RESOURCES
A GREAT new resource for Artists about industry practices and check out the RATE FINDER section of the site to compare rates for projects and companies. This was shared with me by Illustration student Dan Muanngperasert.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
For those of you graduating soon and looking for a good deal on your Adobe License here is one that you have to take advantage of quickly. Copy the link below and place in your web browser.
https://commerce.adobe.com/checkout/email/?items%5B0%5D%5Bid%5D=036CF793360AE5A8CAF03A3C0536B3A1&items%5B0%5D%5Bcs%5D=0&cli=creative&co=US&lang=en&trackingid=9DJJ4LPL&mv=email
Good luck
Professor Wimmer
Advise students to take Adobe Certified Associate exams and earn certificationJen Library, Room 328
SCAD Digital Media Center, Room 102
CONTACT: Pamela Thomas [email protected]
Also, Please check your Materials Folder for an Adobe Certificate Training Information Folder
https://depts.scad.edu/information-technology/student-resources/adobe-certified-associate-exams
ELOs
https://commerce.adobe.com/checkout/email/?items%5B0%5D%5Bid%5D=036CF793360AE5A8CAF03A3C0536B3A1&items%5B0%5D%5Bcs%5D=0&cli=creative&co=US&lang=en&trackingid=9DJJ4LPL&mv=email
Good luck
Professor Wimmer
Advise students to take Adobe Certified Associate exams and earn certificationJen Library, Room 328
SCAD Digital Media Center, Room 102
CONTACT: Pamela Thomas [email protected]
Also, Please check your Materials Folder for an Adobe Certificate Training Information Folder
https://depts.scad.edu/information-technology/student-resources/adobe-certified-associate-exams
ELOs
VALUE CREATION
Please check out this video for one of the best and easiest explanations for what it takes to create a successful business.
Below is an example of a "MARKETING PLAN" generator. It's great software when and/or if you want to start a formal Business or Go to the bank to borrow money or set up a Business Loan.
What is Illustration?
One of the best definitions of Illustration is from VisualArtsCork.com:
An illustration is a drawing, painting or printed work of art which explains, clarifies, illuminates, visually represents, or merely decorates a written text, which may be of a literary or commercial nature.
Please click on the image above for a link to Graphic Mama's Blog; Types of Illustration – Styles and Techniques
An illustration is a drawing, painting or printed work of art which explains, clarifies, illuminates, visually represents, or merely decorates a written text, which may be of a literary or commercial nature.
Please click on the image above for a link to Graphic Mama's Blog; Types of Illustration – Styles and Techniques
STUDENT WORK FILE NAMING AND METADATA GUIDELINES
FILE NAME
CAMPUS_Quartercode_DEPT Course#_FirstnameLastname_project no_title
Sample: SAV 202020_lllu305_AidanBarrow_A 1_BeachEnvironment
Save files at 300 dpi, AdobeRGB(1998) as a high quality print jpeg
Quarter Codes: Fall 10 - Winter 20 - Spring 30 - Summer 40
METADATA DESCRIPTION
Student Name
Banner ID
Student Hometown
Date of completion
Title of the Project
Medium used
Professor Name
Short Description (1-2 sentences)
©Student Name
Image by the artist, courtesy of SCAD
Please submit all images as JPEGs at 300dpi, JPEG quality 12, Adobe RGB 1998.
1. Inside the FINAL SUBMISSIONS folder students (and/or faculty) in each of their classes must place their best work in their personal folder.
2. Within 5 business days of the end of each quarter, faculty must review student FINAL SUBMISSIONS and move only the very best representative course work into the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder.
3. After being selected by faculty, all data will be automatically copied from FINAL SUBMISSIONS including the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder to a share folder for the deans and chairs review.
4. Within five business days of the faculty selection, deans and chairs will identify 5 to 10 pieces from the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder as the best student work. Chairs and deans will then mark each project for creative direction’s consideration by adding the extension _CHAIR or (_DEAN) to the end of each file name.
