Student Voice: Beyond the Studio - Building a Sustainable Creative Career by Vidhi Jangra
Occasionally we invite guests to contribute to our Substack. This article is by recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University, Vidhi Jangra
Finishing a degree is a huge accomplishment—and a relief. But what nobody warns you about are the post-graduation blues. Suddenly, the structure of education is gone, and you’re left job hunting, searching for an anchor, and staring into a vast landscape of possibilities. For art students, this transition can feel particularly disorientating. Art schools teach you how to make work and how to build a creative practice, but not always how to navigate the art world, negotiate with galleries, or build a sustainable creative career.
When I was an MFA student at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), I became acutely aware of this gap. I wanted real-world insight—how do artists actually make a living? What does a sustainable creative practice look like? Then the AA2A artist residency took place and it gave me a peek into life as a creative.
Photo credit: Ian Reynolds
Having AA2A artists in residence at NTU provided a real-world perspective. As a Student Ambassador working closely with these practicing artists, I gained insights into what being a creative can mean. I observed firsthand how they balanced being a professional artist with other forms of creative work - from managing studio time to handling commissions and grant applications. These interactions demystified the romanticised "starving artist" myth, showing instead the varied, pragmatic ways artists build sustainable careers. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to navigate professional relationships in the art world - how to collaborate, negotiate fair terms, and recognise worthwhile opportunities.
I also took the opportunity to combine different roles like collaborating with Arianna Milesi - AA2A artist in residence, for a lecture and workshop at Bonington Gallery where I facilitated Bonington Connects and worked as Gallery assistant. Organising these workshops gave me insight into being on the other side of public programming and artist liaison. This gave me the opportunity to think about other possible dimensions of creative work.
Now as a recent graduate, my career is taking shape through a host of different creative endeavours. I'm developing my artistic practice while taking on freelance projects, applying for residencies and staying engaged with the arts community in different ways. As a part of AA2A Creative Futures program I also got personal mentoring sessions with experienced professionals in the arts through which I got crucial guidance for the direction of my career and being mentored made me feel validated in my multi-faceted approach towards building a portfolio career. As of now, I am exploring new avenues in public programming and curation, whether it’s as a gallery assistant, a young trustee or event assistant. The path isn't linear, and that's okay - the AA2A experience taught me that creative fulfilment can come in many forms. For current art students and graduates I think the most important thing is to branch out from university education and reach out to artists and creatives to build a community of genuine relationships with other contemporaries.
Photo credit: Ian Reynolds
What AA2A gave me above all was perspective - seeing how professional artists navigate their careers made the art world feel more accessible and less intimidating. For current students and new graduates, the transition can be challenging, but it is worth it. Seeking out mentors, staying open to different possibilities can open up great new avenues. Graduation has gone from being something I was terrified of to the beginning of a new and exciting journey.
Vidhi Jangra, AA2A Student Ambassador at Nottingham Trent University 2024-25
Vidhi Jangra is a multidisciplinary artist with a research-driven practice centered on materiality as both context and content, exploring home as a site for micropolitical interventions. She earned her BFA (Honours) from Santiniketan School of Art, followed by an MFA from Nottingham Trent University.