*A four year college is not the path for everyone. Some people might prefer to train in a trade at a two year school, some people may continue the education process well into their later years and never really focus on a certification. There is no one right path in education or careers.
Exploring A Major: Associates in Art
Lee Parker: Freelance Artist, Toymaker, and Winner of Best in Show for Original Resin Sculpture at the Assembly Required Gallery Show
About You
Where did you go to college?
Rowan Cabarrus Community College, both North Campus in Salisbury and South Campus in Concord.
Did you attend college online, in person on campus, or both?
In person. Online classes were just in their infancy at RCCC, and would not have been the best option for my educational interests.
Did you know what you wanted to major in before your Freshman year?
Yes. Having gotten a taste of the freelance artist life in high school, selling a piece to my own principal, I knew that was what I wanted to pursue. Being of meager background I knew that the Art Institute of Charlotte was a reach financially, I looked into the art programs and teaching staff at the local community college. It turned out to be a great fit.
Did you receive any scholarships throughout your time in college? If so, what kind?
No, but I never really looked into that pathway. I would definitely suggest it, though.
Why did you choose this major?
I’m at my happiest when I am creating. It is where I am able to find my center and express myself. From something as small as this is how I feel on a personal one day, to a larger more social message of protest to our current climate.
About the Major
What type of courses did you take for this major?
I weighed down my schedule with the usual core classes, and then every single art class that was offered until I had taken them all. After speaking with a teacher about my financial situation he allowed me to continue to sign up for classes I had already received credit for, so that I may continue to explore different techniques under his tutelage. This allowed me to explore different facets of art, and art history for four years in an intellectual and personal environment.
What course did you find the most fun/least fun?
My first time in Painting I was my least favorite. I was coming from a stance of rigidity and perfectionism. I was burdened by the idea of what my art had to be. However, that same course, 4 years later when I was more confident and experimental in my message, delivery, and technique, combined with the fact that I was getting more intricate assignments versus the rest of the class, really made a difference.
What course did you find to be the hardest/easiest?
Easiest class, hands down, was Art History. I already have a talent for remembering information such as dates, then add in the fact that I love art, it just came naturally. The hardest class but most beneficial class was Anatomy I and II. Taking advantage of a school that specializes in nursing, I got a chance to take these courses that ended up teaching me so much about body composition that translated directly over into my artist tool belt.
What skills does this major require and develop?
Abstract thought and approach, technical skills such as composition and spatial reasoning. Critical dissection, a skill needed for both giving and receiving artistic criticism. A thick skin, for the receiving. While artistic ability is not a requirement, it is a skill that will heavily develop with nurturing.
What type of internship would be ideal for someone with this major?
Museum staff, Artist Assistant, Gallery, Apprenticeships over a large number of subsets from tattoo artists to toymakers. Summer/After School programs and Community Centers.
What minors or other courses might complement this major?
Anatomy, Physiology, Welding, Construction, Creative Writing, Drafting and Architecture, Graphic Design
Are there any special groups/associations for this major?
No, keep an eye out for community groups and associations. You will get a larger variety of members, and opinions.
Post Degree
What can you do with this major?
Museum curation, gallery curation, STEAM centers, tattoo artist, toymakers, professional artist of all kinds, graphic artist, marketing, illustrator, art teacher, webpage designer, animator, muralist, criminal sketch artist, etc...
What might be some unexpected careers?
See above answer.
Is graduate work usually required to work in the fields associated with this major?
Nope.
What type of graduate degree could you pursue with this major?
Art History, Graduate degree to certify professorship, Art Critic, Artistic Directors from Museums to Film.
A post graduate program was not the right path for me, and I do not regret it. I do everything from selling at conventions and running an online store, to creating an entire series of action figures for hip hop artist, Open Mike Eagle.
As the world of toy and action figure making becomes more popular and evolves, I get to continue to learn new skills. This is what I have in the works now: a 3D Print series of Cryptozoic figures with the original file sculpted on the Oculus Quest. Whatever you choose to do, and however you choose to pursue it, just keep on it.
You can follow my art adventures on instagram @remakesplethora