A Day in the Studio helps artists adjust as times and technology change.
Last semester I taught an art history class, which kept me exceptionally busy. The one day per week I had to do chores around the house or run errands or do something creative was spent creating presentations and quizzes and exams and reading papers. My class was great though.
This semester I will have more time as I am teaching less. I am going to focus my writing on how to adjust as times change. I graduated from college with a BFA in Graphic Design. I had what I believed was the perfect job in NYC. I loved what I did, I loved my colleagues and I loved my commute. I could not have been happier. My company folded in 2001, just before September 11. At the request of my then significant other and my family, I attempted teaching on the high school level. Unfortunately, I was a threat to my management and it was a very eye-opening and disappointing experience. So I returned to school to focus on emerging technology in the art field. I struggled, but I loved every minute of it. But I still can’t find a job and I have student loan debt hanging over my head. I have learned a lot about myself and I have become a better money manger and “frugalista.” I have also learned a lot about the way computers are changing our world. Everyone has a learning curve to deal with rapidly changing technology. Gen Xers and Baby Boomers especially. The way I use computers is much different than the students I teach. I have learned so much from them.
It is so hard to accept a major life change when one was so happy, but it happens and all we can do is try to roll with it. So here’s to exercising my brain and learning new things…
