Art as a profession is something that has not been encouraged in most African cultures. However, a closer look at the practical uses of art in technical design and 3-D design is an eye-opener and allows for large amount of unforeseen possibilities.

Who are the Millennials? All over the world, we see the pattern that this younger generation is changing the normal methods of our socioeconomic system that has been in place. This is especially due to the fact that this is the information age and computer generation.

We see teens becoming billionaires and developing and even creating new tools that have a huge impact on the world, for example; this is the potential of the millennial generation that we never used to see young people achieve. This goes to show that given the right opportunity, we all can be great too.

Visual art

I have not always lived in Ghana but one thing that I have seen is that the majority of Ghanaians are such hard workers and this is truly admirable. Unfortunately, however, most do not have enough skills to make a great difference in their lives and the economy.

The growth that is taking place around the world is also showing up here in Ghana and we need to accelerate it. Visual art is a field of study that outlasts time itself; representing a display of a group’s culture and even an individual’s personality.

I believe that encouraging and even funding causes and schools focused on this kind of practical education will bring about a wealth of growth over here in Ghana. It is truly time to give the Ghanaian millennial generation a chance to shine and contribute positively to this economy and society as a whole.

Technical design

Technical design is something that requires a high level of education and advanced knowledge in both computers and the principals of design. Although most design software is somewhat complicated, anyone can gradually build the skills to become a technical artist, though appropriate education is necessary.

Art inspires innovation, progress and greatness across all domains. An atmosphere of vocational education that is available to both children, especially young adults, will grant them access to crucial knowledge which will open the gates to artistic experience and preparation for the professional world.

Creative thinking is something that is needed for most progressive fields and should be encourage.

The practical uses of 3-D design are not obvious, but still very impactful. Relief work, engineering and entertainment are some examples of how 3-D art can be very useful. Using 3-D more can also bring about advancement in the medical industry, not just Ghana, but in other countries as well and actually has already been implemented to an extent.

For example, 3-D and 3-D printing is used for surgical planning for more complex surgeries where doctors can study 3-D printed models of your organs before surgery and even the final visual for cosmetic surgery. Technology has advanced so quickly, however, it could really be used more, especially for professional design.

Opportunities

How the citizens of Ghana can be given the opportunities required to become successful is one that I have thought about for a while. Introduction of more technology in more areas at a younger age is important.

Personally, I feel the education system is usually flawed. however, giving a means to provide practical education will equip students to create their own jobs upon leaving school and that is very important. The necessary steps to become a professional artist takes great time and effort. It also requires a strong understanding of the necessary paths to take in order to define that future.

Without ongoing support from an early age and a strong infrastructure to build upon, artistic vocations are not feasible. People outsource work that could be done by locals, I have seen this often. There is actually a large number of people with my similar love for 3-D and other digital design.

Culture

Ghana’s culture shines through art so much so that a large number of places use the symbols and artistic motifs from Ghanaian themes to represent African tradition. I think with the new medium that is present, portraying the strong culture this way will raise national pride and bring about something new.

The “Charlie Wote” Street Art Festival is a great example of art, bringing us together. Here we can observe how art will bring sponsors and corporations to support a unique cause. As support for the arts grows, different businesses will attempt to get involved as well.

3-D art and design has proven helpful in science and technology by illustrating concepts and research in easy-to-view formats. In the past, the technology to create impressive and detailed 3-D art was non-existent. From special effects, architectural models to 3-D printing; improving this area of knowledge brings us one step closer to positive change.

With the recent invention of 3-D printing, art can even be effectively brought into the physical world. Holding a digitally designed sculpture in your hands brings new meaning to the field of professional art, it could be something useful to explore the power of latest innovation with the rest of the world.

The government is a great potential distributor of funding for technical education. It has the capacity to reach out to gifted students, providing scholarships that will encourage art as a profession a reality. Creating an atmosphere for success in this field will be a change for the better, bringing about progress in the country.

Equipping students will allow them to create jobs from themselves upon leaving the education system. I have seen that although the current education system here is very informative, it fails to fully give students a strong grasp of how to obtain a job once they exit the generic education system.

Allowing artists and other areas to see how to practically use their skills will bring about great success.

Writer’s e-mail : www.ohenewaanno.com