CAMPUS_Quartercode_DEPT Course#_FirstnameLastname_project no_title
Sample: SAV 202020_lllu305_AidanBarrow_A 1_BeachEnvironment
Save files at 300 dpi, AdobeRGB(1998) as a high quality print jpeg
Quarter Codes: Fall 10 - Winter 20 - Spring 30 - Summer 40
METADATA DESCRIPTION
Student Name
Banner ID
Student Hometown
Date of completion
Title of the Project
Medium used
Professor Name
Short Description (1-2 sentences)
©Student Name
Image by the artist, courtesy of SCAD
Please submit all images as JPEGs at 300dpi, JPEG quality 12, Adobe RGB 1998.
1. Inside the FINAL SUBMISSIONS folder students (and/or faculty) in each of their classes must place their best work in their personal folder.
2. Within 5 business days of the end of each quarter, faculty must review student FINAL SUBMISSIONS and move only the very best representative course work into the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder.
3. After being selected by faculty, all data will be automatically copied from FINAL SUBMISSIONS including the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder to a share folder for the deans and chairs review.
4. Within five business days of the faculty selection, deans and chairs will identify 5 to 10 pieces from the BEST PROJECT SELECTION folder as the best student work. Chairs and deans will then mark each project for creative direction’s consideration by adding the extension _CHAIR or (_DEAN) to the end of each file name.
REQUIRED TEXTS
GRAPHIC ARTISTS GUILD HANDBOOK OF PRICING AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES
Graphic Artists Guild; 14 edition (September 30, 2013) ISBN-10: 0932102166 ISBN-13: 978-0932102164 HOW TO BE AN ILLUSTRATOR; by Darrel Rees Laurence King Publishing; 2 edition (February 18, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 1780673280 ISBN-13: 978-1780673288 SUGESTED TEXTSREAL ARTISTS DONT'T STARVE, by Jeff Goins
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RESOURCES
REQUIRED MATERIALS
At the the very least, each student will need a sketchbook with them at all times to take notes and sketch ideas.
A laptop with access to the internet and the Adobe Suite.
A laptop with access to the internet and the Adobe Suite.
Important Dates
Class 3:
Class 6: Meet at Jenn Library
Class 7: (5%) Job list of 10 job openings in your hometown or area that you wish to move to after graduation.
Presentation of Student Logo Ideas, final and completed Logos due in Dropbox for grading Class 9.
Class 9:
MIDTERM GRADES BASED ON ALL PROJECTS DUE BY CLASS 10 (Grades based on 25% of Final Grade)
Class 11: (5%) Email Negotiation Due
Class 12: (5%) Excel spreadsheet for budgeting and record keeping.
(5%) Per Diem, Hourly Rates Due
Class 13:
Class 14: (5%) Schedule C, Profit and Loss, Due
Class 15: (5%) Final Bid Due and Negotiation email
Class 16: (10%) PDF Business Forms Presentations Due
Class 20: FINAL DAY,
FIELD TRIPS:
Class to meet at Jenn Library, Class 108.Research and Special Collections
Meet with Sauda and Heather Koopmans
Head Librarian of Research, Instruction and Special Collections
Savannah College of Art and Design®
Jen Library, 201 E. Broughton St.
Savannah, GA 31401
T: 912.525.4719 – Fax: 912.525.4715
[email protected] -
Job research using tools introduced at Library; Create a list of 10 job openings in your hometown or area that you wish to move to after graduation. Fill out questionnaire created by Professor, Due by class 7.
- (5%) Looking in the Mirror Questionnaire.
- List of at least 10 skills
- 3 Successful Logos vs. 3 Unsuccessful Logos (Dropbox)
Class 6: Meet at Jenn Library
Class 7: (5%) Job list of 10 job openings in your hometown or area that you wish to move to after graduation.
Presentation of Student Logo Ideas, final and completed Logos due in Dropbox for grading Class 9.
Class 9:
- (5%) Final Logo Designs Due
- (5%) Copyright Registration Due
- (5%) Business Structures Presentations (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp)
MIDTERM GRADES BASED ON ALL PROJECTS DUE BY CLASS 10 (Grades based on 25% of Final Grade)
Class 11: (5%) Email Negotiation Due
Class 12: (5%) Excel spreadsheet for budgeting and record keeping.
