really loved the creative concepts Shelby has come up with, and the fact that she acknowledges her own weaknesses within her discipline.
Paul Young: Pauls was the epitome of dedication. Paul talked about having to be invested in your artwork, which I feel is often something that is overlooked. Paul makes amazing work, and seems to have completely found his passion, this was very inspiring and motivating for me.
Christin Smith: As a photocell major, I’ve been struggling with my talent as a photographer, wondering if I am good enough to make a career out of it all. Christian talked about the need to explore what makes you uncomfortable in life in order to make yourself passionate. She stressed the necessity of working through your problems, which is something I shy away from. Since the talk, I’ve told most of my family and friends to check out Christin’s portrait photography, it is amazing!
Julianna Ramirez: I really enjoyed the fact that Julianna stressed that no matter how intimidating things can be, to take comfort in the inevitable. Change is inevitable. Being burnt out is inevitable. We should not be scared of these things, but acknowledge that they happen and enjoy that we get to experience them. I like that Julianna fully acknowledges and relishes in her evolution as an artist.
PART 2
A compelling website to me is something that jumpstarts my creative flow. I use these websites for inspiration outside of my normal influences. When i feel burnt out, it is nice to have a place to go where there are no obligations, and relax. Relaxation opens me up to new sources of inspiration.
Street art with Google: https://streetart.withgoogle.com/en/audio-tours
I enjoy visiting this site, because not only have I always been fascinated with street art, but I’m also very into travel and international art. Google Street Art provides a collection of artwork that is not only beautiful, but very culturally significant. I like that the site offers audio tours, as I am definitely a podcast nerd.
Illusion Magazine
http://illusion.scene360.com
I love Illusion Magazine because it keeps me updated on current artists and their stories. Illusion provides inspiration but not in an overwhelming way. I love the artists that are covered, and the constant stream of new ideas that I get from looking around.
TED
http://www.ted.com
In my mind, no list of compelling websites is complete without TED. While it may seem like an obvious choice, I have loved TED for years. TED Talks are an amazing way to learn about new things in creative ways. I can watch a TED Talk about anything, even something I’m not necessarily interested in, and leave feeling hopeful and inspired.
99% Invisible
http://99percentinvisible.org
99% Invisible is one of my favorite podcasts. I’m constantly listening to NPR podcasts and I love the idea that they use the obscure to shed light on a bigger picture. 99% Invisible is a design podcast, that takes obscure stories about creative things and turns them into compelling stories.