I've created this Lens for YOU, the technical person who, through exploration and training, have found their calling in the world of art, or who have curiosity about delving into the traditional or digital art realm, or both! You can be from a number of different techie backgrounds: A programmer, an engineer, IT, and many other titles under the techie category. If you want more detail, you should check out my Techy Artsy Blog and Official Techy Artsy site(still under construction) on the topic. My Multifinity Media company site is also is a good example of one of my personal projects while on this journey. But overall, this Squidoo is a great summary if you just want to take a glance to get you up and on the right track!

Okay, let's get started with some tips and milestones to get you on the right path. For starters...

YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

You may not know this, but there are many opportunities in which you can express your artistic side by merging both your artistic AND technological side! Many artists express their work through using software suites designed to create artwork, like Photoshop and Autodesk Maya, for example. Many companies nowadays put out various 3D animation titles, and use software to touchup artistic creations. In fact, using these type of applications to output work is now a creative industry standard! But on the other hand, in order to fully use these applications to their maximum benefit, traditional animation and 2D techniques are still strongly encouraged to have or develop. Many classes I take in Multimedia still force us students to concentrate first hand on sketching on a piece of paper, or creating storyboards with index cards and not a PowerPoint presentation. This may bug a few of you, but the foundation developed by hand will make things a lot easier as you make your creations using a PC interface. Besides, you may find it fun!

The creative realm is wide and long. Trying to find a focus sometimes feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack, only the "hay" would be replaced with mini paintbrushes J But one of the best ways to do this is to find a few books that give advice, tutorials and training on how to develop your art skills. I have a few book recommendations from Amazon on this Squidoo, check them out. Also, it would be a good idea to start doing research on the net, trying to find sites that are good to help with finding your focus. I have a few links as well to some great sites, but there are plenty more than what I've listed so start searching! If you are doing research already, chances are this site was included in your search results. And you found a great resource, good for you! That shows you are on the right track.

DRAW SOMETHING / DO SOMETHING!!!

It never hurts to take the creative plunge. Sometimes we find it so hard to find a focus, that we never get started on the artistic path. What we fail to realize is that all the time spent thinking often leads to procrastination, when we could have spent that time growing our artistic talents! Just get a piece of blank paper out, it doesn't even have to be professional art sketching paper. Get a pencil, and draw out some ideas! It doesn't have to be anything special, just whatever comes to mind. A character, a landscape, a design pattern (no, not an algorithmic design pattern)! Or if your passion involves video creation, take out your camcorder and make a small movie. You can always add the dazzle later when you develop your ingeniously creative idea!

Back to School!

Don't be afraid to take classes, even if you feel it's not the right path. Art is all about exploration. Your JOURNEY is all about exploration. No one is going to push you but YOU. There are many Multimedia departments at different schools and colleges now. This is relatively new for some schools so you might have a chance to be part of a new revolution at some places.

NOTE: Please check out my Amazon Plexo. All the books in my Amazon section have been BOUGHT BY ME, PERSONALLY. I highly recommend these books to get you started!

Get a New Job!

If you feel you are ready to take the plunge, finding a new job that allows you to express your chosen creativity is a good idea. Just remember to have a plan before you quit your current job if you're not 100% successful with finding that job right off the bat.

Can't Afford to Quit your Job? Then Try to find something with "Balance"

Often times, current tech jobs you have can also have a creative niche. Perhaps someone needs a little Photoshop magic done on their website graphics, or a little animation needs to be created for a company logo. Once your ears start burning and you hear of these needs, you can always volunteer your services. Ask for extra duties on your job related to these tasks. It may not be exactly what you've dreamed of as far as the "experience," but at least it allows you to let the creative juices flow on a professional level. Even if it's a small amount of exposure, any exposure is great to put on a resume!

Take a Gander at Freelancing!

Part-time Freelancing is a great opportunity to allow your creative passions to be pursued, while, also getting some money on the side! Keep in mind, this is a business you'll be holding, so while you are doing various projects for people, you might want to remember that your creative flow may be a bit restricted by a customer's desires. Nonetheless, it's a great experience and is good practice for the future, should you ever think about pursuing a bonafide creative position. Check out my Entrepreneur list for recommendations.

Ready to do some hands on work to fill the void? Well, a good way to start is to get your hands on some nice, FREE software or software trials that will help you on your quest for creativity. If you're into 3D modeling and animation, you can try Maya Personal Learning Edition (PLE). It is FREE, and works just like the standard version of the program, only there is a Watermark that is displayed over anything you render. But that's a small price to pay for instant access into a wonderful program like Maya!

If you want a knack at some industry software, you can sign up for 30 day trials using anything from the Adobe Suite. Here is a list below of different software trials, depending on your concentration:

Digital Photo / Image editing: Photoshop
Vector Animation / Flash Websites: Flash
Vector Graphics: Illustrator
Video editing / Transitions: Premiere
Composition / Advanced Video Editing : After Effects

You can also find some free open source software on the net that a terribly kind developer has made, which will allow you to do some editing as well. A very popular Photoshop-like program is the GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is very similar to Photoshop, and many users like it and it's convenient for digital image editing.

After you delve your nose into some good old hard work, you may want to start showing your wonderful creations to the world. You may want to just find some colleagues to trade creative ideas with, or you may want to land that dream job that appreciates the efforts you made and the elbow grease you've produced. All of these objectives require you to do some form of networking.

So, Where are "we?"

Well, there are many different venues you can travel to in order to find more Techy Artsy people. Here are a few suggestions: Join Organizations
There are many creative organizations that you can access and join in order to find people of your same creative mindset. Organizations are good not only for connecting with similar folk, but also to network for really cool jobs! I've compilated a list of organizations below. There are many more of course, but these are a few to just start you off in your networking.

Online Creative Forums

If you want to find die hard creative fanatics, your best place is to visit a few of these forums and see the masterminds at work. Often times they place their artwork online for people to see. It really a great opportunity, and at the tip of your keyboard touched fingertips! Check out my Forum link list below for a few recommendations.

Take a Creative Class

I know I have already mentioned school, but as far as finding people of your same mindset, you CANNOT overlook this opportunity. Many people are like you, trying to find a "fit." Some have a concrete focus, others are wanderers. Merge all these types of people in a learning environment and you've got yourself a great mix of opportunity!

Creative Genius doesn't happen overnight

An idea can develop overnight, but making it come to light and perfection can take a lot longer than a few hours of concentration. You may find this out and want to slam your PC or drawing canvas. Just remember, patience is key, and practice makes perfect! What you learn from will help you grow, and artistic growth is our main focus, right?

Don't Quit Your Day Job Just Yet!

You're influenced, you know this is your "calling." Does that mean it's time to throw in the towel, quit your tech job and live like a starving artist with technical know how, until you land that creative dream job? Of course not! You have to keep your head in gear. This path may take a few months, or maybe even a few years. PLEASE DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! it all depends on what you want to focus on, and when you think you are ready to take that next leap into finding that dream job that lets you creatively express yourself from 9 to 5.

Well, that's the summary of some ideas of what needs to be considered while transitioning from the creative to the artistic path. If you want anymore detailed information, you can always check out my Tech to Art blog, and official Techy Artsy site (still under construction) on the topic. Just remember to keep your eyes on the prize, and stay focused. Your Techy Artsy balance is right around the corner! Are you ready to take the journey?

-Shylah
Owner, Multifinity Media - Bringing Creativity to Life!