Underground Art School

On Vacation Until March 1st

 WE'RE ON AN INTERNET VACATION 

UNTIL MARCH 1ST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Sometimes, can't believe I'm saying this, I need to stay offline. Too many projects + too many websites = death to my creativity. See you all in March!

STUDENT // TEACHER: Mars Argo

 

 It's funny because it's true. 

Agree? Disagree? Anyway, their names are Mars Argo + Titanic Sinclair (I mean you should at least click one of the following links just for that alone) and they make music together and a lot of awesomely weird youtube videos.

APPLIED ARTS: Web(in)site

I found an old New York Times Magazine article by Virginia Heffernan (that's right, I'm nerdy). The article was about Web sites and companies who use them for damage control, BUT, the last paragraph surprisingly and awesomely can be taken as great advice for artists:

"Web sites should update or shut down; the ones that hang around collecting cobwebs have an almost frightening, hollow-eyed quality. If your plans change, you should note the revision publicly, and manifest confidence online."  

Keep your sites updated people! If you're 2-3 years out of school and actively pursuing a creative career, be careful what student work you decide to show online. If you're 2-3 years out of school and actively pursuing a creative career, you hopefully should have a whole new body of work, or at least a few new pieces. After all, you're actively pursuing, not passively pursuing. 

It's misleading of you if you're passing off old art as current work. If you're in an applied arts field, an employer (or gallery owner) will hire you because of what they see on your site. How can they be confident in you if your work is old? How can you be confident in yourself as a professional if you're exhibiting a visual language that you created 3 years ago? 

Treat your Web site(s) like you would your art, with respect! Use it as a form of expression (or as a gallery space) and if you don't know what to express, then take the time to figure it out and wait to put it online.

Image: Electrobudista

STUDENT // TEACHER: Mia Christopher

Mia Christopher is a multi-disciplinary artist in San Francisco. She is currently attending the California College of the Arts for drawing and painting. The theme of community seems to be a constant in her artwork and it is a great reminder for students and professionals: we can't create alone because we need an audience and inspiration from others, we don't learn alone, and we can't build a career by ourselves. 

TIPPING POINTS: Some Professors are just A-Holes

 SOME PROFESSORS ARE 

ASSHOLES BECAUSE THEY 

ARE CONFUSED + FEARFUL 

ABOUT THEIR OWN ART + 

CAREERS. 

SO GO EASY ON THE 

POOR THINGS. 

They are human beings who are learning and making mistakes just like you + me.

STUDENT // TEACHER: Karien Deroo

  "The theme in my art is the human figure in all his being. I'm  searching for the soul of the human being, with all his feelings, thoughts and emotions through my feelings,   thoughts and emotions. So, I am also in search of my very own soul."  

Belgian painter Kerian Deroo? YES PLEASE! Starting her career as an illustrator and graphic designer, 3 years ago Karien decided to quit that and start painting and we thank her for this bold move.

TIPPING POINTS: Winter Break

I love winter break. It's too short to really accomplish anything huge (if we're being realistic) yet long enough to be excited for classes to begin again (what, your not excited for that?). Even though I haven't been a student in a few years, I still like to pretend I am. Below are a few ideas on how to spend your January winter break creatively.

Image: Jacqueline Pytyck

 TIP:  Yea, I get that you're on vacation from art and school but this is art on your time. If you're not spending your breaks making art for yourself now, what will you do when you have a diploma?

1. Read something you wouldn't normally read (perhaps an artists biography, maybe an art history book, or stack up on art magazines from your local bookstore chain).

2. Spend a day googling and blog hopping artists, art blogs, and portfolios. If you're a fine artist, focus on design + illustration. If you're an illustrator or designer focus on fine art. This is best accomplished in pajamas.

3. Learn how to scan your artwork as high resolution jpgs. Don't have a scanner? Use your schools!

4. Fill an ENTIRE sketchbook.

5. Consolidate your art supplies. Donate unused materials to local schools, churches, or after school programs, or swap 'n' share with friends.

6. Start an art blog. Learn how to personalize it with a banner, 'cause it's really all about the banner...oh, and content.

7. Submit your work to art + design blogs. Don't be shy, I'll like you.

8. What is it that you feel you really suck at when it comes to art or design? Devote the month to practicing that. I said practice, not perfection.

9. How many museums or galleries can one go to in one month? 

10. Throw a bangin' art party where each guest must bring a new piece of artwork.