One beyond what I can figure out on my own. The truth is, I always wanted to go to college for art. At my parents' request, I got my associate degree from the local community college, then started sending out applications. I figured I'd be in an art school in no time.
Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way. Getting in wasn't the problem. That was easy. Paying for it, however, was not. Thing is, even with the scholarships the costs was a little too high. I'd never taken out a loan of that size before - my AA was completely paid for by a very generous art scholarship from the Paul B. Sharar Foundation.
So, I ended up at the University of Iowa, first as a business student (which I hated), then as an English major (which I loved). When graduation time neared, I applied for grad school in the SLIS - the School of Library and Information Science - program, got accepted, and decided to take my MLS and book it rather than stay the extra year and get a PhD. Throughout the four-and-a-half years at Iowa I didn't take any art courses. Since I wasn't an art major they were locked to me.
All in all, I enjoyed my college experience and don't regret going that route. I feel the library training especially changed how I think and approach problems. I tend to find solutions and different avenues very quickly and am good at research.
But, a part of me wishes I'd gone the art school route. I wonder what my art would be like if I had. I still want to improve and while the self study is great, I know I'm missing things.
And then I remembered the books.
When I was a kid, my mom had these large art course books. I remember them, one even came with a record. I finally asked her about these old books a few weeks ago and she said they were from the Art Instruction Schools - better known as the "Draw Me" school because their ads have the little turtle or pirate that you're suppose to draw. She said she started taking the courses when she was fifteen and finished just before entering the Navy. And, that she enjoyed them.
I tracked the school down and it's still around. The curriculum sounds well rounded and more in tune with what I'm looking for. But the price is a little high. Not bad when you consider the cost covers supplies and books as well as the few years' worth of instruction, but more than I have on hand right now.
So, starting next month I'll begin setting aside a bit of my commission income each month towards the cost. I won't be able to do anything for six months at least since I still have a bit of the Kubert class to finish. But, in a year or so I should have enough set aside to do their monthly payment option without worrying about any lean commission months. And in the meantime, I have my daily practice schedule. I really wish I'd thought of doing that sooner.
I think I have a good, solid plan of attack here. True, it's not like going to SCAD or MassArt, but it works for me. I'll be able to learn at home and still keep CN:H and commissions running. It's going to take time, but everything worth doing does.
For now, I've some inking practice to do. Woohoo!
Del Boy: "Oh, no, Raquel. You must never lose sight of your dream! When I was 18, I decided I was gonna be a millionaire by the time I was 21."
Raquel: "Really?"
Del Boy: "Yep... and when I was 21, I said I'd be a millionaire by the time I was 30... and when I was 30..."
-- Only Fools and Horses
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