Hopes, Fears and Opportunities

Before I even started the illustration degree, I knew exactly what I would be getting myself into after I graduate, because as will all know, the creative industry is VERY competitive, and it may even take years to get going properly. But its a risk I was willing to let myself take, because if I didn't, I know I would regret it for the rest of my life. You have to work hard at everything you want in life, nothing ever comes easy....I just want to give myself a chance to get out there and be creative.
The drive and enthusiasm that I have has carried me through into my last year but its what I'm afraid of losing when I leave. Over the years, you get comfortable being surrounded by peers and tutors always helping at every step along the way and not having that when I'll be in the big wide world is something I obviously won't be familiar with, so I often wonder how I'll cope on my own, when I feel like I haven't done a good job or have a creative block. Will I have the same drive and enthusiasm then, as I do now, but it's something I'll only have the answer to when I am on my own.
 Failing is something I do worry about... (even though I know failing is a must)...because I haven't experienced failing in the industry yet, I don't know how that would effect me. Failing in university is a fail because you didn't do the work, failing in the industry is because no one likes your work. If I was told once in the industry that my work isn't what there looking for, then thats fine, but if I'm told more than once and by different people that my work isn't good enough, that will definitely open up a lot of questions. However, I don't think I would ever let myself quit, I would need to work on how to improve.
And I think if you can pick yourself up from a hard fall like that, it's proof to yourself that you want it, and I think its very important to have that kind of attitude and open mindedness on a creative career path.
I hope to continue with this determination, which will hopefully open up some opportunities along the way.
Im currently working in a prop house, where people from TV companies and film companies etc are always coming in, and I sometimes get the pleasure of talking to them when I get a chance to help them look for what they need. This is a great way of making contacts and asking questions that could really help me in my future.