There are many definitions for success, especially for the creative soul. Success can mean making enough money to never have to look at price tags again. Or, it can simply mean finding something to be passionate about, even without much fiscal gain. Since success is not defined in one certain way, the path to achieving it can vary as well.
First-year film and TV student Jamikle Scott said he realizes that his dream of becoming a successful film director are ultimately in his own hands. He thinks he will face adversity in the film industry as an African-American with a nontraditional name, but that will not take his eye off the prize. “Being black in the film industry might put me at a disadvantage, but I’m prepared to do whatever it takes. I’m doing this for real, and I’m going to give it 100 percent — 110 percent,” said Scott.
However, not all SCAD Atlanta students share his career-minded focus. Second-year sequential art student Angelica Vazquez is less certain about her future. “At this point, I’m not really sure what I’m going to do. I would like to work for an independent comic book company, but I have no idea how I’m going to do it. Right now, I just hope to graduate,” said Vazquez.
It may come as a surprise that students are not always sure what they will do after college, but Vazquez is no anomaly. First-year undecided student Brice Patterson does not yet have plans for his post-collegiate career. “I’m not sure what direction I want to take at SCAD. After graduation, I hope to just find something I feel passionate about,” said Patterson.
In contrast, students who have already found careers they want are taking the necessary steps to make that a reality. First-year photography student Marcus Whittaker is minoring in advertising and plans to work in the commercial advertising world, focusing on magazines. Even as a freshman, Whittaker is already taking steps to achieve his goal. “Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of networking. I’ve been trying to connect with professionals in the photography and advertising fields in Atlanta. I think networking is key,” said Whittaker.
Students who are already pursing their careers have placed emphasis on making connections in their field to help them succeed. Like Whittaker, Scott believes that the professional world is a lot about who you know, versus your experience. “Once I’m living full-time in a big city like Los Angeles or Atlanta, I plan on using my connections to get into the [film] industry. I know they’re not just going to let me in on my own, so I need to take advantage of people I’ve networked with,” said Scott.
SCAD prides itself as being the “university for creative careers” and preparing artists to be successful professionals in their chosen career. However, SCAD can only do so much, and it is ultimately up to students to achieve their professional goals.
“I know that college isn’t going to guide me straight to my dreams. I have to depend on myself to make it happen,” said Scott. While some students are planning to build successful careers by being proactive, others are taking the bohemian route and letting the chips fall where they may.
“I’m hopeful that things will just work out in the end. I’ll figure it out,” said Patterson. There might not be one path to success, and only time will tell which approach can get students where they want to be.
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