Opinions? RE college/career choices...
So my family has been getting on me something dreadful about dropping out of school because of my health. And I miss the studying, and the format.
I'd like to be in school!
But i'm torn as to what to study.
The conclusion I'm coming to is that it needs to support a career choice. As things stand now, my "career" is designing/making baby clothing for preemies/newborns. I'd also like to do dancewear, and dance recital costumes. I already have most of the skills to get there, but could use practice.
The major i HAD been pursuing, before being expelled from it because of my physical condition, was Music Composition. Ever since i was 13, i've been DYING to write and arrange/orchestrate music for films. I STILL miss that major with every breathe, i LOVED it, but its not a possibility with my health.
So here's my dillemma. I was looking into an Art Institute, where i could study either Digital film/video arts, or apparel design. Which should I pursue? Apparel design would help with my side job while dancing, but the digital film might be another avenue into the job i dreamed of having... John Ottman edits films, as WELL as composing for them, and its still a way of getting connections....
Or option C could happen.... I coul go, and discover that the programs are so physically intensive, with sewing, carrying equipment around, etc. that I can't even do it! And I can't take that again. Leaving school last time pretty much broke me. I was SOOOOOOOOOO lost and depressed, and it made me feel so useless and helpless, to have the brains and drive, but to be physically restrained....
I'm perplexed, but the status quo kindof sucks.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
Oh, and i forgot to add the price differences... the apparel design one is about 50,000... the film oe is about 80,000... for hte bachelors degree.... I dont know if any of my previous college credits might transfer, since I have a CRAPLOAD of general education stuff out of the way...
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
A friend of mine I grew up with is a fashion designer. She even went to grad school in fashion design. Now she works full time and I think she's a little disappointed with her salary, but I also think you have a better chance of actually USING your degree (finding a job) if you go with design instead of film. That's MO.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I was just reading about how the film industry is about to be hit hard by the credit/mortgage mess. Bank funding is going to be difficult unless something is a sure thing. Banks lost alot of money and won't be eager to loan it out. Found this out reading about the new Lions to Lambs movie which is apparently not going to make enough money to cover expenses.
Anything you like besides Orchestral Music and Clothing Design? People are just not going to have the extra money to spend for a little while yet.
One gem of advice from my Dad was learn a Trade then find a Career. He was a boy during the depression. Seamstress perhaps? There has to be a Union near you that will pay for the training to teach you to operate a forklift or other equipment. It is good for you and good for the Union so they can bid on .gov contracts with an equal opportunity workforce. You might be the token woman but you will be a well paid token woman with benefits.
my 2 cents
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
ArmySGT, I wouldnt mind that, but I wouldn't even know where to start at finding those sorts o fjobs. And i'm not sure of exactly what the job entails, to know if it would aggravate my hand and joint conditions.
As for what I like, really, the creative stuff is about it! I have a 2 year certificate in music production/engineering, and used to do sound and lighting at a concert hall... I like that, but out here, its a catch 22 about NEEDING to be union to get a job, but needing a JOB to get in the union, so I haven't been able to find work with it...
I have a LOT of writing skills, am fairly good at math, and am VERY good with people... my mom has always wanted me to go into counseling... I've taught piano before, but i just see myself doing any of those things as a real JOB...
The apparel design thing seemed me to be good, since it would tie in with a lot of what i'm already DOING as my "secondary job" with dancing. I do repairs on girl clothing, sew baby clothes to sell, as well as custom pieces for those who want them.... I just don't feel like I have hte experience or qualifications, and it WOULD be nice to learn more and be more confident with it. Its all so damn confusing though! I'm happy where i am now, not IN school, but I'm tired of my famjily harassing me about when I'm going back, and ME being hard on MYSELF about dropping out.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I can absolutel relate to missing the school atmosphere. My suggestion is attend school again and survery classes in your interests and trust me the right one will call to you...
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
are you thinking of the Art Institute as in this one?
if so, it's NOT accredited - a chain/franchise - and therefore would not be a good use of $ or your time. if you're looking at an accredited institution, then, by all means, DO IT! I fully support anyone who wants to pursue the arts. i did. i have my BFA. I do freelance on the side, dancing supports that. but, i also majored in things that aren't really commercial or marketable rly- alternative process photography and metal sculpture. it's like, DOH! what was i thinking! if i'd have majored in graphic arts or digital media, i'd be so marketable.
