Perhaps it would be a good exercise, before we're told tomorrow by our lecturer of critical and contextual studies, what presumably good professional practice entails, to consider, what it means to us already. I'll start :) aren't you lucky.
As a recent BA graduate, age 23 female, interested in the field of academic arts, particularly at the Undergraduate Fine/Creative Arts level a great concern of mine in regards to professional practice and my degree, is understanding where my degree will allow me to step into the 'circus' and how I can alter that within the boundaries (if those exist).
So there is one: What am I doing to bring myself into the line of work I wish to be considered a 'professional' in.
Two (and three): How can I position myself so that I can step in smoothly and once I am in, how do I stay in (if I wish to do so)?: I.E. who and where do I get contacts, how do I keep connected and engaged (whilst maintaining a fresh, childlike energy towards my own practice if I wish to continue this). Am I maintaining the necessary networks (both literal and physical)? Am I keeping up with the skills I need to stay at the 'top of the game' so to speak?
Four: Legal roundabouts and how to finance? All professionals need to know how to either manage their own paperworks, or know enough to hire someone else to do it for them so they don't fall into the rabbit hole of red line/tape hell.
Five: If I get sick of this crap, do I have other options? Where might a young artist find support in (and out)?
[Six: (do you think an outlet exists, or is life and art really lifeart?) Am I allowed a family, friend, love life? Who gets first priority here? Is this more crucial than adding my name to listserves, receiving gallery notices and private view invitations?]
I bet to those of you 'in the business' are thinking, silly little girl - thinking it is black and white, or pink and purple, rather than thousands of shades of gray. Well, I know it isn't crystal clear for one, but these are my broad outlining questions - so wise, old (and young) owls, parrots and peacocks (and seagulls)...what am I missing, what and how do you think 'professional practice' works? Who edits your CV? Who keeps your diary full? Should it always be you? Where do you need more support, how easy would it be for you to find it?
Clearly, each 'department' of the 'arts' will have its own set of top ten most importants for professional practice, no?
Oops, perhaps I've gotten it wrong. Toes stepped on, underarms pinched. Anyone for the assist?
**haha: guess who has a feature on professional practice just now?? go to www.a-n.co.uk
(an25)
