At this point in our lives, I feel as though many artists my age have already found their style, but I am not among them. I feel like there is still room for improvement. As author Austin Kleon explains in his books, artists are encouraged to experiment and try new things little by little until you find your groove. I believe my calling is to continually create with that child-like wonder and awe that began when I learned how to draw as a little girl. I’m not entirely sure where my education at SCAD will take me, but I am confident it will be worth the hard work and effort. Although I am a graphic design major, I am very much a hands-on, visual learner so I love getting my hands dirty. Design is much more than what you can create on a computer. Time to time, I break out my painting overalls when working on a project, and it is probably my favorite outfit I own. The pant legs are covered in every color imaginable, and I’m happiest when I wear them. In the midst of it all, I have learned that we are all still artists in the making because this is just the beginning.
Honestly, I love to learn. I love waking up every morning and going to class because there’s so much I don’t know, and I hunger to dive into as much as I can. This quarter I decided to switch my minor from advertising/branding to printmaking because that’s where my heart is calling me. The numerous possibilities that printmaking entails excite me. It ranges from woodcutting, etching, engraving, and lithography to screen printing. Therefore, I can take my graphic design knowledge and use it to better my understanding of printmaking. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t necessarily have a style. Still, I love pouring my heart into everything I make, using vibrant colors or exciting patterns that resonate with me. As I develop my body of work, I will continue to grow through these learning experiences and challenge myself, and thus build my brand.
One of the hardest lessons to learn, for me at least, is that not everything I do has to be perfect. There will always be mess-ups or mistakes, but it’s what you do with them that matters the most. Imperfections are nothing to be afraid of or insecure about but something to be embraced and welcomed. Seeing as though we are in an increasingly digital world, our idea of sharing is primarily done online. Most importantly, we should share our life lessons, our realizations, and our not-so-perfect pieces of work because there’s so much we can learn from others’ mistakes. There is no such thing as perfect. Austin Kleon motivates his readers, saying, “don’t worry about everything you post being perfect” (Show Your Work, 52). He encourages artists to believe in themselves and not to let people make you feel bad about what you love. By putting your work out in the world, you are allowing people to see who you are through doing what you love, which gives you the ability to share your story. In the end, be you, bravely and unapologetically.
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