(5%) Per Diem, Hourly Rates Due
Class 13:
Class 14: (5%) Schedule C, Profit and Loss, Due
Class 15: (5%) Final Bid Due and Negotiation email
Class 16: (10%) PDF Business Forms Presentations Due
- Stationary
- Business Cards
- Envelopes
- Resume
- Self-Promotion
- Website Progress Review
Class 20: FINAL DAY,
- (20%) Website Review,
- (15%) Social Media, and Bound Marketing Plan; everything is Due.
FIELD TRIPS:
Class to meet at Jenn Library, Class 108.Research and Special Collections
Meet with Sauda and Heather Koopmans
Head Librarian of Research, Instruction and Special Collections
Savannah College of Art and Design®
Jen Library, 201 E. Broughton St.
Savannah, GA 31401
T: 912.525.4719 – Fax: 912.525.4715
[email protected] -
Job research using tools introduced at Library; Create a list of 10 job openings in your hometown or area that you wish to move to after graduation. Fill out questionnaire created by Professor, Due by class 7.
GRADING
My grading protocol is based on the process of learning. Each project and exercise is due on the date assigned but you will be allowed to revisit, revise for a higher grade up and until the last day of class. I know that most of this material is new so you will not be expected to be at the level of a professional, BUT you are expected to try and improve your skills and understanding each of the skills, principles, processes and concepts taught during the quarter. Finished projects will be graded based on the quality of finish, mastery of materials, composition, and following of instructions. Please take a look at the following charts to understand the weight of each exercise and project in regards to your final grade.
100 QUESTIONS
Create List of 100 questions; then reduce to top 10 questions, then create list of skills.
In his book entitled, "How to Think Like Leonardo Davinci", Michael Gelb discusses the underlying "Davincian Principles" that we can learn from in order to awaken our inner "Genius".
One of those principles is "Curiosita", or curiosity, marking his insatiable quest for knowledge and continuous self improvement. One of those is concepts is to know yourself through self discovery and questioning. We will start by making a list of 100 questions. After reviewing these questions we will then choose the ten that seem the most significant, then rank them in importance from 1-10.
In his book entitled, "How to Think Like Leonardo Davinci", Michael Gelb discusses the underlying "Davincian Principles" that we can learn from in order to awaken our inner "Genius".
One of those principles is "Curiosita", or curiosity, marking his insatiable quest for knowledge and continuous self improvement. One of those is concepts is to know yourself through self discovery and questioning. We will start by making a list of 100 questions. After reviewing these questions we will then choose the ten that seem the most significant, then rank them in importance from 1-10.
RESUME
LOGO/TRADEMARK
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Develop a Logo/Trademark that best represents you and your goals as a professional.
Symbols Personal
Activity Steps:
Artists use symbols to express their ideas about the world. In this activity you will identify some of your own personal symbols.
1. Brainstorm:
With a partner or classmates, brainstorm: What is a symbol? What are some symbols that have personal meaning? Symbols with public meaning?
2. Find meaningful objects:
Next, select three objects that symbolize different aspects of your personality (where you come from, cultural background, beliefs, personal qualities, etc.).
3. Discuss:
Think about how they represent who you are.
4. Draw:
Arrange the objects in an informal still-life composition. Simplify the objects into line drawings and then better yet icons. Combine the different object or dissect them in a way that is pleasing to the eye and representative of you.
5. Exchange:
Trade drawings with a classmate and examine your partner's drawing carefully. Are you surprised by any of the symbols in the sketch? What did you learn about your classmate that you didn't know before? What suggestions would you make to your group or partner? What did you see in your partner’s drawings do you think would be of use in your own symbols or drawings?
6. Reflect: In your journal, reflect on how the objects you chose symbolize something about you. How can symbols be used to express revolutionary ideas?
7. Combine the information about yourself that you have collected and reflected on into one all-encompassing symbol that reflects you as an individual but in a way as to universally understood by others.
http://www.adwizards.com/dreamers/symbol_self.htm
http://www.adwizards.com/dreamers/symbolindex.htm
http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/mysymbls.html
file:///Users/mike/Desktop/cuneiform.shtml
http://www.symbols.net/
Activity Steps:
Artists use symbols to express their ideas about the world. In this activity you will identify some of your own personal symbols.
1. Brainstorm:
With a partner or classmates, brainstorm: What is a symbol? What are some symbols that have personal meaning? Symbols with public meaning?
