Does the Image in the Mirror Show You Art School Material?

Most people know the expression, "actions speak louder than words."  Yet, few listen to the meaning of their own actions.  Maybe it's because sometimes it can be brutal. 

Still, I often confront my college students to take an honest look at their actions, because I know it's really hard to become a working pro in art, and the sooner they know if they have what it takes, the better.  So why don't you try it?

If you're in high school and thinking that you want to go to art school to become an artist, let's examine your actions.  By actions, think of all the things that you do in the course of a day, a week, and during your free time.  Especially focus on the moments where you have choices of what to do.  These choices speak volumes, so listen to them. 

So, what do your actions tell you? 

Do you draw only or mostly when your high school art teacher gives you assignments? 

Do you doodle and draw only when you're "trapped," such as when you're stuck in a boring class? 

Do you draw much outside of school? 

Do you spend time drawing when most of your friends hang out, play video games, or interact online?

Do you draw much during weekends, holidays, and all the school breaks?

Do you get annoyed and possibly "bent out of joints" when a day goes by and you didn't get to draw? 

Do you have on-going and self-imposed art projects, and are you making weekly, if not daily progress on them without anyone pushing you?

If your actions reveal that you draw on your own, even when you could be doing other fun stuff, then you've got the artistic fiber.  However, if art is something you do mostly when instructed (say, by your teachers) or because there's nothing better you could do (when you're stuck in a boring class, and doodling is the only entertainment that won't get your teacher's scolding), then art for you is a diversion rather than a calling, and you should probably explore other areas for your college career.

For some of you, this realization may hurt.  Yet, it's important to have clarity when engaging in a long, difficult, and risky path.  And trying to become a professional artist is all of that:  long, difficult, risky, and more.  Yet, for people who "have it," it's a fantastic way of life.