With graduation looming ‘round the corner, the question of money – and thus jobs – inevitably comes into play in everyday conversation and internet activity. Like many, I use Craig’s list as one source of job listings, and lately, we’ve been rather close (Craig and I). In so being, I’ve not only had the opportunity to see posting after posting for which I’m simply unqualified, but I’ve also been able to engage in a close study of the language of our most beloved internet tool.
One of the most popular and hated lines for internships in particular is the glorious “great experience” line, delicate code for “no money no way no how.” Then there’s the infamous modifier “creative” – this is a “creative job,” looking for “creative” individuals. This really means “we have no idea what we’re pitching so be prepared for anything that vaguely relates to media.” My personal favorite, and perhaps the phrase which best embodies the exploitative nature of a career in the arts is, “looking for a do-what-it-takes attitude.” Stay away people, stay away, because those precious words foreshadow the end of your social life, the transformation of weekends into workdays and the uncinching of your belt as you commit yourself to habitual fast food meals on the run.
So for those people posting art jobs, keep it real, and tell us what you really mean.