2. Find meaningful objects:
Next, select three objects that symbolize different aspects of your personality (where you come from, cultural background, beliefs, personal qualities, etc.).
3. Discuss:
Think about how they represent who you are.
4. Draw:
Arrange the objects in an informal still-life composition. Simplify the objects into line drawings and then better yet icons. Combine the different object or dissect them in a way that is pleasing to the eye and representative of you.
5. Exchange:
Trade drawings with a classmate and examine your partner's drawing carefully. Are you surprised by any of the symbols in the sketch? What did you learn about your classmate that you didn't know before? What suggestions would you make to your group or partner? What did you see in your partner’s drawings do you think would be of use in your own symbols or drawings?
6. Reflect: In your journal, reflect on how the objects you chose symbolize something about you. How can symbols be used to express revolutionary ideas?
7. Combine the information about yourself that you have collected and reflected on into one all-encompassing symbol that reflects you as an individual but in a way as to universally understood by others.
http://www.adwizards.com/dreamers/symbol_self.htm
http://www.adwizards.com/dreamers/symbolindex.htm
http://www.threshold.ca/reiki/mysymbls.html
file:///Users/mike/Desktop/cuneiform.shtml
http://www.symbols.net/
MARKETING PLAN
Please find the file marked "MARKETING PLAN" in our class Materials Folder and fill out the worksheets. Please take your time to consider each answer and when filling out the time sheets, please be specific about the time you spent that day. No event is too trivial, as it will reinforce the importance of "TIME MANAGEMENT". Utilizing handouts from “Art Office” 2nd Edition, by Constance Smith and Sue Vetters, fill out the Marketing Plan “Goals” page as an outline, and brainstorm strategies on how to get there. Use info gathered from guest speakers, Career Workshop, readings, etc.
Feeling overwhelmed? We only have so many hours in the day. Click on the image above for an article about 5 TED TALKS on Time.
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ILLUSTRATOR/PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW
Øivind Hovland
Interview, via phone or email, a chosen Professional in the Industry, about what it takes to make it in the industry and feedback on your
Portfolio-in-progress, then create a PDF/Powerpoint presentation to share with the class on Class 18-19..
a very good resource for inspiration: membership.creativetalentnetwork.com
tv.creativetalentnetwork.com/a-conversation-with-bruce-zick
Interview, via phone or email, a chosen Professional in the Industry, about what it takes to make it in the industry and feedback on your
Portfolio-in-progress, then create a PDF/Powerpoint presentation to share with the class on Class 18-19..
a very good resource for inspiration: membership.creativetalentnetwork.com
tv.creativetalentnetwork.com/a-conversation-with-bruce-zick
Click on the YouTube video Link to the right for a quick informative video on how to add sound or /voiceovers to your Presentations.
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BUSINESS STRUCTURES
Research the requirements for setting up one of the above business structures and plan on sharing with the class, as a PowerPoint Proposal, discuss and debate the differences, the pros, the cons, the advantages and disadvantages. Under current govt. structure and proposed changes. Dress Professionally and Appropriately in Business Attire.
WEBSITE
Click Image above for link to a number of Website Building sites, open and account and begin building a site that best represents your Design strategies and aesthetic.
The Website should include:
The Website should include:
- Trademark/Identity
- Introduction: “About” section (Professional Resume, as a downloadable PDF)
- Body of Work or Portfolio, (Categories)
- Blog; (News, Achievements, Working Methods, etc.)
- Contact: (Email, Phone Number, Newsletter Signup, Social Media Links)
PREPARING YOUR PORTFOLIO
How long will it take to make your career? Here is a good article describing the ups and downs of those first 5 years.
http://www.muddycolors.com/2011/05/life-after-art-school-five-years-to-an-illustration-career/
http://www.muddycolors.com/2011/05/life-after-art-school-five-years-to-an-illustration-career/
Please read and download the chapter on Preparing your Portfolio, from How to be an Illustrator, by Darrel Rees. We will discuss and begin the process of editing our portfolios for website.
STATIONARY, IDENTITY, BUSINESS FORMS
Develop Business Forms and Resume, along with Stationary, Business Cards, etc. utilizing your designed Logo/Trademark, color scheme.
