How to prepare, plan and persist for the future

Written by Erin Krochmalny, Illustration by Reagan Strader

Every once in a while, we want to throw in the rag and say to ourselves, “What’s the point? There’s nothing more I could be doing.” Sometimes that sentiment needs to be punched in the face.

“Going the extra mile,” is a cliché, but it’s not wrong. Everything done to help expose student artwork and to get involved in the artistic community outside of college is something to get working on.

Prepare

There are so many different opportunities the various SCAD major departments offer their students. Take the time to learn about them and prep any artwork that matches with the event or competition. It is also the time to prepare for what’s coming mentally. Remind yourself you are worthy of every chance that comes your way.

Plan

Some opportunities are only offered during certain quarters, are only outside of the school or only available for specific grades. That’s why researching and paying attention to department emails is so important. Here are some opportunities:

The Fashion Department gives its students many competitions to apply for. They are in the Winter and Spring Quarter. Eligibility is oftentimes determined by grade level. Show off beautiful and dynamic designs on paper or models. Even if you are too young, start on designs for use in future competitions.

Film majors can submit their films to film festivals like Sundance or Chicago Underground. Professors will mention these festivals in class, so be prepared to write down festival names. It takes a bit of finesse to plan out the best places to submit and extra hours editing films, but you are more than capable of doing it. Never forget that.

The Writing Department, though small, offers students a chance to go to a writing conference, like the Association of Writers and the Writing Programs’ annual writers’ conference. The opportunity to rub shoulders with writers in the industry, publishers and literary agents is ripe for writers to pluck at the chance. It’s hard to get in, yet more than worth the effort.

Animation professors offer a challenge to their majors. The 24-hour animation challenge is not for the faint of heart. It’s an excellent time to showcase technical abilities and team working skills. Professors will mention it in class or to individual students. They can recommend participants as a solo artist or in a group. Don’t start the challenge until you know what you’ll work on and have necessary food and supplies: one project or several smaller ones; pizza or fries.