It all began when I retired at a young (cough) age. Okay, young compared to most people. I was 50.
It sounded like a good idea at the time. I’d be able to do all the things I always wanted to do but never had the time for, like traveling and making art.
Only…I discovered that having all that time on my hands didn’t mean that I’d use it wisely, unless you call playing Skyrim and The Lord of the Rings Online smart choices. Over the last few years I’ve put a lot of energy into art tutorials and spent a lot of money on art supplies, but I feel like I’m not in any better place now than I was when I started.
I’ve started and stopped so many projects that I’ve begun to wonder if that’s what I’m good at: starting and quitting.
And then it occurred to me that it’s not the projects, it’s not the desire, it’s not inspiration that I need. It’s guidance. I’d forgotten about how, when I graduated from college many years ago with a shiny new degree, I didn’t just jump into a job as an expert. People gave me lots of advice along the way that helped me to develop my career.
But where do you go to get that kind of guidance when you aren’t in a job? There are thousands of blogs in the Etherworld offering advice. Where does a person start? How do I know what will help? What is it I’m looking for? Do I really want to pay somebody for help?
Does any of this sound familiar? Because I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
My first thought was that I could go back to school. Get another degree, this time in Fine Arts or Illustration. But frankly, why should I invest the time and money into a university when I’ve already taken all of the general education classes? Or invest in a “technical” school when I’d be taking a seat from a younger person with years of career opportunities ahead of them? Is it possible to create a self-taught course that will not only help me develop my creative skills, but also introduce me to new ideas for how to use them?
Yes! I believe so and I’m going to try it.
I’ve created a plan of action that involves a great deal of sketchbook practice, a lot of studying, some challenging project work and focused exploration of different illustration industries. I’m using this forum to document my progress and share my approach in case it might be of value to someone else who is looking for the same thing. Perhaps we can connect, as like minded individuals, in a creative community adventuring together towards a common goal.
The next post will focus on a study structure, including subject matter and reference materials, that should help lay a foundation for a future in illustration. Stay tuned!
