What do I do now?!?

[Shakara]

You guys always seem to know the answers...

so here's the question.
What should I do with my life? I'm nearly finished as a student and I want to do something creative, like write or design or draw...
How do I get started doing any of these things?!!?
I know the obvious is to get a full-time job and do them in my spare time, but...AGH! It's all so frustrating and crazy.
lol

[WoD]

Anyone help...preferably looking down at his hands in a maudlin way.  Medievil style if possible...

Cheers,
WoD.

[Max Kon]

short term: look at porn
long term: what did you study?

[longmanshort]

If at all possible, don't go into journalism. Avoid it, literally, like the plague.

Options:

1. Maybe trying temping for a bit to get some cash and give yourself more time to think about it? (warning: don't stay too long or you'll never be able to leave)

2. Think about some kind of post-grad or post-uni qualification.

3. Sell your body.

[Shakara]

B-TEC in Multimedia Production,

I want to go on and do something decent rather than end up in an office or anything (no offence if anyone here works in an office)

[longmanshort]

Multimedia Production? If you're proficient in something like AVID editing then you could always try and gets into documentary film making? Obviously, wherever you start it'll be from the lowest rung but it's a fun job with not too much lifting ...

[raspberry reich]

i no how you feel i dont want to end up in an office or a factory either. im currently looking for a band.

[Shakara]

Well, I'm central Somerset, if anyone here is around there and an artist/writer/works in a comic shop let me know

[raspberry reich]

i live around minehead and thats in somerset to.
krackers is a good comic shop im in there all the time its in taunton behind boots.

[Shakara]

Aye...I have seen Krackers, and it is indeed a good comic shop. But I'm looking for something ... not in Taunton. Tis a grotty place. There's a tiny little comic shop in Bath that rocks, and there's about three in Bristol that are very groovy.

...hmmm...maybe I could work in a comic shop

[Banners]

Feel free to take or leave the following...

If you want to get paid for being creative, the thing you need is a Portfolio. This often causes a 'Catch 22' situation - how can you create a portfolio when no-one gives you any work?

Firstly, the thing with a lot of creativity is that you can just do it - it doesn't actually cost very much to dance, draw, act or write etc., and you don't need anyone's permission. Just get on with it.

However, this is often prone to distraction, laziness and the realities or 'proper' work. Also, by doing your own thing you don't learn about the process either.

So, something to try (at least, this is what I did) is to approach local charities and volunteer to do illustration, leaflets, logos, graphic design and that kind of thing. Simply - charities are willing to take a chance, as it won't cost them anything.

Indeed, most will bite your hand off, and some will even offer to pay expenses for printing or travel etc.. This way, you'll not only be being creative, but you'll also be learning the process of dealing with opinions, pesky printers and meeting deadlines etc..

Most importantly, you'll see your creativity and portfolio come to life in the real world, rather than have your designs confined to the insides of a hardcover A3 book.

It will all make you attractive to employers or potential paying Clients.

M@

[Shakara]

woo...good idea, thanks

[raspberry reich]

if you want to be a writer try the writers bureau
im starting to do it in my spare time and its really good. the reason i mentioned krackers is because some comic artist go in there quite a bit. the one i see the most is henry flint
and if you ever see him you could talk to him about portfolios and getting work published

[Shakara]

ooo...the Flint, eh?

Interesting, I shall have to go there more often

[raspberry reich]

yeh i think he lives around taunton ive seen him a couple times whyll up there with my aunt.