A year after graduation

How does it really feel after the euphoria of graduation?

Image: https://www.nimrindia.com/images/courses/postgraduate-program.jpg

Graduation day is one of the most memorable days of your life. From collecting your gown and getting the official photographs done it really is quite a day. There's the nerves of walking on stage (twice in my case as I was lucky enough to be awarded student of the year award), which is quickly followed by the relief of realising you didn't trip up, then the moment you can relax and enjoy a wee tipple with family and friends and toast your great achievement.

However, once all the excitement dies down - and it does go on for many weeks, you start wondering what happens next? You have a first class degree and student of the year award so everyone must be desperate to exhibit your work or get you onboard on an exciting project..... or so you think! After all the deadlines to meet and the pressure of submissions it is a bit surreal not having a deadline to work to. First thing to do is to make sure your website is looking its best with up to date quality images and information about your work and have professional business cards at the ready..... and still no one contacts you. You don't really know what to do next. Joining professional art organisations is a must and connecting on social media to find out what is going on in the art world is a great idea. Once you find something you may want to work on your writing skills are set to the test and you need to deliver the killer proposal. However, your work doesn't always fit the gallery, location or even the brief. This I realised is not a reflection of your work - it is just not right for that opportunity and there will be others. You need to network as much as possible, listen and keep your eyes open to what is happening in the art world. Going to galleries and seeing work - lots of different work and whether you like the work or not this keeps you connected to other artists and acts a reminder to criticise constructively - just as you practised while studying. Seeing work is also highly motivational as loss of motivation and confidence happens to us all post graduation. Be proactive and be on the lookout for residencies, opportunities, open calls and things can evolve from there. You are an artist for life now and enjoy exploring all the things you learned while you look for work.