The Arts Program - Diary of a Self-Portrait
Published on Feb 24th, 2008 in School Life with
I have always had a thing for drawing. It is something that I like to do and it keeps me occupied on days when I can’t find anything to do.
I recently took interest in an arts program at one of the local high schools. My parents looked into the program and went to the high school to see the requirements and what I would need to put together a portfolio for an interview.
The high school put together a little booklet full of questions that I have to answer and the different types of artwork that they would need to see before they make their decision if I am excepted or not. Auditions are in March and I find out if I am accepted in April.
This program has gotten me so frustrated, because it is so demanding. I know it will be worth it in the long run but what if I don’t get in? It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that can alter my life in the future.
In my portfolio they ask that I have a self portrait to show how far advanced I am and how much work I would need if they choose me to be in the program. To say that the self portrait is easy would be a huge lie.
I use to be a huge anime fan and I was so into drawing the characters that it was like it came natural, so now when I go to draw my self portrait it has some of the key characteristics of an anime character. I have tried to draw myself twice. The first time it did not work out at all the drawing kind of looked like a puppet. It was not bad, but deep down inside I knew it was not what this program was looking for. My second attempt was today. It is looking a thousand times better. If only I could get the mouth and the body right then I could worry about all of the other things that I have to do.
I have talked to my parents and some of my friends and they say that I am worrying too much. My father says that I should draw to please myself and not the people that I have to audition for, but I feel that I do have to please them in order to get in to this program. My mom says that she is proud of me and she knows that I can do it as long as I believe, but for some reason a part of me does not believe that I can do it and apart of me does.
Is this something that everybody experiences? I think I am more nervous because I am not sure what this program will expect from me and I think I am also nervous because it will be my first year and high school taking all Academic and its a special arts program.
First, let me say that you are very courageous and intelligent for asking these questions. I don’t think I would have in my teenage years. That being said, the answers are all yes. I have been pursuing my art career for 12 years now, and much like you it started with high school. After recently graduating from college and looking back I can only give you this advise: Do the work you love. If anime is your thing do an anime self portrait. Do another realistic portrait to show you have the ability, but just remember it won’t be perfect. Don’t be to hard on yourself. An artist’s own worst critic is themselves. Having your own style at such a young age puts you ahead of the crowd. You can always learn the other techniques it just takes practice!…. years and years of practice. And most art programs will recognize this. It took Michaelangelo 13 years to paint the Sistine Chapel. Just keep that in mind. You are on the right track! Stay positive and you will go far.
All the best!
Erica