Alumni Profile: Marlan

Self-employed photographer

BA in art education, class of 1972

When you first came to UIUC did you know for sure what you wanted to do as a major/career?

Yes.

How many majors/careers did you "go through" during your years here and how did you finally come to a choice?

I taught high school Printmaking and Photography for 3 years and decided to pursue a career as a photographer after I moved to the East Coast.

What was your first job after you earned your degree?

Teaching high school.

How did you land your first career related job?

Researching public school job openings.

Please list all positions you have held since graduation.

High school teacher
Community college instructor
Private prep school photo instructor
Freelance photojournalist
Editorial photography
Freelance commercial photographer
Medical photographer for medical school

What is your current occupation and how did you come to it?

I currently have a photo business doing black and white character study portraits for clients who want unique archival quality photography. I volunteer at a community darkroom in Irvine, CA, where I initiated an open studio program, 17 years ago. I am training to docent at the California Museum of Art in Newport Beach.

If you changed career paths after school, did you make a conscious choice to make the change, was it forced on you or did it naturally evolve?

It naturally evolved.

What steps did you take in making the transition?

I gained additional education and took a leap of faith.

What advice would you give to an FAA student who might be interested in your current or past careers?

If you are going into photo education, get a solid background in darkroom before going digital.

What advice can you give an FAA student who is currently undecided about their future career?

Shadow different professors first.

Any additional comments?

Develop solid skills and network like crazy.