Quitting 6 Years of Architecture for Art

I had some serious issues with my career in Architecture that pushed me to jump to becoming an entrepreneur and chase my artistic dreams.

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:17 Disclaimer / Warning
1:31 What I'm Drawing
2:36 My Background in Architecture
3:31 Architecture School VS The Real World
9:14 Architecture is a Never-ending Jack of All Trades
11:14 A desire to Master my Craft
13:30 What could have changed Everything
17:54 Virtue in Pursuing your Passion
19:46 Benefits of Working with Others
21:42 Loneliness, Fear & Despair
23:10 The Final Moment

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[ergojosh]

Anyone thinking of quitting their jobs???

[omojo_i]

I quit architecture for art/animation. One of the Best decisions I’ve ever made. I also find that most of the skills I learnt in architecture propelled my career/growth in the art industry

[BGold_Animation]

I always wanted to follow in my older brother's footsteps, he is a very talented programmer.
It took me a decade of crawling through jobs in the hi tech industry to understand this is not for me.
Long story short, I took a 2 year animation class and I am now working for the last 18 months in the biggest local animation studio.
I can totally relate to your story, even though it took me way longer to understand who I am, and to believe that I can do artistic things even without starting it out as a kid.

For those who think it's too late for them, I started learning animation when I was 27, with a 1 yo baby, so, it's probably possible for you too.

[onerawartist]

A teacher told us in our first day in architecture school: only 1% of you will be designing concepts.

[Thumin]

Ur such an inspiration to me, ilu Josh senpaiii 😭💕💕💕

[swimminginthestars_]

the only thing quicker than ergo stealing hearts is how fast we come when we get a notif

[lillycastitatis]

"You are in complete control of your life and what you can make out of your life and your experiences"

Thank you Josh, I really needed to remember this during this times.

[wildbloodyrose]

Josh, I can't tell you how much I needed to hear this

I wasted 8 years of my life in Architecture and I can assure that Josh did an amazing job explaining how it's like to actually work in the industry.
as he mentioned we need to become a jack of all trades but the process is so hard and slow that it can feel like you are learning everything and nothing at the same time.
I've spent my 8th year (2019) learning how to work with multiple programs for drawings, 3D modeling and rendering, I took courses after courses with the best tutors I could find and then, 2020 happened! I never had any free time to reflect on my thoughts and the choices I made and the choices I was about to make

the moment I realized I didn't have the slightest amount of passion left in me, hit me so hard that I could feel all the tiredness from those all-nighters I pulled crawling back to me.
I felt empty, I felt unmotivated to the point of questioning the source of my motivation in the first place. it took me too long to acknowledge that the only thing that kept me going was the "hustle", it might sound stupid but after talking to some of my college friends they agreed that the hustle was the result of constant competition in the education system.

I don't know how it works in other countries but in my case at the end of every semester our scores were finalized only after the judges checked all the projects from all the classes and students at the same time, even with the ones with different professors. so it means everyone would constantly drop scores if someone came up with a better design or better ideas or better skills in executing the idea.
I remember feeling so lonely during my time at the college cause most of the people in my class hated me for putting way too much effort into my projects (which was out of passion not competition) but I believe the environment did effect me in one way or the other...
so I kept going without realizing I'm losing my physical health and finally my mental health after acknowledging I lost 8 years of my life just to be unemployed due to the recent horrible condition of economy in my country.



I'm sorry if my comment is grammatically incorrect, I tried my best :)

[fhenny]

I never clicked on a video so fast!! I just graduated with my masters in architecture and now I’m working in the profession and and I’m so miserable. But now I’m propelling my art endeavors forward in full force. The Architecture profession is draining! And art is empowering.

