113: Debunking the Myth of the Starving Artist

My guest on this episode is Laura Young, a friend of mine who is the director of enrollment management at the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture. She was (and I think still is) an “art kid” and in our conversation we talk about why that’s cool, ho…

The Awesome PDF That Accompanies This Podcast Episode

While there is no “practical guide” for this episode, if you’re interested in this topic I highly recommend that you click this link, where you can download a PDF of the presentation Laura Young gives on this very topic. It is so so good and I thank Laura for letting me share it.

SHOW NOTES

My guest on this episode is Laura Young, a friend of mine who is the director of enrollment management at the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture. She was (and I think still is) an “art kid” and in our conversation we talk about why that’s cool, how that has served her in her current job, and how someone can still make a living even if, dear listener, you are an art kid (or know one who is applying to college). We also talk about: 

  • Data that proves art degrees are important

  • The freedom that working a side job gives to self-employed artists

  • The truth about the myth of the starving artist

… and all that in the first 10 minutes!
 
Then we discuss...

  • How to know if art school is for you

  • What your ability to take feedback says about you

  • The difference between visual and performing arts schools, conservatories, and trade schools

  • What cliches to avoid using in your art school application, and

  • How parents can best support their child wanting to go to art school

 All this and more on this episode with Laura Young--please enjoy. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY

What Laura does as the director of enrollment management at UCLA Arts [2:52] 
How Laura became an “art kid” [6:15]
The truth about the myth of the starving artist [8:30] 
Data that proves art degrees are important [9:37]
What is an “art job”? [10:16] 
The freedom that working a side job gives to self-employed artists [12:16] 
How Ethan fell in love with his “side gig” [15:49]
The superpowers artists have [17:33]
How to know if art school is for you [19:54]
What your ability to take feedback says about you [22:06]
The difference between applying to art school and applying to college [24:05]
The difference between visual and performing arts schools, conservatories, and trade schools [26:36]
What to look for in a for-profit school [31:41]
The role of location in choosing a school [33:37]
Hidden gems: art schools in smaller, less-known cities [35:46]
What schools can I get into if I’m talented, but have a low-GPA? [36:18]+1:36
What cliches to avoid using in your art school application [39:31]
How parents can best support their child wanting to go to art school [42:42]
Advice Laura would give to her 18 year-old self [44:17]
Why prospective art students should study abroad [46:42]
Laura’s show and tell: Flanagan’s Smart Home [48:47]
Ethan’s show and tell: The Art of War and The Inner Game of Tennis [52:29]
Why Laura does what she does [53:27]

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: