posted on June 19, 2001 05:30:52 AM new
I have seen topics from cramp cures to cat names, so I figured this would be the place to ask this question. What in the world should I be when I grow up??? I want to be an art history prof because I enjoy art history. The chances of finding a job around here for that is slim to none. So I am looking at my options and it is driving me crazy!
____________________________ [email protected]
Caravaggio/confusedandsleepy are not my names at eBay.
posted on June 19, 2001 05:52:14 AM new
Be an art history prof, why not? But don't think about limiting yourself to where you are now. Go out in the world.
Caravaggio did one of my favorite paintings, Judith and Holofernes. Saw it in person, it's fantastic.
posted on June 19, 2001 07:16:45 AM new
Follow your heart. I took the "practical" way in college and got a degree in Business with an emphasis in accounting, did the CPA thing, and ended up hating what I did for a living. Only stuck with it for five years.
Then I took the time to learn what was needed to be a good Admin. Asst./Secretary and I loved the work. Lower on the corporate food chain, but a very decent living in big cities. (Not so great here in the boonies).
I also love buying and selling.
The point I guess is, follow your heart now. If you get your PhD, you'll probably still have 40+ years to have as many careers as you want.
posted on June 19, 2001 09:22:41 AM new
"What in the world should I be when I grow up???"
So you are saying that you are not grown up yet? Have you been to college yet? How "old" are you? What options are you looking at? Are you old enough to travel (move from where you are)?
posted on June 19, 2001 09:32:50 AM new
caravaggio,
Don't ever grow up...it merely leads to growing old.
That said,
Consider your age, your current level of education, what level of education you think you will be obtaining, your interests, your abilities, your financial status (both now and in the future), your willingness and ability to relocate, and your ability to cope with role difusion. Prioritize these things. Then pick from the careers that fit within your criteria.
If you are unable to decide at this point take general classes for another semester or two, frequently art type classes are offered as electives.
Professors are a noble lot usually, but are frequently underpaid. Student loans are often offset for teaching though. Art history does not usually require more than one part time instructor though...so perhaps make this your minor.
Anyway...Good Luck...it is a fun journey and offers insight into a whole new world or two.
posted on June 19, 2001 09:36:37 AM new
Do you have a college degree? A Master's Degree?
You could acquire teaching certification and teach art in a middle or high school. Assuming schools still have art classes. My kids have been out of the school system a long time.
If you're really ambitious, you could work on your Doctorate at the same time.
Continue to paint for relaxation and display your artwork in local galleries.
posted on June 19, 2001 10:00:40 AM new
When I was a child I wanted to grow up to be an artist. Even then I doubted that I could be.
So I went from job to job, from the medical field to the army to retail to whatever and unhappy the whole time.
I started selling my paintings and pottery on the internet two years ago and haven't looked back since.
I still have a lot of self doubt, I look at other paintings and know I don't have as much talent and skill as I would like to have (who does)but I am learning and growing with each piece and have found my niche.
Okay everyone all together now... "YOUR POINT IS?"
Well my point is...there are a lot of art historians out there. There is certainly room for one more. Find your special niche within that group.
Find an area to make yourself an expert at.
I never believed I could support myself as an artist but even while I was working at those depressing jobs I was going to art school and getting a degree in art. I don't make much money but I have always believed it was more important to make a life than it was to make a living.
You already know what you want to be, your miles ahead of a lot of people I know. Now do what you have to do to be it.
If you have to move think of it as an adventure. From where I'm sitting at it is better to try even if you fail then let the regrets pile up around you year by year.
I wish I had this insight 20 years ago.
posted on June 19, 2001 10:02:35 AM new
Ok, I will answer some of the questions that have been asked. I am 22(23 in a few days). I do not want to move so that limits me alot in what I want to do. I lived in Philadelphia for a while and did not like the "big city" life. I am going into my second year of college.
____________________________ [email protected]
Caravaggio/confusedandsleepy are not my names at eBay.
posted on June 19, 2001 10:11:49 AM new
Why limit yourself by joining the achedemic world?
You never will be paid what you are worth.
You will end up fund raising to let your museum or school obtain pieces that you can never own yourself.
Learn all your art and then add business courses and library science along with work in an auction house or gallery. You can
work administering the sales and certification of important art pieces and you can live comfortably and travel and enjoy life while
the achedemic church mice look down their noses at your commercialism.
posted on June 19, 2001 10:41:05 AM new
I am a Vermeer fan, myself, If i had an artnick it would be: girlwithpearl
and here's why:
or maybe waterjug
because:
or milkmaid
mmmmmmmmmmmvermeeeeeeerrrrrr
My only advice? Believe in yourself, don't let the a$$holes get you down (I don't know who said that!) and of course:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
I work freelance doing the art I love; video and photo media. I also dabble in other artforms, and I get to ride my horse!
When I was your age I spent 12-16 hours a day riding 6-12 horses - a day - training for a tri-state show circuit and managing a barn as well as students - and buying and selling stock. I loved it. I fell into bed each night and slept like a baby.
Do you know how I know I love what I am doing now? I do the same thing after a long hard shoot or an intense editing session with a client.
Forget prestige, if you are a scholar, your heart will follow, if you love what you do passionately enough, so will the money.
If you want lifestyles of the rich and famous, transfer into UPenn's Warton School!
posted on June 19, 2001 10:46:55 AM new
Most of the people that I know, who were able to major in Art History, were generally either independently wealthy or they were planning to teach. Since the employment options are limited in your area, I would try to discover a related field with better employment opportunities. You can still take courses in Art History without declaring it as your major. In fact, you can have two majors or more...all it takes is time and money.