Create Cohesive design, as PDF Presentation.
Create Cohesive design, as PDF Presentation.
COPYRIGHT
INTERNET “ENTREPRENEUR” SHOCKED THAT COPYRIGHT OWNER SUED HIM FOR STEALING THEIR WORK
Download and fill out copyright application form for the one piece of your artwork from your portfolio.
Please take a look at these tutorials below to introduce yourself to Copyrights and then a tutorial on how to fill out your own copyright application form VA and then below the tutorials a link to the form itself.
Please take a look at these tutorials below to introduce yourself to Copyrights and then a tutorial on how to fill out your own copyright application form VA and then below the tutorials a link to the form itself.
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NEGOTIATION
We will discuss the fine art of negotiation as it regards the importance of communication of visual ideas, pricing, rights ownership, deadlines, etc.
The 5 steps of the negotiation process are;
1. Preparation and Planning. (This part is ususally initiated by the client. This is the time for research and discovery about our client, history, etc.)
2. Definition of Ground Rules. (What is the assignment, what is expected, deadline, parameters, etc. Usually defined by the client)
3. Clarification and Justification. (Response to the original assignment description, details worked out, justifiucation of your worth or value to the assignment, deliverables, etc.)
4. Bargaining and Problem Solving. (This is the most crucial part of the negotiation, and where having a well prepared argument for your position is stated based on the justification of the previous research, any details should be worked our with clarity from both parties. This is usually where concessions are made by both parties.)
5. Closure and Implementation.. (This is where price, deliverables, deadlines, etc. are agreed to in writing, in the form of a contract or proposal. All of this is made easier by the inititiation of a relationship based on trust and respect.)
Prepare a response to Instructor led assignment, via email
Below is an example of creative negotiation techniques, meant as humor in this clip from the movie, "Jerry McGuire".
The 5 steps of the negotiation process are;
1. Preparation and Planning. (This part is ususally initiated by the client. This is the time for research and discovery about our client, history, etc.)
2. Definition of Ground Rules. (What is the assignment, what is expected, deadline, parameters, etc. Usually defined by the client)
3. Clarification and Justification. (Response to the original assignment description, details worked out, justifiucation of your worth or value to the assignment, deliverables, etc.)
4. Bargaining and Problem Solving. (This is the most crucial part of the negotiation, and where having a well prepared argument for your position is stated based on the justification of the previous research, any details should be worked our with clarity from both parties. This is usually where concessions are made by both parties.)
5. Closure and Implementation.. (This is where price, deliverables, deadlines, etc. are agreed to in writing, in the form of a contract or proposal. All of this is made easier by the inititiation of a relationship based on trust and respect.)
Prepare a response to Instructor led assignment, via email
Below is an example of creative negotiation techniques, meant as humor in this clip from the movie, "Jerry McGuire".
CREATE A BID
Instructor led practice assignment; research and develop a bid for all that might apply.
WHAT TO CHARGE
Illustration from Enormous Smallness by Matthew Burgess,
Using the figures supplied by Instructor, develop a Per Diem Rate; Hourly Rate, in class, then discuss.
SCAD FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Click on the image below for a link to SCAD's Financial Wellness Program. Please explore the many videos and worksheets that SCAD has to offer you in preparing for your financial health.
SCHEDULE C, PROFIT AND LOSS
Set up and draft a Schedule C tax form based on information from Profit and loss statement; How to Fill Out Schedule C: Step-by-Step Instructions
Click on the link above for a VERY INFORMATIVE website with links to information about what you need to prepare your taxes as a freelancer.
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
For RESOURCES provided by SCAD please click on the image above for a link to depts.scad.edu/financial-wellnesss to guide you through the process of preparing yourself for a successful professional future.
SELF PROMOTION GUIDELINES
- Don't Jump-Start. A promotion plan takes time, energy, and money. Do not promote your work prematurely.
- School Is Out. Send a promotion piece to get work, not to get feedback. Art directors are not paid to be teachers. The response you want is an assignment not a critique.
- Group Support. Before sending out a promotion piece, get opinions from others: teachers, former classmates, professional illustrators. Then ask yourself if you were the art director, how would you respond to your promotion piece.
