<p>Well, as for the creativity thing, I’d recommend taking as many different types of classes as possible. I’ve studied illustration, worked in sculpture and done computer graphics etc., but I was able to find my true love which is oil painting. Currently I’m improving technical skill… and I think this is a very good goal as a student, to not worry about creativity until one has achieved a certain highly skilled technical ability. For me I know that this will take 10+ years until I feel I have a good enough foundation to truly explore my creativity. Sure, I draw on the side my squibbly sketches and my fun personal paintings, but I found my true passion in exploring the technical side of oil painting. Do all you can to branch out… I thought I would love sculpture a few years ago, turns out, I was not set out to be a sculptor after all. So, all in all, art is not so much about “being different” than (for me) having a means of self-expression. Do what makes you happy, don’t worry so much about what YOUR art means to others (unless of course, you’re trying to get into art school.)</p>
<p>Oh, and believe me, I think all young artists all go through that period of self-doubt…As for the “starving artist thing”, I feel it’s always a good thing to have a back-up plan, otherwise I’m in the same boat as you, we’d need someone older and wiser to say if pursuing art is truly worth it. But I think it is. :D</p>