Leaving Architecture to become a Successful Artist, ft. David Horgan

Leaving architecture for art can sound risky, but creative careers are rarely linear. The useful question is how someone turns a side path into a serious body of work.Stephen Drew speaks with David Horgan about leaving architecture to become a successful artist, self-taught painting, storytelling, social commentary, exhibitions, studio practice and what it takes to build a creative career outside traditional practice.The conversation covers: How architecture training can feed into a career as an artist Why storytelling and social commentary shape David's work What changes when a creative side path becomes a serious practice How exhibitions and residencies help build momentum What architecture professionals can learn from creative pivots ____▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LIwJNZjFL8📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/leaving-architecture-to-become-a-successful-artist-ft-david-horgan/Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:https://architecturesocial.com/The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:https://archademia.com/architecture-social/Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.____Chapters 00:00 Introduction to leaving architecture for art 05:00 David Horgan's background and self-taught painting 10:00 Storytelling, humour and social commentary 15:00 Why architecture can lead to another creative career 20:00 Moving from a job into a studio practice 25:00 Exhibitions, residencies and building momentum 30:00 What artists and architecture professionals can learn from each other 35:00 The difference between a side hustle and a serious practice 40:00 Practical advice for people considering a creative pivot 45:00 Final reflections on leaving architecture