Thinking Like an Artist in a Student Affairs World
- Brooke Boyd
- Jul 16, 2015
- 3 min read
"Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist." -Pablo Picasso
Last March, I had the opportunity to be interviewed for a graduate assistant position for the College Student Personnel program on my campus. (I was given a position!) It was during that interview that I was asked a question I had never before considered: "What will your background in studio art bring to the program?"
I was definitely stumped for a minute before replying that it gave me more experience in streamlining and editing documents and presentations. However, this question has haunted me every since.
So I came up with a list of ways my studio art degree has influenced my view of student affairs.
"Do you see a line there? No? Then why are you drawing it?"
That is the best advice I ever received from an art teacher. His point? Only include what is necessary and don't overthink it.
For art to be successful, you have to either follow the rules or find a creative way to break them. The balance is determined by knowing what is appropriate for your intentions and the product of your work.
You always start with the big picture (a sketch or gesture) and then work your way towards the details. Why? It's better to fill up the paper than to get halfway through only to realize your proportions are wrong. It's important to plan ahead, make intentional decisions, and edit often. Sometimes mistakes actually result in a better product so you have to be open-minded.
In painting, colors are relative to the others surrounding it. For example, what may be purple next to a red object will become pink next to a blue one. You have to be able to recognize the difference and adapt your painting accordingly.
Artists Always Look Like Crazy People
In art history, we talk about how artists are influenced by the world around them: their values, experiences, resources, and relationships shape everything from the colors used to the subjects being portrayed. Which leads me to my next point...
I always looked like crazy person on campus: looking up into the trees or staring at a certain point of a building when passing by. Artists notice when small things are different because they are always paying attention. Observing the environment can help you understand how things are changing and developing over time.
Individual Process, Collective Purpose
Each student may have a different approach to drawing the same model, but everyone is still working towards the same goal. A common practice is to critique one another's work throughout the process, essentially elevating the overall product in the class.
As a student affairs professional, I hope that I can help others think about the world like an artist. There are rules, yes, but there is also room to be creative. Shape your programs and services based on your intentions and stay focused on the big picture. Utilize what influences and inspires you so that your passion will show through in your work. Don't overthink it. Pay attention to how your institution is changing so that your work can be a reflection of its needs. Everyone is working towards developing and engaging students, and their processes and interests may be different. By encouraging one another and exchanging feedback, the institution will be impacted in unimaginable ways.
How do you incorporate your passions into your work? What's the best career advice you've ever received? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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