I believe most people in this world (most specifically, in the developed world) do not view Art and its discipline as a realm of knowledge that is essential to the development and progress of human civilization (or their own careers). YES, at a glance, this may be the hasty generalisation many would make.

However, I do feel the PRACTICAL VALUE of learning art. Here are some points that I have summarised. I do hope to inspire more people to learn a few skills in art.

Our education system dictates the advantages of those who excel in left brain thinking and logical, mechanic arguments. However, I do feel that our world, our economy and our society needs more people who excel in soft skills with artistic talents.

Disclaimer: I do not represent other fields of Art except for Music & Graphic Art. Also, I have never attended any class on sketching as I believe Art is something that is personal, and should be built upon solely by the artist himself.

1. Gives your brain an extra boost when brainstorming

Many should be familiar with the structure distinction that exist in one’s brain, between the logical and monolithic left hemisphere and the artistic free expressing right hemisphere. Our (meritocratic) education system caters more to our left hemisphere, emphasizing the importance of mathematics and numerical analysis, which trains logical think starting from a SINGLE IDEA ONLY. As you start to draw and sketch, your imagination runs wild like forest fire, and countless ideas floats up. As you integrate these habits into your life, you will find it easy to brainstorm and dig out ideas from the deepest part of your brain.

2. Help you to Communicate better

Let’s admit it, pictures do say a thousand words, and it’s MUCH more appealing than words. Social Network Marketing trends have seen more use of photos and visual aids rather than words. And Facebook statistics showed that if your post is more than 5 lines or contains no pictures, readers may easily turn off. Crafting your ideas into visually comprehensive aid will help in communicating even the most complex and abstract ideas. Concept maps, infographics and Flowcharts are good examples of Visual presentation. A book I recently read, named “The back of the napkin”, discusses the importance of visual diagrams in business pitching. If you are interested, do check out its official website here.

3. Relax without computers

I know it is man’s natural intend to procrastinate, or in other word, succumbing to the sin of Sloth. Computer games used to be the ultimate slacking tool, but was recently replaced by addictive social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter (Google+ is still a baby). However, these DO NOT help you to rest and relax. Reading, commenting, playing some games may strain your brain more than when you are actually studying or working. Taking this time to truly relax through freely expressing your wordless thoughts. Improvise a few Piano pieces, randomly sketch a few of your favourite cartoon characters, etc.

4. Increase the chances of those “Magical Moments”

This point is not backed by scientific research, but a myth that I believed it, and it seems to be working for me. By “Magical Moments” I mean a sudden realization of what to do even in the most helpless situations. Life struggles can be tough, but they always seemed less tough for me. I ALWAYS have the idea of what to do even when the task given is extremely challenging and goals are unrealistic. I believe in the power of Art and the power of my right brain.

5. To Impress the Crowd

One of the most practical use of learning a skills or two in Art is to show off, or its euphemism, to impress others. Impressing others isn’t just about enlarging one’s Ego and Pride, it is about presenting yourself properly to others. It’s about networking. During your networking sessions, you would really be a big hit if you can take out that sketchpad that you always have and recreate the people in front of you, or to wow the guest by surprise to play a classical piano piece. These add to their impression of you and will sure to push you to a higher level.

Do read my first blogpost “3 reason why I started a designer blog“.That’s all I have to say folks! Keep “orz”ing!