DEGREES UNEDITED

Richard Taylor

The term "graduand" refers to a student that exists after term time and before graduation.  In being a short period, in which people await their academic recognition, it is also a timely interval for experimentation.  Generating activity for your practice in this experimental period of limbo is something that we at a-n can assist with.  Get as much as you can out of being a graduand, make opportunities out of spare time whilst others lie low.

Being pro-active whilst other's are in a period of inactivity heightens your chance of grabbing opportunities.  Even if such activities seem small its better than nothing at all so do not pass things off, you are at a time in your career where being steered in different directions is perhaps the best thing for you.  Why not take your academically undefined title literally and remain indefinable in what you choose to do; allowing contact with individuals or groups that a defined role may restrict you from...

In the bewilderment of having completed full time education you have the time to explore any avenue that is set before you.  Resourcefulness is a skill that you have moulded within the studio, so use it in the outside world making your next step your next art project.  Begin by asking yourself some questions:


Procrastination, can it be useful?
Many of us would get bored as we stare at this seemingly obsolete screen, its function taken away just like the college studio space: reading Facebook, finding galleries you want to visit, making bookmarks... But what seems like a waste of time is actually resourceful.  In using spare moments to get involved online you can set yourself up in making searches for future opportunities a lot easier.

Residency applications are an email away?
Send yourself via email to places all over the globe, attach your CV, and write cover letters.  Get yourself on mailing lists, forums, and look out for residency opportunities as an alternative to settling for a year in lament of student life.

Job opportunities are creative outlets?
On settling for that job you said you would never do again; the one that "just pays the bills" look further and use it as a creative outlet.  Using your place of work as your mental studio to harbour ideas develops surprising work: data entry can be useful as a contemplative activity just as working in a shop can be a great place to meet, talk to and canvas potential colleagues.  So keep some business cards in your wallet and your notebook next to your lunch box.

Travelling excursions as research periods?
Take some time out, hitch hike around the world and make an exhibition in every city that you visit... sounds impossible, but if your work is particularly ephemeral making art in public places with backpack on back, note book in one hand and camera in the other is an interesting way to produce work.  You can become an expert on discovering Internet café's, where you update your blog, fill in your Facebook sculpting a profile for yourself and your project.

Academic progression, filling in forms is professional practice?
Partaking in further education could be seen as the fashionable option or event the easy way out.  However applying for MA's or post-graduate diplomas forces you to consolidate your portfolio in moulding it for particular institutions.  So even if you fill everything in without sending it off, at least you have a solid representation of your work that you can build on.

So as you come towards finishing your period of undergraduate intensity consider how to carry on before burning out.  Keep churning away with those ideas using the institutional response that is your degree show as a frame upon which to base further projects.  Keep the cogs turning; keep the pencil scribbling and the cameras flashing all the way into the summer and up to the day of donning that wonderful hired gown.

Use a-n as the easy access point that it is. Read up on material specified for students and graduates on Knowledge bank. Get involved with Artists talking, comment on artist’s projects to boost your profile. Visit Jobs and opps for current listings to apply for now.

Links:
Knowledge bank for students »
Artists talking: Project blogs »
Jobs and Opps: Listings »

First published: a-n.co.uk June 2009