Joan,
Here is my input:
A) Am I too old to pursue this?
D) What types of schooling should I be looking into?
Joan, you are never to old to pursue a career or go to school. I went back
to college to finish my degree at 38 yo with six kids at home. I finished
when I was 40 y.o. I started my business in my last year of college. My
sister went back to college when she was 39 and finished at 42 and is
teaching elementary school and going to college for her masters. She was a
stay at home mom and went back after a divorce. Take advantage of student
loans and grants to go to college. If you move out of state, you may have
to wait to establish residency to get in-state tuition. Depending on the
age of your children, you may receive state grants. I receive state grants
because I had three children under the age of 12 when I was a student.
One thing I always suggest is to have a good support system when at school.
There are going to be times when you will want to quit. Things will get
crazy and you will think you can't cope. You need a friend or family member
who will give you that assurance and kick in the pants. I joined h-costume
when I was a student and a lot of members gave me a lot of inspiration.
The type of education you enter depends on what you want to do with the
degree. If you want to design clothing, do a fashion degree. If you want
to design costumes, go for a degree in costume design in the theater
department. There is a good program at FIDM. I think it has a two year
program. There is also an online fashion degree through a Californian art
school. I can't recall their name. You can also do their degree on campus.
Don't be put off that you are an older student. I enjoyed being around the
college age students and they treated me with respect. I believe older
adults take college more seriously because they see how you can apply these
skills in the real world. Take classes in everything that you are
interested in. Universities seem to be more accommodating to older students
in this manner. When I returned to school for my third decade, I had no
idea that I would be doing what I do now. But the other students knew I
would. My career evolved with the more classes I took. I took classes in
business, computers, costume design, fashion, and film depts. I use all of
this education in my business. You can float between departments.
B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents?
See above. While you are trying to get into a college, you could work the
Halloween season at a store like Spirits Halloween. They love people who
can build and make sets. My son works as a manager for them every season.
Right now is when these types of stores are hiring. These stores are
setting up right now. Their season ends mid-November. Contact info is on
Spirits website. Also, theme parks in our area have big Halloween events.
If there are some in your area, they should be hiring crews about this time.
You can also work at a bridal or alterations shop. You want to obtain jobs
that will build your skills in the professional world.
C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable
living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist)
The jobs I mentioned will help temporarily and pay more than $10 an hour.
You might also want to check dinner theaters to see if you can be a
stitcher. In the summer check out your city's parks and recreations to see
if they have plays in the summer. You could be a stitcher for them.
Universities theater depts. look for wardrobe managers and stitchers. I see
a LOT of theater dept. job posting on the email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/costumeinfo/ . Don't be put off that it is
USITT's email list. Just lurk. Earlier in the summer there was a
discussion about how they are begging for stitchers and wardrobe managers.
E) Would it help me to create a sort of "portfolio" of the hobby things
Most definitely create a portfolio and include photos, renderings, etc.
Don't make the portfolio look like scrapbooking. Go to an office supply
store and buy a professional portfolio case. Make sure to organize the
portfolio. For interviews bring the portfolio and some of the costumes or
garments that you have made. The interviewer will want to see how good your
skills are.
Good luck Joan. When one door closes another one opens. It can be scary
and exciting!
Penny Ladnier,
Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites
www.costumegallery.com
www.costumelibrary.com
www.costumeclassroom.com
www.costumeslideshows.com
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