It’s important to set reachable goals and create milestones.   It is also important to practice everyday, not as if it were a regular job, but because it is a regular job.  The discipline of practice (and of perfect practice according to Tharp) is crucial to creative development and the creative process.  Working toward goals and objectives is a motivation for practice when self-motivation gets low.

I wanted to get my MFA for many reasons.  One of the milestone along the path to completion was to get back to the classroom.  I really want to teach photography and business skills to artists.  I already have my MBA, from the University of Texas at Austin, and getting my MFA would allow me to do what I’m good at, do what I want to do, and develop into other areas I have yet to deeply explore.  Once I complete my MFA, I will be a full dual-degreed MFA/MBA.   That give me a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

It is important to get into the classroom before I complete my MFA.  While I have 4+ years of university teaching experience, it is experience in business areas.  In order for me to be as successful as possible in getting a job at a small arts or liberal arts college after my MFA graduation I need to have some experience in teaching art.

After many months, if not years, I have landed a position as an adjunct lecturer at the Art Institute of Austin.  I am teaching both business courses as well as classes in various photographic subjects.  Right now it is only 1-2 classes per term.

The message here is we can be successful if we are driven to success, create realistic goals, and work hard to reach them.  The time I’ve spent so far at AAU is starting to return on my investment.