- Junk Mail. If you don't know who to send your promotion piece to, you have not done your research. Know where your work is best suited and to whom your mailing is best targeted.
- Promotion Ideas to Avoid. Don't get too cute or tricky. Don't scent your paper. Don't send a package that is more interesting than your work. Don't include your resume. Don't include work that you don't want to do.
- Form Follows Function. You are trying to present your work as professionally as possible. For some illustrators a single card might do it. For others, a series of images is more appropriate. Self-editing is crucial.
Taken from, "Inside the Business of Illustration", by Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman
SOCIAL NETWORKING
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Set up/edit LinkedIn Profile with technical land artistic help from professor; desk review. Instructor led class review of select students LinkedIn profile and networking solutions. Set up professional Facebook page, and Instagram account. Start posting and link to webpage.
MISCELLANEOUS
A LITTLE BIT OF ADVICE
1.) BEING A BRAND: I think today more so than any other time in my career (artist, illustrator, designer, teacher, consultant) we all are our own brand and identity. I believe that your students should be considering this and formulating a strategy that houses their artwork, interests, markets and networks (social/in-person) within a unified plan. They should understand how they communicate this and how this unified approach creates recognition that will lead to a reputation.
2.) GOALS: I am always so surprised at the lack of any long-term thinking students/young people have today. One thing I have them do is write out a series of goals. At the senior level, I have them do: 3 Professional Goals, 3 Academic Goals, and 3 Personal Goals for each class. Having this allows them to measure the start of an experience to a marked point of completion (i.e. a semester). For a Business Strategies course, consider having them make 1, 2, 5, and 10 year plans. We use these models, and beyond, to establish short and long term objective thinking and planning.
3.) BUDGET/ECONOMICS: I spend nearly two weeks covering these topics in association with "Pricing" and "Contracts" in what I consider responsible higher academic practices. I have them fill out 3 separate budgets to consider 1.) Current Costs 2.) Costs Upon Graduation 3.) Costs at 1-2 Years Post Graduation. This allows the students to get a broader sense of earning needs/potential which filters into pricing and budgeting a business. NOTE: I also cover some of the following: Accounting/Taxes, Agency/Gallery Rates, FICO/Credit Scores, Insurance Plans, Investment Planning, Salaries and Benefits (In-House/Contract/Temp), Business Banking/Loans, Debt to Income Ratios.
4.) TIME MANAGEMENT: This one is always a challenge with each new youth-filled generation, but is very important to address. Using some of the aforementioned information above, it helps to shape a day-to-day plan as well as weekly/monthly agendas. One thing that I have found helpful when working with young people, is showing them how they can and should have multiple timelines going. I use this method professionally and it allows for me to see everything at once, as well as pull focus to a single project or job. Another thing I encourage them to do is monitor their time each day/week over the course of a month in an assignment. This allows them to better understand their limits and opportunities for time usage (even more sleep/leisure). NOTE: I remind our students that being tired and/or busy is not an excuse in our program and that it implies that other students/faculty are less tired or busy. At the end of the day, we all are tired and busy, and all time is valuable to each person.
5.) MULTI-MARKET CAREERS: On the career side of things, I would encourage you to challenge students to utilize their style(s) in multiple markets. I have made a generous living by working as an artist, illustrator, designer, teacher and consultant. I consider my career to be artist-illustrator, and being a designer, teacher, consultant is a job. As an artist-illustrator I have made art for galleries, publishers, political campaigns, advertising agencies, interior spaces, murals (interior/exterior), editorial, children's book, coloring book, institutional, scientific, greeting card, textile and more than I can remember. That said, I was not trying to only do one thing with my style, I used my one style to do many things. Often times these students arrive with one thing that they want to do (usually one market), but simply don't have the skill or commitment to do so to only succeed from this singular approach. Therefor, having multiple places your art can go is a smart business decision.
6.) NOT JUST ART MAKERS: To add on to Number 5, when teaching a class like this, consider that many students are likely not going to be art makers, but still can learn art/design thinking skills to have a valued creative career. They may become agents, or editors, or publishers, or run a studio. A big thing I consider today is the idea that we want them to be career creatives for life, not just for four years.
