Growing up, art was my first love. Whether it was sketching in the margins of my notebooks or painting vibrant landscapes, I always knew that creativity was my calling. As I approached the pivotal decision of what to pursue in college, I found myself weighing the possibilities: graphic design, fine arts, art therapy, art education. Each path promised to keep art at the center of my life, but it was my father's practical advice that ultimately guided me toward a career in teaching. He saw the value in stability, and I respected that. So, I chose to become an art educator, earning my BFA in Art Education from Long Island University, certified to teach K-12.
In 2019, I stepped into the world of teaching, taking on the roles of a part-time substitute and a part-time art teacher, which equaled a full-time commitment but not full-time pay. I taught high school fashion design and seventh-grade art, and though it was challenging, it was also fulfilling. However, the world had different plans for all of us that year. When the pandemic hit, everything changed. We were sent home, and suddenly, the dynamic of teaching — and life — shifted dramatically.
My second year of teaching brought me to a charter school where I taught K-2 full-time. The pandemic's effects were still deeply felt: students wore masks, had plastic barriers at their desks, and, to my dismay, they couldn't come to my art classroom. Instead, I found myself on a cart, going from room to room, teaching in-person, remote, and Zoom classes simultaneously. It was exhausting and disheartening. Halfway through the year, I reached a breaking point. I felt depressed and faced a moral dilemma: should I stick it out until the end of the year, or should I leave?
I began researching and found that many teachers, especially newer ones, face similar predicaments. The reality of teaching can be harsh — underappreciation, underpayment, and overwhelming stress are common. I started exploring other opportunities, focusing on graphic design, advertising, and marketing, thinking that my art background might serve me well in those fields. I must have applied to hundreds of jobs with little response. But I refused to give up.
I reached out to my network, people I had met over the years, hoping someone might point me in the right direction. One contact, a doctor in Washington, D.C., mentioned two possibilities: an administrative role in his office or a position as a pharmaceutical representative. The latter intrigued me, reminding me of the artist Jeff Koons, who once said that if he wanted to be an artist, he needed money, so he became a businessman to fund his art. Whether or not the details of his story are entirely accurate, the sentiment resonated with me: to pursue art, I needed to find financial stability.
When the pharmaceutical company interviewed me, the hiring manager was upfront. He said they believed teachers made the best sales reps because they are personable, empathetic, engaging, and able to simplify and explain ideas. However, he also admitted that I was a risk. I had no experience in sales, and they didn't know how I would perform. But I knew what I brought to the table. I told him that the top three qualities every teacher needs — being knowledgeable, passionate, and light-hearted — were the same qualities that would make me a great sales rep.
Within six months, I became the number one rep in the company. How? Because I believed in myself and worked tirelessly to succeed. The skills I honed as a teacher — communicating clearly, connecting with people, and maintaining enthusiasm in the face of challenges — were precisely what I needed to thrive in this new role.
But here's the thing: even as I transitioned into the corporate world, I never stopped being an artist. If anything, my passion for art grew stronger. The separation between my career and my art made me more dedicated to creating, bringing a new depth to my work. Every experience, every challenge I faced, infused my art with meaning and emotion.
So, here's my advice to anyone facing a similar crossroads: don't make art your life; live a life that inspires your art. It's okay to take a different path, to explore new opportunities, and to challenge yourself in ways you never imagined. Your creativity will find its way into everything you do, and your experiences will only enrich the art you create.
Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Keep believing in yourself, keep creating, and remember that your art is a reflection of the life you live.