You know, being an art major is rough sometimes. You stick out like a sore thumb, people are constantly judging you and your work, and just an overall pressure to be the best. I know these things all too well being a graphic design major. So without further ado, here are the top five struggles of being an art major:

Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing

And It's Gone...

Constantly having to be creative is tiring. Let me tell you, the motivation is not always there. Sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy Netflix and not have to come up with your next artwork. Not to mention ideas don’t just come out of nowhere… wait… I take that back. They do. You never choose when you have the most amazing idea and if you don’t have a pen to write it down, good luck remembering it. They like to disappear when you need them most. Deadlines are crucial, people!

It’s a People-Pleaser

Let’s face it: what you may like, others may not. It’s as simply as that. Also if you have clients, they will be the most particular. They will want the project done in the way they want and probably won’t take in your (the actual artist) opinion. Others are very open to ideas and will let you have way too much freedom (There are those ideas you need again!).

No Matter What You Do, You Will Always Stand Out

Just look at me! I have blue hair…

We, as artists, have this underlying need to express ourselves. Whether it be in our clothing, hair color, makeup, tattoos, or even just our artwork, there will always be a hint of ourselves (no matter how crazy we are). We act on impulses, too. You might wake up one day and think to yourself, I want blue hair. So, what do you do? Go get it done and then fall in love with it. Within the next couple days you’re back to thinking, What else can I do?.

The Infamous Question: “Why Don’t You Choose a Real Job?”

Oh, I’m sorry. I thought this was a real job.

Artists get very touchy with this question. Not to mention extremely upset. You have to be dedicated in this field, and if you’re not, go home. You have to want this. You have to scream at the top of your lungs (on the inside) to make it show just how much you love your job through your pieces. You are not famous only when you are dead. You go out there. You make a name for yourself. You succeed. It takes a lot of hard work, but if you really are dedicated, you can make it happen.

Sometimes It’s Not Always a Steady Career Path

Clients come and go as they please. Being in art, you have to have the best of the best in order to get anywhere. If you don’t, oh well, here’s another piece to hang on the already covered apartment wall.