We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linc Jolly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Linc, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
Art school. Flat out. It can be both a dream and a dilemma, depending on your goals and circumstances, it can easily become one of the worst (or best) investments you can make as an inspiring artist.
Looking back I would have to say there are of course positives to deciding to attend art school. For me, I chose to attend the University of South Carolinas art program. Rather than SCAD or other art schools around Charleston, not being a Gamecock wasn’t an option. It is an excellent school and a chance to open yourself to new and interesting ideas… I would say for me, it was partly the best investment due to creative growth… art school gave me an immersive environment to refine my skills, explore new mediums, and unlock my artistic potential. All while being able to start networking, I could connect with like-minded peers, established artists, and industry professionals who could open doors to future opportunities. As we artists can sometimes be, scattered-minded (not all the time or everyone), structured learning for those who need that guidance will be helped, art school offers access to expert instructors, critiques, and specialized tools… I needed this when I was in my early 20s and pulled into so many directions. One of the most important results of art school for me, however, was my portfolio development. I was able to graduate with a professional body of work tailored to the industry I was pursuing, which was a huge boost in finding jobs or commissions.
… an as to why it’s the worst… because the thing is, I can do all of that already on my own.
Tuition costs can be astronomical, leaving many graduates in substantial debt with no guaranteed financial return. In my circumstance, I was very blessed and lucky to have a way forward thru school without ever reaching debt, that being said, I was in school with many who weren’t in the same position. It can be extremely scary knowing you almost have to succeed in an industry that is highly competitive to even have a chance to return your investment. With so much competition it doesn’t guarantee that finishing school will find you a job afterwards, or at least not on the level you expected. Uncertain career prospects is tough to handle while working… success often relies on networking, luck, or personal entrepreneurship more than a diploma.
Without or without art school, success will depend on you taking these things into consideration,
On a personal level, am I dedicated to the craft, am I resilient and versatile?
And on a professional level, am I willing to network, and perfect a specialized field of art? Be honest with your portfolio, and be fair to yourself with the truth.
You have to continue your informal learning… keep an entrepreneurial mindset, and participate in professional exposure. Pay attention to the market’s demands, find a location where your style and personality fit, and create a space for you to thrive.
My biggest advice is to pursue art in a self-taught environment, many artists achieve success without formal education, relying instead on online tutorials, workshops, and self-driven practice—at a fraction of the cost, and personally… I learned more in my own self-discipline to learn more alone than I ever did while attending art school. To this day, I am still able to gain skills that I never knew or hear a new business practice within the art industry with a quick Youtube search.
Linc, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in the heart of New England on January 16th, 1992. I was formally trained by the University of South Carolina, where I received my BFA in 2015. My work arises from an innate personal vision that revels in the creative act itself, where I get to search the mind and discover new possibilities that my imagination grants me, i’ll allow my inner voice to guide the artistic process. I feel I have always had some type of gift of being able to tap into the imagination and turn visions into detailed, vibrant works of art for others. I’ll spend my free time developing my artistic skills and growing my brand, a platform in which I share my imagination and creativity. All while serving in the 82nd Parachute Infantry Regiment with the United States Army, and raising three beautiful children with my wonderful wife.
My grandmother, Rosamond Lincoln, was the one who drew me into art as an expression. She was an abstract artist who had her own rather convenient art studio behind our house growing up. Being young, with paint and tools and canvases everywhere, it was a place to be messy and focused. I loved every second I spent in that space. My environment certainly shaped me into the future decisions I made later in life.
“I am a visual thinker. I understand the power of images to convey meaning. I read something and can automatically visualize it as an image. I am a self-starter, proactive, detail-oriented go-getter. I can take an idea, run with it, and come back with great results. I am willing to go above and beyond to experiment, take risks, and try something new. I am a photographer, illustrator, painter, or any other type of visual artist all in one. I am someone who effectively upholds the artistic quality and integrity of the design process… I am a fearless artist willing to take creative risks and push conceptual boundaries.”
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I feel creation on any level is a sacred act. Participating in a dance to mirror or alter our reality as we see fit. As all matter was once created, we are continuing this legacy of evolution and change that our creator, however, you express that, once started with. Since all was at one point created, it’s almost the ultimate act of connection to others we can experience. This connection, communication, and presence within a flow state is divine in nature, and any moment we have with that outside our hectic daily lives is something to cherish and honor and the only reward I personally need to continue my work, regardless of how the world would define success or fulfillment.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
A good question… but one I read in the reverse because I feel it’s what the artist can do to support the society that will help it thrive instead, not what society can do for the artist. We are the servants to the creative forces, and with that, we must serve a higher purpose. We are pulling ideas and concepts from the ether, witnessing visions or pasts, futures, and alternate realities… it’s an extremely trippy and psychedelic experience if you take a moment to “really” consider the action taking place when creating art. It is profound and beautiful. We shape how we see, feel, and understand both ourselves and the world around us. This honesty brings truth and well-being to others, we express humanity, we can preserve our cultures, and we can connect and inspire, which encourages more dialogue. These acts themselves are therapy and healing powers. The more we do that, the more it will in return create a larger creative ecosystem by itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lincjollyart.com/
- Instagram: @lincjollyart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linc-j-01a865245/
- Twitter: @lincjollyart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lincjollyart
Image Credits
Artist: Linc Jolly