(the art institute actually states that they are accredited by their own standards or something, it's on their site... i was like, well then, i'm a doctor by my own standards! haha. ::) )
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I think you have to go to OSU to find an accredited fashion design program in OR.
I have to think that if playing an instrument is hard on you physically that the demands of pattern drafting, sketching, cutting, and sewing would eventually be difficult as well. So that would be something to keep in mind.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
both the art and music 'industries' tend to be feast or famine. The fashion industry is a bit less so. Considering that all are basically supported by the decisions and spending habits of a 'rich elite', it remains to be seen whether any of these options is will turn out to be a viable career when a recession really sets in.
To dredge up an ancient example, in the 1930's depression 9 out of 10 car companies went bankrupt. However, Pierce Arrow and Duesenberg (super expensive upscale cars if the names don't jog a memory) made their greatest profits during the deepest days of the depression - just before they too went bankrupt.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I know, but I'm not very good at business type matters. my current "side job" is the most practical thing I've ever been talented at....sewing baby clothes for preemie babies that its harder to find clothes for. THe sad fact is, I'm passable at math and science, certainly not stupid, but I just don't have the personality type or concentration to be able to study it actively. My hope was that the apparel design would help me to become better at the area i AM dabbling in besides dancing. Its just so darn frustrating not being able to put any of my abilities to good use, as all of them ARE in the disposable creative areas.
And yes, I definitely need to check into the schools credentials. Or maybe not go for a degree, just do occassional classes to help me in the areas I'm weaker at.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I suggest getting a 4 year degree from an accredited college. I have a degree from a state college in fashion design. I have never used it. However, it doesn't make any difference what I majored in. A degree gives you credibility. It tells an employer that you put in the effort to get it, that you had what it takes to do so. You have to sell yourself on the rest. If you want to be at a certain place, work for a certain company, a degree is just the beginning. You have to work your ass off to get into some arenas... and I mean the competition is unreal. But it's nowhere near impossible.
I don't know what physical disability holds you up, but I think first I would make a realistic goal and then set out to achieve that.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
I don't know ma' took me this long (I'm 28 ) to figure out what I actually love to do so I can't help but I wish you the best!
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
Perhaps you have a better business mind than you give yourself credit and so should bring your own ideas to market. You are already taking design ideas and making them a reality. The debilitating joint pains you describe lead me to believe your best fit for the future is on the design/ creation side, this including the logistics side of clothing production but not the actual hands-on work.
I'm curious about your skill in music arrangement for movies. Are you referring to the blending of the music to the onscreen action?
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
needtodance
ArmySGT, I wouldnt mind that, but I wouldn't even know where to start at finding those sorts o fjobs. And i'm not sure of exactly what the job entails, to know if it would aggravate my hand and joint conditions.
Call up the Local Chapter # or look them up. Walk in. They will have jobs listed, you will have to join the Union. Joining up you may or may not agree with, but this does include a paying job (usually) and benefits. Unions are usually broken down by Trades. Plumbers Union, Electricians Union, Steelworkers, etc, I don't doubt there is one for the Garment industry either. Jobs are still there in construction and freight (forklift operator?), and it doesn't have to be for a life time. Nothing is forever, think of it as rounding your character, most great writers held a variety of jobs like stevedore, cowboy, dairyman, roofer, bluewater sailor, test pilot.
The Dept of Labor publishes a book with complete career descriptions, with physical limitations. A library resource publication section should help you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
needtodance
I have a LOT of writing skills, am fairly good at math, and am VERY good with people... my mom has always wanted me to go into counseling... I've taught piano before, but i just see myself doing any of those things as a real JOB...
With a few classes in Managing people you are ready for a Job as Office Management. That level of management that concerns itself with efficient running administrative positions. My sister earned a Degree in this after her children grew up and moved out. Manages the office for a custom body shop specializing in import cars. Loves it. My Sister is responsible for overseeing people to ensure calls are made and followed up on, filing is done, insurance claims are processed, accounts managed, customer service. Etc.
Re: Opinions? RE college/career choices...
Go back and read my posts, LOL... DON'T go to film school. It is not a ticket to paid work. Nobody in this industry gives a fuck what your degree is in, they just call people they know.
You have a much better chance at a career with fashion design.