A group of AP Studio Art students were treated to a behind-the-scenes experience and opportunity to explore various art-related and creative careers when they visited the offices of Vogue magazine and Ralph Appelbaum Associates on March 15.
Organized by art teachers Marijke Briggs and Courtney Alan, the field trip was meant to inspire the students and encourage them to pursue their interests until they discover which career path they are most passionate about.
“The best part of the trip was that students realized there are many careers out there that require creative backgrounds and that there isn't just one path to get there,” Alan said. “The students were excited by the possibilities presented to them.”
During their visit to Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the students toured the world’s largest museum exhibition design firm and were exposed to a variety of architectural careers such as architect, designer, model artist, graphic designer, content editor and 3D rendering. James Cathcart, senior associate, architect and designer, shared sketches of a new museum, which is being designed in Africa with a world-renowned paleoanthropologist, about the evolution of man. In addition, John Locascio, associate and senior graphic designer, and George Robertson, associate and director of visualization and imaging, showed the students a 3D computer rendering of a proposed museum in the Bronx.
While at Vogue, Tim Schultheis, art director, introduced the students to different creative jobs related to magazine production, with a focus on marketing and advertising. They also heard from a creative director about his career path and toured the photo studio, where covers and features are captured. Then the students visited the research library, where they saw the first Vogue cover that had been hand illustrated. Lastly, they were treated to a 360-degree view of the city from the 64th floor of the Freedom Tower, 1 World Trade Center, the building in which the Vogue offices are located.
“It was important to expose students to various creative fields,” Alan added. “There are many jobs where they could utilize their creativity and art background.”