How Art Has Shaped Me into Who I am Today

A canvas and paint were two staples within my household when I was younger. They still are. I splattered paint on a canvas to make something original or meticulously traced lines with a pen to replicate a picture. Art has been one of my passions ever since I could remember, and it is an understatement to say that as a child, my drawings covered every nook and cranny of our kitchen refrigerator.

Exploring Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina Picture Provided By: Mary Grace Mcghee

What drew me to art was being able to freely and creatively express myself in bold ways, and it is something that I have never grown apart from. My art appreciation has bled into my life in several aspects, including:

• Change in career paths

• Challenging myself to go out of my comfort zone

• Form meaningful connections with others

Career Change

For most of my life, I always envisioned myself becoming an attorney. Practically everyone in my family is a lawyer - my father, grandfathers, cousins, and so on. Going to law school seemed like the safest bet for me because it would be a shoo-in to a stable job at a successful law firm - but burying myself in studies that don’t pique my interest doesn’t bring me joy. Nor does it bring me closer to my passion - art.

I decided to take a risk and try a career path in marketing because it combined all of my interests in graphic design, product and brand development, content creation, and relationship building. I interned with Paris Mountain Marketing over the summer and loved the experience. I got hands-on experience with marketing and learned ways to use my passion for art and creativity for the brand and client’s needs. In the future, I hope to be in New York City working in marketing and public relations with:

• Chanel

• Dior

• L’Oreal

• Prada

Character Development

Not only has my passion for art influenced my career choice, but it has also shaped my character. I would describe myself as:

• Hard-working

• Adventurous

• Kind

• Extraverted

• Perfectionist

Strolling Through Downtown Greenville, SC

Picture Provided By: Macy Petty

I strive to do my best with every task I am given and do not give up until I have achieved my goal, and I think art has deeply impacted my character. There are always aspects to a photo or painting that can be improved, just like there are ways I can better myself and go out of my comfort zone. I try to be bold and creative with everything from my dress to my dreams and not be like everyone else.

Relationships With Others

What I value most is my connection with other people, and art has tremendously shaped my outlook on relationships. A painting or drawing will always have qualities that stick out or imperfections that are ‘happy accidents.’ People are like this, too - certain qualities my friends have make me gravitate towards them, and their presence energizes me. Not only that, but I have learned to fully embrace my flaws and differences and be accepting of others.

Art has even influenced the activities I do with my friends and family. I love to have photoshoots because it’s fun and captures an important memory for us. Some of our favorite photoshoots have been in new places where we grow closer to each other and experience something different.

Celebrating the Fourth of July Picture Provided By: Libby Noll

At first, I did not realize how much art influenced my life. Now, after years of growth and new experiences, art continues to make me feel grounded and creative. Not only that, but art can shape our character and unlock creative outlets within us. I know that my passion for art has influenced my decision to pursue marketing within the fashion industry because going outside of the lines and being creative is something I love. I’m passionate about art because it allows me to express myself. I want to work in a field about self-expression through clothing and branding.

Finally 20! Picture Provided By: Mary Grace

Mcghee

Take some time to explore passions you have that make you do things you love. It may be that your favorite hobby works in your favor to help you find a career you wake up excited for every single day.