Hating Art School Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Succeed as a Creative

I have a confession to make: I hated art school. That’s right, the very place where I was supposed to be honing my creativity and developing my skills as an artist left me feeling uninspired and frustrated. But despite my negative experience, I’ve still managed to build a successful career as a creative. How did I do it? Let me tell you my story.

I worked hard on my art portfolio to get into a 4-year program, and I was decent at it – not the best, but I enjoyed what I created and was accepted. The program was filled with projects consisting of different mediums and assigned tasks. Drawing pictures in perspective, creating stippled art work, clay projects, painting, pastels, and even photography that you developed yourself – we did it all. I’ll date myself by saying there was really no graphic design at the time (that I recall anyway).

But something about the structured requirements of completing specific projects turned me off of art. As a creative, I didn’t want to be told or assigned creative tasks. I think I was protecting my creative reputation of wanting to only focus on things I knew I could do well. Although the point of art programs is to test your limits and capabilities, I found myself dreading each new project.

Taking art every day and doing things I didn’t want to create was off-putting. But looking back, I wonder if we honed in on the skills that students excelled at, would our experiences and memories be more positive? Perhaps helping students to focus on their skills so they know what those skills and capabilities are before they enter the workforce.

Despite my negative experience with art school, I managed to build a successful career as a creative. How did I do it? I focused on what I enjoyed doing and what I was good at. I took inspiration from the world around me and tried new things on my own terms. And, perhaps most importantly, I didn’t let my negative experience with art school define me as a creative.

It’s true that art school isn’t for everyone, and hating it doesn’t mean you can’t succeed as a creative. The key is to find what works for you and build your skills and portfolio in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. Whether you go to art school or not, you can still make a career out of your creativity – all you need is passion, determination, and a willingness to take risks.

After graduation, I discovered my talent for marketing and realized I could apply the skills I learned in art school to the world of advertising. I also started my own creative business selling content to creators, which allows me to be part of the content creator market without having to perform in the spotlight. I get to choose what I create and when I create it, which works better for my creative flow. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Are you struggling to find work that truly speaks to you. Are you stuck in a job that doesn’t allow you to fully utilize your skills or, even worse, leave you feeling drained and unfulfilled. What if there was another way? Entrepreneurship offers a unique opportunity for creatives to take charge of their own careers, to choose the projects they want to work on, to create their own schedule that allows them to work when they feel the creative juices flowing and create a brand you can be proud of.

Here is what I love about entrepreneurship as a creative:

Choose the Projects You Love

• When you’re running your own creative business, you have the freedom to choose the types of projects that bring you joy and that you know you’re good at.
• You’re not at the mercy of someone else’s vision or goals; you get to create work that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
• This can lead to a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in your work, which can in turn inspire you to create even more amazing things.

Work When Inspiration Strikes

• One of the biggest benefits of being an entrepreneur is the ability to choose your own schedule.
• As a creative, you know that inspiration doesn’t always strike during normal business hours.
• When you’re your own boss, you can structure your workday in a way that allows you to work when you feel the creative juices flowing.
• Whether that means working late into the night or taking a mid-day break to go for a walk and clear your head, you have the flexibility to do what works best for you.

Build Your Own Brand

• When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re not just building a business – you’re building a brand.
• You get to choose the messaging, aesthetics, and values that define your business, and you get to create a unique identity that sets you apart from your competitors.
• This can be incredibly satisfying and empowering, as you get to put your personal stamp on everything you do.

So, to all the creatives out there who feel like they don’t fit into the traditional art school mold – don’t worry. You don’t have to love art school to be successful. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to forge your own path. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the one inspiring others with your unique perspective and creative talents.