"I can't just uproot and start all over or go ahead and suddenly change my style to something more appealing. [...] I guess I'm beginning to learn that this does not necessarily mean incorporating what you need to do into something that will get you food and rent."
One should not have to force their style to be just like what's popular, otherwise we'd have nothing new. Everything would be either typical Marvel/DC style or CLAMP, and while those are popular and marketable, they can also be kinda boring. Moreover, one style doesn't suit every story or job. That being said, however, it helps to be flexible. So maybe keep and refine your style but try other styles as well, thus expanding your abilities. Art -- and writing, music, etc. -- to me is about growth and change.
Thanks for the tip! :) haha although it what I said did sound like I'm not flexible, I'd say I'm open to expanding my abilities, I'm always trying out new ideas and techniques, I think the only thing that won't change is that I always go for substance/theme over style, so my work is never eye catching/nice looking because it's so focused on idea/clearly telling story/character. Maybe I need to try find balance between both.
I've always felt like I was born to draw, but I guess I'm beginning to learn that this does not necessarily mean incorporating what you need to do into something that will get you food and rent.
This is very, very true.
Also, I like your style! It's very *you* - it's clear that it's something that expresses your story the way you want it to. And I love how expressive it is. I do find it appealing, and I'm surprised your art teachers didn't find it so.
It's time to just have fun and explore whatever ideas pop into my head- no money, career, expectations tied in there, I'll just do as I wish. If I ever become a professional now, it will only be because I want more people to enjoy any stories or ideas I come up with.
I think this is a very healthy attitude. Congratulations on finishing - have you graduated yet, or is that to come? :)
Please don't be too down-hearted about some of your subjects/projects, I've had my share of bad marks at uni too and I didn't even do art so you shouldn't worry about that affecting your career prospects too much :) Most of it is down to luck and contacts anyway :/
I think that your style would really work in certain types of children's book illustration, so looking a little further into that could be something financially rewarding?
I'd hate to think that your course has in any way dampened your enthusiasm! As Ness says, grades mean naff all after uni. The point is that you HAVE a degree! And you should be proud of that, hon ^_^
Sonia and I didn't even do art GCSE, so qualifications do not necessarily reflect on what you'll end up achieving. A degree is a fantastic life experience and you'll have learned a ton. After uni is when you get to try the world out for real.
Having a job that brings in the money is a very sensible idea. Diving straight into freelance is a crazy thing! But I don't see any reason why, when you've found your feet, you couldn't still persue what you want to do. I love your style and want to see more of it, that's for sure! ^_^
Thank you :) I'm not too down hearted, I think if anything I've been given a good reality check, the one thing that Uni doesn't really teach you XD Well whatever happens I certainly wont stop pursuing projects in my spare time ^_^
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One should not have to force their style to be just like what's popular, otherwise we'd have nothing new. Everything would be either typical Marvel/DC style or CLAMP, and while those are popular and marketable, they can also be kinda boring. Moreover, one style doesn't suit every story or job. That being said, however, it helps to be flexible. So maybe keep and refine your style but try other styles as well, thus expanding your abilities. Art -- and writing, music, etc. -- to me is about growth and change.
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This is very, very true.
Also, I like your style! It's very *you* - it's clear that it's something that expresses your story the way you want it to. And I love how expressive it is. I do find it appealing, and I'm surprised your art teachers didn't find it so.
It's time to just have fun and explore whatever ideas pop into my head- no money, career, expectations tied in there, I'll just do as I wish. If I ever become a professional now, it will only be because I want more people to enjoy any stories or ideas I come up with.
I think this is a very healthy attitude. Congratulations on finishing - have you graduated yet, or is that to come? :)
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Also, I'm so sorry about Pixel, how very sad :(
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I think that your style would really work in certain types of children's book illustration, so looking a little further into that could be something financially rewarding?
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Sonia and I didn't even do art GCSE, so qualifications do not necessarily reflect on what you'll end up achieving. A degree is a fantastic life experience and you'll have learned a ton. After uni is when you get to try the world out for real.
Having a job that brings in the money is a very sensible idea. Diving straight into freelance is a crazy thing! But I don't see any reason why, when you've found your feet, you couldn't still persue what you want to do. I love your style and want to see more of it, that's for sure! ^_^
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