Recently one of my drawings, posted on another site, got a lot of feedback and I was very excited about it (shared on instagram, the share reached 35,000 likes and gained me 1,000 followers; posted on Reddit and reached front page, received commission requests). I told my friend and he just said that “it’s just a cool experience” and that kind of struck a chord with me because it really sucks having something you love be just “a cool experience” and not something people encourage you to put your life into as opposed to things that are generally considered smart and successful. I was beginning to feel that I had a chance to go somewhere further with my art but it’s hard when so many people advise against it… like, there must be a reason for that, right? They wouldn’t advise against it if it wasn’t a bad career choice?
It sucks when something that I really want to do with my life is just viewed as a hobby. I’m also hesitant because I spent my entire high school career worrying about getting into a college, I already put so much work into the whole “good college good paying job” path that it feels wrong if I were just to leave it.
However, things have been looking up in other ways. Recently I have discovered things that interest me besides art (such as human development, although I’m not sure what I want specifically, I believe this is a good starting point) that I can major in and still be happy, I think. I feel a little more optimistic about college, but I’m still kind of confused on what route is the best for me.
So here’s my current plan–
I will continue doing my best to get into a good college, such as a UC or even an Ivy League (I do believe I am qualified)
However, I will also put more work on my portfolio to get into an art school.
My parents said they would support me in art school only if I get a full ride scholarship/ full tuition payment. So I will try to do that. If I get that, I will for sure enter an art school.
If I don’t, then I will follow my idea to major in human development and go to another college that my parents would be willing to help pay for.
I believe this is a pretty solid plan, however, there is one issue. I am nearing senior year, and I am not the highest in volunteer hours. (maybe around 75?) I am not sure if I should spend the remainder or my free time building up on those volunteer hours to be a better candidate for the colleges and scholarships in my “human development plan”, or if I should spend that time building up my portfolio for the “art school plan”.
What do you guys suggest? Thank you in advance for any answers and for reading this long, ridiculous message haha.