<p>Hey guys, I want to get your opinion on something. </p>
<p>I am an avid lover of the arts in general and this interest in the different areas of the field have confused me greatly in where I am headed. If you've read any of my posts in this forum, you'll know that I am currently an interior design major at Pratt. Honestly, when I tell anyone this, they are sort of surprised because my sketchbook is filled with cartoon characters and people instead of spaces. The design area interests me and I wanted to study something I didn't know a great deal of already, so I decided to opt for my current major. At one point this year I got interested in industrial design because of the wide range it's able to cover in the field and its emphasis on drawing, but it is extremely hard to transfer into, so I decided to stay put in my major. I'm not too forlorn about this because if I had gone into industrial design I would have certainly emphasized my path on furniture design, something I learn in interior regardless. </p>
<p>This summer I've mainly been working on my illustrations and commissioning online and a thought occurred to me as I was doing this. I want to incorporate my art and my designs together and be known as both a designer and artist. At least that is what the general consensus in my mind is telling me. The problem is that I keep going back and forth about the path that I'm currently taking. In most of my freetime, I realize that I sketch illustrations of people and really enjoy this process, although the reason I don't sketch interiors, furniture, or environments is probably because I haven't gotten into the process learning how yet (I have yet to officially start my major). But the idea of being a designer does excite me; the process of starting on paper and creating an end product or space excites me. </p>
<p>Sometimes I doubt my path though. Sometimes I wonder if I really just want to study illustration and call it a day since I enjoy it so much. My initial plan was to do design for my undergrad while self-improving myself in drawing, become a designer for a year or two, while freelancing art on the side, get a masters or associates in illustration/art and accomplish my goals designing and drawing as I please. But I wonder if this is feasible or is it too ambitious to be both? I don't want to limit myself to one thing just because I studied it in college. I want to do many things I enjoy, proudly and happily. My illustration major friend once told me "oh I love interior design! Don't you just want to major in them all?" If it were an option I think I sincerely would.</p>
<p>I dunno I feel like I'm thinking too much, but sometimes I feel like I'm being greedy. ^^;;
Thoughts and opinions would greatly be appreciated.</p>
<p>Then again, I guess I just wanted to get this anxious feeling off my chest and onto paper/the web for people to read. Even if no one comments I appreciate you guys for taking the time to read. I feel a bit better now. ;;</p>
<p>I don’t know much about university-system illustration or interior design, but I do have three daughters working in the arts. From what I’ve seen, people are normally good at more than one profession, and most people enjoy working or dabbling in cross-fields.</p>
<p>My 25-year old daughter is a full-time professional classical painter and makes a very good living. In addition to painting, she sells her drawings and illustrations. A few years ago, she decided she wanted to paint “Cupid” type figures into her large paintings, so she sculpted/made about 20 dolls.</p>
<p>My 17-year old daughter is about to enter music conservatory. She is also a cartoonist and draws caricatures of musicians.</p>
<p>You can develop skills you want outside of any major. And if you can figure out how to make money doing it, that’s even better.</p>
<p>^Thank you for the reply! I get a bit overwhelmed when I think about all the things I want to do and how I go about accomplishing them. So it gives me a bit more confidence when I hear stories of people like your daughters. I’m glad they’re doing well ^^</p>
<p>The lines between the various areas of art and design, crafts and media are so wonderfully fluid these days don’t worry too much about putting a label on what you do, especially when you haven’t even graduated yet. </p>
<p>Better to have depth in your skills and breadth in your interests than the other way around :)</p>
<p>Get some practical experience in ID, and if you are still interested in furniture design once you get your undergrad degree, check out the 3D design program at Cranbrook Academy of Art.</p>
<p>^I probably will be but possibly not to the extent to get another degree or anything. I have to take some classes on the subject since I am in interior and I am planning to do a study abroad program with it later on in my third year. I’ll probably also do as you suggested and get some practical experience designing furniture, so I think I will be able to cover that area. I like the idea of learning both. ^^</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I’ll be much of a help; but I myself am quite interested in industrial design and concept art, as well as illustration.</p>
<p>Although I’m just a junior in high school, I’ve been looking around lots of options for something that is flexible enough to cover several areas.</p>
<p>I talked to someone who worked as a freelance illustrator and took industrial design. He says that it’s quite subjective because after you get an idea of how long you take to finish something, only then will you get a general idea of how to handle getting a diploma while working on the side. Apparently, most people work hours depending on what kind of project they’re getting (sometimes 30 hours can be spent on a single assignment that you’re passionate about).</p>
<p>“I want to do many things I enjoy, proudly and happily.”</p>
<p>This is a very good philosophy! You are in interior design at Pratt, one of the highest ranked programs in the country and haven’t officially started your major yet. Give it time. I imagine that interior design sketching would be very unfamiliar to most people, even artistic people like yourself. Branching out into interior design and furniture design seems very compatible for an interior design major like yourself. I’m sure you will do well in all of these things. </p>
<p>Sometimes it’s hard to be multitalented and interested in a lot of things because our career oriented society wants us to specialize as early as possible. Resist the worry that this brings and enjoy all of your interests. If you are very unhappy later in interior design you can talk to your advisor about other options. For now, take some electives in other subjects if you are able to and maybe look at some summer courses too.</p>