I’m about to go into my junior year of high school and I’ve been thinking for a long time now about becoming a veterinarian.(since 6th grade). But lately I’ve been worried about regretting all those years of studying because being a vet is only my second choice.
Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved drawing but my parents never believed in a career in art so I never invested in that idea and taken the time to practice and take classes like some of my artistic peers.
I just signed up for my first art class in high school this year and I don’t know if I should even try pursuing this career when I don’t have experience. I feel like colleges won’t see any potential from someone who hasn’t taken art classes or enter competitions.
At the same time, I’m scared of ending up unhappy in 10 years when I realized I could have done something about it. I know I could just minor in art/animation, but I want to stay committed to a single major. (Also, the college my mom is making me go to may not have a specific major/minor for animation?)
Is it too late for me?
Please give me any advice!
Very few people make a decent living in “art”. It requires outstanding talent and the ability to market oneself. That being said, many people who love art continue in it as a hobby or side passion completely out of the realm of their careers.
Plus, you have no outside, objective evaluation of your innate artistic ability. Before throwing your hat into that ring, you should be aware whether or not you frankly, are even decent.
I was in the same position as you when I was starting my junior year. Ever since I was little, I always loved to write, and I wanted to become an author. At the same time, I wanted to become an elementary teacher, but that was something I really thought of since freshman year of high school. My parents didn’t really support my idea of having a career in writing, but they supported the fact I liked it as a longtime hobby.
For me, I’m glad I decided to study elementary education over creative writing in college. While I was studying my main major, I also had plenty of chances to explore my hobby of writing through clubs, organizations, and elective courses.
It is not too late to just express your long interest of art in your junior year of high school, but keep in mind…it might be quite too late to practice now and see it as your main focus of career. Even you are worried if this is worth doing. However, you had a pursuit of becoming a vet since 6th grade. Don’t regret about it! It might come back to you again.
The best advice, I should point out, is to talk this issue out with your parents and your guidance counselor as you continue your last 2 years of high school. They will support you on whatever path you take, because after all, it is your choice on what you really want to study later in life.
I think it’s great that you are deeply focused on what you really want to major in, because you will be prepared in senior year when it’s time to apply for college and start to decide your majors. Do some quick researches ahead (in your spare time) if the college your mom wants you to go to, offers the specific art major/minor you want. Most colleges will have various opportunities on what you want to do (like art, writing, music, etc.) even if it’s not your major and/or minor.
Well, that depends on how you define “art.” If we think of artists only as people who get paid to make whatever they want - like famous painters, mangaka/graphic novelists etc. - then yes, very few people make a living doing that.
But art encompasses so much more than that. There are designers who make websites, apps, and other digital things that we interact with; there are people who design characters, backgrounds, and other artistic elements for video games, children’s cartoons, movies, and other media; there are people who put together designs for magazines; people who design advertising layout, etc. I live in a tech heavy city and there are lots of openings for artists here.
I also don’t think junior year of high school is too late for career anything, frankly. You have plenty of time.
That said, I do agree with T26E4’s observation that breaking into the art world and establishing a living within the field is harder than others. Early positions, especially, are often unpaid or low-paying; you have to gradually build up a portfolio of work to show off. That said, I don’t think that means you have to shy away from it; it just means you have to be prepared for it and for the very real chance of failing and having to move onto another second career. That’s not necessarily a bad thing! Just the kind of thing you want to go into eyes wide open. Lots and lots of people change careers.
Thank you for the replies and advice! I’ve read them all thoroughly and will use it to help me decide in the next two years. I think I’ll consider majoring in science and possibly minor in something art-related, so I can continue doing two things that I enjoy! But who knows, that might change again since I’m not the most decisive person in the world. Thank you again for the valuable advice~
