Visu Sem Blog Post #7: Alumni Presentations

Overall the alumni presentations gave an interesting view point into the future of artists post college. There were a lot of good points that they shared, one of the more important ones being that as an artist you must build additional skills, this was most strongly discussed by Taylor Browning. You aren’t ever limited by your degree or title, this means exploring different parts of art within your field and outside of it as well as managerial skills and administration skills. To be successful nowadays, you must go above and beyond the extra mile.

Another thing that surprised me was that you never no where you’re going to end up despite your degree. You’re never limited as an artist, you can be a fine art major and end up the owners of a whiskey business like Nick Swift or you can end up as a gallery director despite a photo communications major. You, as an artist, don’t need to be defined by anything as long as you work hard and enjoy what you do.

There were two good points of other advice worth mentioning: thats use as many resources as you see fit, and create as much art as you want. There are so many resources within the college that can still act as a support system even after graduation including teachers, and faculty that are ver willing to help. Another good resource is to create a strong network of artists, graphic designers, and photographers to help if need be. It was Alex Roka that suggested to us to keep creating art and experimenting with it, saying that as long as you complete projects with the same level craftsmen ship that people will probably respond positively.

The alumni presentations made me feel more confident in the art industry, art is what you make it and you can make it anything.