7.) BE THEIR CHAMPION: The world is constantly telling young people it is, "hard out there," "there are no jobs," "what are you going to do about student loan debt." Today's student is scared and overwhelmed and many/most can't imagine what success really looks like. A reminder that it 1.) It takes time (maybe 5-10 years) 2.) Is possible to succeed (use your career and others as examples), can and will make a huge difference here. Be honest with them about successes, failures, the struggle and the feeling about achievement. It is very important today and they attributing their limited knowledge to what they read (often misread) online. Be an in-person voice of reason.
Chris Arnold
Assistant Professor
Columbia College Chicago
SCAD Class of 2007
2.) GOALS: I am always so surprised at the lack of any long-term thinking students/young people have today. One thing I have them do is write out a series of goals. At the senior level, I have them do: 3 Professional Goals, 3 Academic Goals, and 3 Personal Goals for each class. Having this allows them to measure the start of an experience to a marked point of completion (i.e. a semester). For a Business Strategies course, consider having them make 1, 2, 5, and 10 year plans. We use these models, and beyond, to establish short and long term objective thinking and planning.
3.) BUDGET/ECONOMICS: I spend nearly two weeks covering these topics in association with "Pricing" and "Contracts" in what I consider responsible higher academic practices. I have them fill out 3 separate budgets to consider 1.) Current Costs 2.) Costs Upon Graduation 3.) Costs at 1-2 Years Post Graduation. This allows the students to get a broader sense of earning needs/potential which filters into pricing and budgeting a business. NOTE: I also cover some of the following: Accounting/Taxes, Agency/Gallery Rates, FICO/Credit Scores, Insurance Plans, Investment Planning, Salaries and Benefits (In-House/Contract/Temp), Business Banking/Loans, Debt to Income Ratios.
4.) TIME MANAGEMENT: This one is always a challenge with each new youth-filled generation, but is very important to address. Using some of the aforementioned information above, it helps to shape a day-to-day plan as well as weekly/monthly agendas. One thing that I have found helpful when working with young people, is showing them how they can and should have multiple timelines going. I use this method professionally and it allows for me to see everything at once, as well as pull focus to a single project or job. Another thing I encourage them to do is monitor their time each day/week over the course of a month in an assignment. This allows them to better understand their limits and opportunities for time usage (even more sleep/leisure). NOTE: I remind our students that being tired and/or busy is not an excuse in our program and that it implies that other students/faculty are less tired or busy. At the end of the day, we all are tired and busy, and all time is valuable to each person.
5.) MULTI-MARKET CAREERS: On the career side of things, I would encourage you to challenge students to utilize their style(s) in multiple markets. I have made a generous living by working as an artist, illustrator, designer, teacher and consultant. I consider my career to be artist-illustrator, and being a designer, teacher, consultant is a job. As an artist-illustrator I have made art for galleries, publishers, political campaigns, advertising agencies, interior spaces, murals (interior/exterior), editorial, children's book, coloring book, institutional, scientific, greeting card, textile and more than I can remember. That said, I was not trying to only do one thing with my style, I used my one style to do many things. Often times these students arrive with one thing that they want to do (usually one market), but simply don't have the skill or commitment to do so to only succeed from this singular approach. Therefor, having multiple places your art can go is a smart business decision.
6.) NOT JUST ART MAKERS: To add on to Number 5, when teaching a class like this, consider that many students are likely not going to be art makers, but still can learn art/design thinking skills to have a valued creative career. They may become agents, or editors, or publishers, or run a studio. A big thing I consider today is the idea that we want them to be career creatives for life, not just for four years.
7.) BE THEIR CHAMPION: The world is constantly telling young people it is, "hard out there," "there are no jobs," "what are you going to do about student loan debt." Today's student is scared and overwhelmed and many/most can't imagine what success really looks like. A reminder that it 1.) It takes time (maybe 5-10 years) 2.) Is possible to succeed (use your career and others as examples), can and will make a huge difference here. Be honest with them about successes, failures, the struggle and the feeling about achievement. It is very important today and they attributing their limited knowledge to what they read (often misread) online. Be an in-person voice of reason.
Chris Arnold
Assistant Professor
Columbia College Chicago
SCAD Class of 2007