Why you want to study these type of useless thing?
How to find job next time?
Painting can make how much money sia?
Drawing cannot learn yourself meh?
These statements, or sentiments alike, undoubtedly invoke some semblance of familiarity within all who practice creative work, for better or for worse. But why is this so? Where from, how, and when did these paradigms come to be? Are these expectations productive? As a former design student, I have had the unfortunate pleasure of experiencing this firsthand. I’ve used the words “unfortunate” and “pleasure” together in conjunction not purely out of irony, but also because I’ve come to realise that it really is just that: an unfortunate pleasure — albeit one in disguise.
The value(?) of imagination
These preconceived notions surrounding the value of craft, as well as what creative work entails is one such area of concern. I would argue that the general public’s idea and mental image of what art, design and other mediums of creative work is rather outdated. The merit of one’s creativity, for lack of a better word, is largely undervalued still, a surprising occurrence to be ongoing in today’s day and age. Despite the scene being much better as it was, say, a decade ago, it is still not uncommon to hear another story from a friend being underpaid, undervalued or manipulated into free labour; such victims most especially being found in the annual pool of fresh graduates from art/design school and budding self-taught freelancers fresh on the scene.
This sort of attitude can be seen in the general goers of the museums, galleries, art shows, and festivals we have here in Singapore. There is a very superficial relationship between most of the general public and the art scene in Singapore. Many see all these opportunities to expose oneself and to learn as just Instagram post material. And backward ideas informed by that attitude then trickle down ever so slightly into places like academic institutions, or creative studios/collectives/agencies. This directly and/or indirectly affects syllabus, morale, mindset, and in turn, the industry itself and all whom are within it. The most unfortunate thing about all of this is that most aren’t really conscious of the effect and power each and every one of us have, and the change they are making at every given moment.
So then, you might ask, what good is art/design?
The answer isn’t very clear or straightforward. It is expression. Expression with the aim to move, to provoke, to touch. Great art can heal, mend, empower, and enlighten. Great design can rally, support, communicate, and bridge gaps. In ways that nothing else can. Now, I know it’s a little biased coming from me, but I really do believe that with all of me. Because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it in the people around me. Such personal and intimate and raw expression of truth expelled and received from one to another. After all, that’s part of what we humans do best. To think. And feel.
Pride will be the death of us
And on that note, I would also like to bring attention to another side of this affair. Artists also run the risk of alienating audiences with pieces that may be too personal to connect to at all, and thus end up pushing people away from art instead. Some artists also grow a little bit too big for their boots, using art and creative work as a way to exercise their inferiority complexities onto others, not being realistic enough with themselves or with others to keep themselves grounded enough in what makes sense and what doesn’t.
This is also partly, perhaps, due to the idea that creative organisations and institutions push this ideal of “chasing your passions” or “fulfilling your dreams” but sometimes not fill in the less pretty blanks in between, leaving some students disillusioned with the world, stuck in a fantasy that never really was. Ego within the creative realm also leads to some level of gatekeeping, just as you get in any other industry. However, the pay gap within the “hierarchy” of the creative industry can be quite inflated, and if you don’t necessarily know the right people at the right time, you could be simply stuck in a sort of limbo, playing the waiting game with the big break you’ve always deserved. That’s why many tend to drop out/move on from creative work.
Wrapping up…
So then, all in all, before ending with a little recap of the points made today, I would like to mention that as with just about every other subject in life, the creative industry and therein all of its strengths and its shortcomings, is an endlessly complex, layered, and ever-evolving matter. What one may perceive as a detrimental err might be perceived as the total opposite to someone else. All is subjective, and this piece of writing has but only been opinion and wishful-thinking; a small attempt at proffering ideas in hope of sparking conversation, introspection and improvement.
It would be great to have a standard for all creatives going to school, or starting out fresh that is realistic in a fantastic fashion. Passion is a great driving force and tool in one’s arsenal, and one should draw upon it, but it won’t carry the whole way through. Schools and organisations would do great to remind all, most especially the youth in the community, of not just the flowery side of things, but of the nitty-gritty, day-to-day struggles that creatives will have to face in this marathon of a career choice. Being real with others goes a long, long way. Real recognises real, and all relationships, be it mentor-student or not, would benefit immensely with respect for all parties involved. This would then bleed out into other areas of society, with the public’s outlook on life and creativity slowly being more receptive to such things, and hopefully inspire more to just go be inspired.
Some final words
No one needs or should have the importance of creativity and art and all that jargon being shoved down their throat. In fact, there always needs to be strife to have growth. These conflicting ideas and discourse are the very reason any creative has such drive anyway, so maybe some level of ignorance isn’t so bad after all? Like I said, an unfortunate pleasure.
Do remember.
Hope is in the eye of you, the beholder.
