Honestly, this question comes up a lot. Seriously. Srsly. Usually before I answer the question, I want to know what do they mean by "this"? This as in, why am I in media arts? Why am I not in business? Why am I breathing? Define this universal "this" because I apparently don't know the meaning of it. Usually asking for explanation ensues a lot of pointless hand gesturing and random word spewing. Then a moment of silence when they realize things have gotten awkward because they're not sure what they're asking either. I usually nod sympathetically because I've seen it all before. In my head, my sarcastic somewhat cynical mind says, "Why are you NOT doing this?" but I know this comment won't settle the matter. Then right before I'm about to answer this redundant yet somehow rhetorical question I try to discover the reason for the question. I've broken down the usual reasons in to three different categories. First there is the nonchalant curiosity. What is Media Arts? What can you do with it? I usually answer this form of the question with a standard, "Well, media art is about using different technologies, video, photography, web, etc and using them in a artful and creative manner, something, something, something." They usually nod having no clue what I'm really talking about and continue about their day never thinking back on our conversation ever again. Second there is the cynical sneer. What could you possibly do with this? How are you going to find a job? You're life is MEANINGLESS. To this people, I don't even bother wasting my time and usually respond with "Eh, I'll figure something out." They usually mumble on about "waste of time" and don't bother to take me seriously, but I don't take them seriously either. So it's a win, win. Last there are the people who express honest curiosity and it's too them that I write this blog.
I've thought many times about why I'm doing Media Arts and what I can do with it. I was first drawn to it simply because it contained everything I enjoyed and wanted to learn about such as animation, photography, web design, and video. Then as I began to struggle along in the classes, I began to worry that I was only drawn to the "idea" of Media Arts. The "idea" of working in the media industry working with the creative minds of the world and becoming someone whose name was recognized and acknowledged. I don't want fame. I don't plan on being a big director or some major star who usually get all the credit that the background people do. I just wanted to create something amazing and have everyone see it and be able to say, "I was a part of that." The problem is I haven't figured out what that "something" is. I can see myself doing media arts for the rest of my life, but I don't know how and I don't where. But really, I don't think that's a big deal at this point as long as I start somewhere. Taking Media Arts as my major is my beginning to reach an end. That's why I'm taking it. I don't know where I'm going or what I'll do, but I believe Media Arts will get me to what I want.
