A common theme among mid-twenty-somethings that go to college, is the inevitable crash and lack of life guidance shortly after graduation. This effect is often amplified for young artists who are given vague ideas of how to start their career, but no concrete steps to follow (because there are none). Below are just a few suggestions for ways to start up after graduating college:
Take Time to Rest
No matter what degree you have just finished, the human body and brain need rest to recover from the amount of effort completing a large task of that nature takes. Take a deep breath and be proud of what you have already accomplished.
Consider finding a new hobby and stepping away from what has consumed the last however many years, even just for a few days or weeks.
Evaluate Your Strengths, Weaknesses, Options, and Goals
Write out your top five strengths and weaknesses both in your desired career and in general.
Look at options that parallel your desired career and ask yourself some important questions. Do you enjoy teaching? Arts administration? Do you have an interest in going back for another certificate or degree? Are you able or willing to move for a position that is more in line with what you want long term? Personally, I wanted to find an adjunct instructor position at a college to allow schedule flexibility, but also still kept me in music.
Write out short (under 1 year), medium (3-5 years), and long-term (6+ years) goals you would like to achieve in the future.
Develop a Game Plan
a. List out steps to take to achieve your short, medium, and long-term goals.
b. Find ways to utilize your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses. Find what jobs will allow you to still work on your art.
c. Be flexible. Things may change and that's okay as long as you can make ends meet and can find joy in your situation.
Establish Your Online Presence
a. As the world of technology continues to shift and evolve, the only thing that is certain is that social media and the internet aren't going anywhere.
b. Choose which platforms are best for your artistic media and make a plan to maintain the account and post occasional content (preferably under the same handle across platforms).
c. Post your best work, not all of your work.
Keep Honing Your Craft
Continue to study with someone that knows more than you and practice as much as you can while still being productive and staying afloat.
Read the rest of the textbooks you either didn't or couldn't finish during your degree; that knowledge is still worth learning.
Find Your Support Network
Make sure the teacher, mentors, friends, and family you surround yourself with actual believe in you and will take steps with you to help you achieve your goals.
If you get stuck, reach out and talk things through with those whose advice you trust.
Don't Give Up
A career in the arts in challenging but worth it in the long run if you can find balance. You are following your dreams and doing what you love for work. Keep going:)
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