Self Check

Self Check

Grow Before You Go

It seems like being a teenager means you’re fair game for the dreaded question: “What’s next?” Yikes! Take a step back and think through the reflections, considerations, and stories from creatives to inspire you to embrace the unknown.

Learn About Yourself

Questions to Consider for Yourself

  • What inspires you?
  • What makes you come to life?
  • What fills your bucket?
  • Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
  • Do you like routine or variety

Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult

  • What positive qualities do you see in me?
  • Do you see me as an introvert or an extrovert?
  • What tools do you use for self reflection (for example, journaling or therapy)?
  • Did it feel scary to think about the future when you were my age?
  • Did you know what job or career you wanted when you were my age?

Actions You Can Take

Real Life with Real Creatives

Amiri Farris, Illustrator and Painter, posing in front of original mural piece.

I believe that growth as an artist comes from continuous learning, whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, exploring different mediums, or even stepping out of my comfort zone. Embracing feedback and constructive criticism has also played a significant role in my development, allowing me to refine my work and push my creative boundaries. Finally, resilience and perseverance are essential.

Photo of Amiri Farris
Amiri Farris
Multidisciplinary Artist, Professor of Fine Art, Mentor
Bluffton resident, visual artist, featured in over 50 exhibitions and museums worldwide.

Use What You’ve Got

Questions to Consider for Yourself

  • What kinds of after school jobs could you pursue related to your arts interests?
  • What non-required courses could you take at school?
  • Who could you reach out to in the field who could tell you more?
  • What skills could you use now that might help you later?
  • How does your arts interest intersect with other careers or fields?
  • Can you afford to do an unpaid internship or do you need to look for paying jobs?

Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult

  • Can you help me create a portfolio (or a resume)?
  • Do you know anyone who works in (your arts interest) that I could shadow?
  • What kind of extracurriculars should I try out if I am interested in (your arts interest)?
  • What qualities do you see in me that could be useful in a (your arts interest) job?

Actions You Can Take

  • Get an afterschool job that is loosely related to your arts interests.
  • Consider joining or starting an afterschool club for your arts interests.
    Learn new skills on You Tube related to your arts interests.
  • Research online to find organizations and businesses that are in your arts interest. If possible, plan a road trip to visit.

Real Life with Real Creatives

Stack of four textile clothes designed by Maggie Feltman-Ruiz held between two hands.

My faith is a huge part of who I am and it motivates me to do the best work I possibly can. I am also driven by my desire to push myself and learn new skills.

Photo of Maggie Feltman-Ruiz
Maggie Feltman-Ruiz
Textile Designer, Illustrator

Future Forward

Questions to Consider for Yourself

  • Do you need to go to college or can you enter the field right away?
  • Do you know anyone in your arts interest that you could shadow?
  • Do you know the kind of place you want to live?
  • Do you imagine a life where work is your primary focus?
  • Is there a business or organization you can reach out to and ask about internships?
  • Do you value stability or adventure?
    What are your personal circumstances (finanicial, family, etc)?

Conversation Starters With a Trusted Adult

  • Do you regret going to college/not going to college?
  • How did you decide what the best path was for you?
  • Do you think it is important to live far away from home for a time?
  • Can you help me research college scholarships related to my arts interest?
  • If you could go back in time and talk to yourself at my age, what would you say?

Actions You Can Take

Real Life with Real Creatives

Photo of Angela Gallo on stage dancing in a red flowing dress.

I tell my students all the time that the most talented are not always the most successful. It takes hard work and dedication. Every one says the arts are a hard field to be successful in and I agree to some extent but every field is hard in its own way. If you desire to work in the creative field, what is hard is that you have to keep pushing, you have to make your own way, you have a be an artist entrepreneur, you have to keep showing up and seeking out or making your own opportunities.

Angela Gallo
Dancer and Choreographer
Artistic Director Sapphire Moon Dance Company; Dean and Professor of Dance Emeritus, Coker University