Artist and creative careers seem to be one of the most intriguing paths the young generation are eager to pursue. Some hints of how creativity in Arts can be sharpened are shared here by Art professionals.

Associate with artists
“Direct experience of learning from artists is momentous”, said Kitikong Tilokwattanotai (Kong), an outstanding Thai artist and Printmaking instructor at Rajamangala University of Technology, Chiang Mai.

Kong graduated with Master of Arts in Printmaking from The College of Fine Arts (COFA), The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. He said that, as a student, he saw and learnt firsthand from professional artists who regularly visited the college to conduct workshops in which students were involved. Students learn how artists actually plan and create works. The real benefits are not only a better understanding of Arts itself but also skills regarding management, discipline and professional work process. “Artists in Australia visit institution often, offering priceless opportunities for students to learn from”, Kong said. While in Australia, he also undertook an internship at Cicada Press located at UNSW, printing real works for artists such as the famous Reg Mombassa, Designer of surf-wear “Mambo”.

After graduation, Kong opened his own printing house in Chiang Mai using Cicada Press as a model. The printing studio produces works for both local and international artists and conducts workshops for students.

 

 

 

Ambience to inspire
Bringing yourself into inspiring environments encourages your artistic mind to exercise. “While I was in Australia, I often visited Art museums, public and private galleries, and libraries. The knowledge resources and network there are bountiful for artists, students, and the public to experience and learn from” Kong said. 

Amplify unique creativity
Max Pam, a contemporary Australian photographer and a photomedia lecturer at Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, Australia, said that the challenge for a creative profession like photography nowadays is to create work that is “authentically original and technically sound”. He gave an example that ECU photomedia students are taught by lecturers with established international reputations as photographic artists: “students therefore learn directly from their experience in ways that enable the students to establish themselves as functioning photographers who can readily amplify their own unique creative qualities”.

Ample innovative careers
As technology in the 21st century evolves, several new creative professions are emerging. In response to the growing innovative careers, many education programs are being developed to supply the creative industries workforce. ECU, for example, offers a Bachelor of Creative Industries with exciting specialisations such as Game Design and Culture and Graphic Design. A Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in Visual Arts is also available. Another absorbing program is the Master of Creative Enterprise at CQUniversity, Australia, which skills students academically and practically, providing the opportunity for advanced, applied education in the communication arts with specific focus on Advertising Design, Conferences and Events, Media Relations and Creative Industry.