Why We Do What We Do
A short example of why we do, what we do:
Let's be fictional Jane Smith. Jane wants to be a doctor. She doesn't just wait until college then say she wants to be a doctor. Well, she might, but it would be a much longer and expensive road.
Jane doesn't want to spend any more time or money on the process of her goal than is needed. Jane is of an average intelligence, limited income and a driving goal - become a doctor. Maybe she's not really sure of what type of doctor yet (after all our fictional character is only 17). Since she is lucky enough to know her life goal in high school, she starts early and takes steps.
1. Jane checks out some sites on the internet talking about how to become a doctor. She researches different ways to pay for college.
2. Jane talks to some local doctors. She asks what paths they took to getting where they are.
3. Jane writes down the scholastic steps she'll need, going so far as to call the counselors in some local and some other colleges. Those colleges let her know what she can start on now. Finally, she picks a college and does the math on how she can work and get scholarships and grants to go to the college. She takes tests to determine her aptitude for the work.
4. Jane works very hard on what she can do right then. Stuff like getting good grades, submitting scholarship applications, working summer jobs to help save up, and applying to colleges. At the same time, she's meeting different types of doctors to see what type of doctor she wants to become.
5. Jane goes to college and becomes a doctor. The path at college is even mapped out for what her goal is upon graduation. The whole time her friends and family are all encouraging her. After all, being a doctor is sure to PAY something.
Why am I writing about Jane Smith becoming a doctor? Well, because being a doctor, lawyer, teacher or tradesman all have paths lined out for students or entrepreneurs. Being an artist or writer doesn't. Here are the paths we are shown:
UTTER CHAOS and very discouraging. Our Jane Smith may want to be a doctor but her fictional brother, Jeff, wants to write and sell his funny stories and make kids smile.
Yet when he talks to his school counselor, he hears only about going to fine art school perhaps or getting a degree in English. He may do so and end up with four years of college and not a clue where to start his dream.
All the same friends and family wish he'd studied something more practical like his sister. (They tell him so constantly too.) He quickly settles on taking what he's learned about writing and English to teach other students.
This is NOT okay! It is a fictional example of what is a very real concern.
Illustration, art, writing, song-writing, pottery, carving, creating of any sort is of as much importance today as it was thousands of years ago.
People with a passion and drive towards creation need the same guidance as those with a passion for trade. The point of this site is to help them get there.
There are art colleges that teach more than fine art. There are paths that don't require degrees at all. There are mentors, and corporations with jobs and and so many platforms to promote and sell work and services.
A doctor is vital. An artist is too. A cartoon or photograph that lifts the spirits can be spotted in every office of every 'regular' work area. Those workers go home and wind down to a well written book, television or film in homes decorated with artwork, pottery and designs of every sort. They search the internet and watch videos all created by someone.
This site is for creators.
For you.
Write. Draw. Sell.
Being an artist is a calling and, if wanted, a great profession.