A LITTLE TRUTH ABOUT ART SCHOOL

           As many of you know, I started college at the Art Institute of Dallas this summer. I actually just finished my first quarter and will be starting the fall quarter in a couple of weeks. I'll admit, the back story to how I got to where I am today was a little rough. Art, whether that be painting, drawing, scrapbooking, or most importantly photography, has always been a huge part of my life. A lot of people tried to talk me out of continuing with art as a profession, but my heart told me otherwise. I mean I considered everything they said. I thought about what else I could major in, I thought about going to a big university, I thought all those thoughts, but I always knew what I was meant to do. So before my senior year had even started, I was already accepted and knew that I would be attending the Art Institute after I graduated.
           I wasn't sure how college worked, but I quickly figured it out that first day. In every class we would share what made us choose that school. It amazed me to hear what everyone had to say. You have to take into consideration that I was usually the youngest of the bunch. I was in a classroom with people who's average age was about 25. I remember one man's reply to this frequently asked question very well. He said "I thought that art was something that I needed to push aside, because people told me it wasn't reality, but then I realized that I wasn't happy just working for the money, I realized I needed something more." That was his reason to go back to school. He wasn't the first person to say something like this, & it kind of broke my heart that they let people talk them out of what their true passion is. Trust me, I've seen how talented this man is and I don't understand how he ever settled for a regular job. It blows my mind how talented all the students are, I've never seen people so dedicated to their area of expertise. Besides learning about why they came back to school, I also learned a lot about them in general.
          I always have read or seen movies about disorders such as ADD, ADHD, PTSD, & OCD but I  had never met someone who had to live with one of these. I learned that sometimes people who are more right-brained have to deal with these issues a lot more. A lot of people came from the military as well, and told us crazy stories about their past life. We all came from different places, but have something in common, our passion for art. Honestly, us as artists are easily swept up by our imaginations & are guilty of doodling all over our notebooks. We also rely on learning with visuals. We're kind of annoying to people who don't understand how our brain works. It's actually fun & a relief to be in class with people who know my struggles as an artist.
         Choosing the Art Institute of Dallas as my new home was the right choice for me. I love being in small classes, I love the people, I love that I'll graduate in 3 years, and I love that no matter what I'm learning about photography. I'm happy with where I'm at in life.

                 
                 
        "Find your passion and never lose sight of it. Passion motivates us to never cease learning."
                           
                                              Love Always,
                                                                       Deanna Marie