[kmilita]

I quit collegue architecture after 5 years studing (in south america, collegue is 5 and a half years+ if u are fast) i just couldnt do it anymore, i was so depressed! It was the Best decision i did in My life

[kyo_qi]

You know I’m scared of making the wrong decision, but I’m even more scared of not ever making the decision




What you did takes guts, blatant guts and passion. Thanks sensei

[awkward]

I didn't read the full title and for a second I thought you were quitting art completely lmao

[pangle]

I currently work in architecture and on the side, I draw to exert my creative side. 90% of what josh said about architecture school and the realities of working in a corporate firm is quite accurate. Design is only 10-20% of the job. The other 80-90% is making the building work, ensuring it complies, collaboration with other specialists in the industry managing the cost and a lot of documentation. For me I like it because I am a very technical person. Learning details such as doors, windows and structural elements is very interesting to me. I actually enjoy documentation a lot and to receive concepts from a designer and working on it to bring it to life.

When josh expresses his lack on independence on a job, still requiring instructions from his leaders even 2 years in. That is normal. Architecture embodies a lot of knowledge and we become the jack of all trades. It's impossible for us to complete tasks without collaboration and mentoring especially very earlier in our careers. As long as you enjoy the job, just keep pushing through. All Knowledge and experiences takes time and the bond you create with you team and project leader can be very rewarding.

I'm glad josh found his calling. It's never too late to pursue something else.

[phillippajmd]

-Is this the signal I was looking for?

[somekindofwuongo]

This hit hard! 3 years in architecture school and 4 years in interior design school. After working in the industry for almost 3 years everything you said I can relate. All of the high and low during design school was not there. I was not designing and just another part of the production machine... Love this video and the people comments below, seeing that so many people having the same issues really empowering me to let all go and move on to something I have always wanted to do for a living which is drawing! If you are reading this, GOOD LUCK! We only have one life!

[helloalexandraa]

I also graduated with a BS in architecture and worked at a corporate firm for almost 2 years before deciding to pivot to art (animation)... needless to say this video came at the right time! I reiterate all your sentiments about architecture school vs. the work force (and Revit LOL). I had no idea you came from an architecture background!

Also, hearing someone say “pin up” for the first time in a few years sent a SHIVER down my spine 😭

[NiquazWorld]

I'm listening to your story and I almost screamed in relief!!! Someone understands!!! I am currently working in a mid size architecture firm as well and your reviews is literally so similar to what I'm experiencing. I'm 6 yrs in right now and what I like the most about architecture is the people. I don't really care too much about working in Revit all the time or AutoCad. Right now we are all working in Revit 2018-2020 on BIM 360 cloud and having to collaborate with the engineers has been more effective. But like you said, you don't get the luxury to design. You just have to work on a lot of details and all that boring stuff. And having that imposter syndrome is so real. Honestly, I feel like I don't necessarily belong like you said because I am more artsy than I am technical. I can go on and on but to validate what you are saying, but I just want to say thank you for sharing your story. I am on a venture to becoming a full-time artist as well. I thought I was in a unique position until I saw your youtube page and now your story. Thank you for your story. You just gave me a Realistic view of hope that I can do this. Stay Blessed!

[Nadiaxel]

What an inspiring video - in all sorts of ways! My journey was very similar, except I've never done architecture, it was just something else. I'm happy for you to have come down this path, Josh! And we're a lot of people here who are ready and happy to support you ♥ Best of luck!

[timallenanimates]

This really hit home for me, Josh. I'm in a similar situation of just graduating from Architecture school with a Master's. I felt like taking it a step above Bachelor's would put me in a better position to get hired out from graduation. I'm currently working in a small firm and also struggling with the disconnect from school to real-world and learning Revit! It is fun, but likewise, I am more interested in the artistic and design aspect of architecture, and that passion has led me to make an art and animation channel that I am slowly working on currently (this channel profile, in particular!) I dunno where life will take me, but currently dealing with mixed emotions of struggling in the workplace whilst looking inward to decide if architecture is something I want to keep pursuing, or if it's something else. Love the people I have worked with through my past internships and my current job tho! The people do make the environment great! I love hearing about your journey and experience with transitioning from architecture to art, and the similar struggles of school vs. real-world in the architecture realm!

[lenaonfire]

Why is this fitting SO hard to my current life situation... D:
I study Landscape Architecture because i'm afraid to start my art career... although i know that making art is what my soul and heart desires.