Work / Art / Play: An online class for artists & illustrators to help spread their wings

BALAKONG, Malaysia - Aug. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- With the advent of the internet, it seems like almost everyone out there is talented. But skills alone won’t make you successful – it’s a mix of luck, hard work, smart strategies and the cultivation of relationships; and according to Amy Ng, artists are the ones who most often forget about this.

“A lot of artists merely concentrate on their artistic skills as a way to get by,” explained Amy, editor of illustration blog Pikaland. “But when you have so many artists to go up against, what makes you stand out? What makes you different?” Enter Work / Art / Play, an online class that’s dedicated to help artists and illustrators find their footing in this bid bad digital world.

The online class, which starts on 16th September, is divided into four modules and the goal at the end of the class is to help artists create their very own roadmap to success. One of the ideas put forth is that one should not waste time on superficial strategies – such as creating elaborate namecards brochures and promotional items; along with tactics that have been the cornerstone of the illustration arena, such as postcard mailers, submission to illustration annuals, etc.

“What we’re trying to tell artists is that it’s no good to out-do your competition by sending out more postcards, submit to more illustration annuals, etc. We’re teaching them how to do things differently; to take charge of their career by taking control and responsibility for their work. It’s time for artists to choose themselves, instead of waiting to get picked by others,” said Amy.

The online class came about when Amy, who has been writing on the topic of creativity, illustration and entrepreneurship for the past 6 years was frustrated at how illustration graduates were daunted by the prospect of entering the workforce. As an adjunct teacher in a local design college, she first lectured about the ideation behind illustration, but found that students were more in need of career guidance instead. “They didn’t know the first thing about finding work – and so they panic and go out there unprepared.” But what she found that it wasn’t just the graduates who were in a panic – other working artists were in trouble too, and so Work / Art / Play was created to address this concern. “The fact that this class is fully conducted online allows people from anywhere in the world to join in – we have videos, worksheets, weekly Q+A sessions and extra bonus materials to help you find your feet,” she added.

The inaugural session of the class is available for enrollment until 8th September 2013, and class offi- cially begins on 16th September 2013. For more details and full class syllabus, visit the Work / Art / Play website for more information at http://workartplay.com.

About Pikaland
Pikaland is a blog founded by former design magazine editor Amy Ng, who documents her findings and musings about illustration and its applications; along with entrepreneurial advice for artists to help further their goals. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Amy is an adjunct teacher at The One Academy, Malaysia’s leading art & design college where she teaches on the subject of creativity, illustration and entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of the intersection between the subjects. http://pikaland.com

About Work / Art / Play
An online class created by Amy of Pikaland that teaches artists and illustrators how to differentiate themselves from the competition, how to build their presence effectively, how to promote fearlessly and how to make money from their work. The e-course is available to anyone in the world with a computer/ laptop/tablet/smartphone and an internet connection. The inaugural session starts 16th September 2013, and enrollment ends on 8th September 2013. Class info and full syllabus can be found at http://workartplay.com