Only just saw this because I've just finished a killer week costuming (my fault - took on extra work as a favour). I can't be that specific, obviously, because I'm in a different country (UK), so there will be differences in how things are set up, how they work, etc. But, my take would be... "A) Am I too old to pursue this?" You're not too old till you're dead.
"B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents?" What do you want to do? I find the only limit is my imagination, and my guts (as in whether I have enough or not :o) ). "C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist)" Can't properly answer that, cos of the country thing - but I do (am a costumer and dressmaker/designer). 'Tis hard work though - but a lot of that's down to me, and my habit of taking extra jobs if they're interesting (low boredom threshold - gets me every time). "D) What types of schooling should I be looking into? " Depends what you decide you want to do. For some things it's doubtless that the qualifications will be a requirement - but they're not necessary for everything if you have the skills (and can prove you have them). Although studying is naturally about much more, qualifications are, at the end of the day, about proving you have certain skills. If you can already prove that, then they're less important in some walks. "E) Would it help me to create a sort of "portfolio" of the hobby things I have done over the years with pictures, etc.?" Completely. But as others have said - ditch the quote marks, and the word hobby. Start calling it work right now. Makes no difference if you get paid for it or not - your work is still your work. But I haven't had a written C.V. (resume) since I was looking for an office job a decade ago. Every piece of work I get comes from my portfolio (be it book or online), and word of mouth. Personally, I studied fashion (but left early - hated course), dithered a bit (hence the office job), costuming part time all the while, till I decided I wanted to make clothes full time (and had the workload to justify quitting the day job), then I started, working from home (still do at the moment, although that looks set to change shortly). Now I make assorted clothes and costumes for museums, re-enactors, weddings, tv - whoever wants them really! As I said, I left college early, so I have no formal qualifications associated to what I do (other than on in theatre, which is sort of related, but not 100% relevant). Not really an issue in what I do, because I have my portfolio, and dozens of pictures to prove I can do what I say I can. Also because I set up on my own - I don't have a boss, and I don't have to go for interviews. Anyway, the lack of quals hasn't hindered me (eg, I just delivered an order for the Tower of London) - but that's probably because I went my own way. I just thought - if you don't have a reasonable camera (digital preferably, cos it's cheaper (no developing)), get one, and photograph every single thing you make, no matter how large or small. It'll all fill out your portfolio - you can ditch the smaller / less impressive ones as you accumulate more. But good luck! _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
