The widespread belief that a career in the arts offers thin financial stability is challenged by AnaMaria Chițu, student in the Master program of the National University of Arts in Bucharest (UNARTE), who chose a career in visual communication, despite those who doubted her choice.
“Creating is my lifeline” – Arts student defies stereotypes
From childhood, Ana spent most of her time immersed in creativity. “I used to sit for hours drawing,” she recalls. Her passion for art remained constant through her teenage years, even though she attended a theoretical high school rather than an art-focused one. Despite this, she contributed illustrations for various articles published in the school magazine. “I wish I had gone to an art high school,” she admits, “so I wouldn’t have felt inferior to those who did.”
“I can’t live without creating”
Reflecting on the support she received in pursuing the arts, Ana always felt that this was her true calling. However, validation from those around her played an important role. “I needed others to encourage me in that direction, to tell me that I really had talent and that it would be a shame not to pursue a career in art.”
When she decided to attend UNARTE, reactions from those around her were mixed. “Some people were happy because they knew how much I loved art,” she explains. “But there were also those who doubted my choice, seeing it as an uncertain path without financial stability.”
Ana’s experience as a student at UNARTE was a fulfilling one, allowing her to develop her talent in ways she had always envisioned. Reflecting on her academic journey, she found the master’s exam easier than the bachelor’s, simply because she was better prepared. “I wouldn’t say it was a difficult exam, but it was definitely demanding. We had to prepare a project outline for the dissertation along with some portfolio work.”
“Documentation is highly important”
Ana’s passion for graphic design and illustration stemmed from her curiosity about how to communicate a visual message. This interest played a key role in her involvement in the symposium dedicated to Eugen Preda (excerpt from the visual in the illustration – n.r.), the mentor of the modern school of radio journalism. Designing the visuals of the event, she also learned more about communication. “It was a wonderful stroke of luck, but one that was built on my hard work during university.”
The creative process for the symposium was complex, requiring careful attention to detail. Ana acknowledges that the written materials about Eugen Preda were invaluable in shaping her artistic vision. “Some quotes really stood out to me,” she shares. “I thought, these words are powerful – I should incorporate them into my designs.”
Being part of such a large-scale project was both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Ana. “It was my first experience of this kind, so I was really nervous,” she admits. However, the excitement of seeing her work recognized by so many people made it all worthwhile. “I had a great time. It’s such a rewarding feeling when your peers engage with something you’ve created and share their opinions.”
Looking ahead, Ana envisions her future in the arts, particularly in graphic design. “I would love to continue in the world of art and visual communication,” she says. However, her curiosity extends beyond design—she is also eager to explore fields such as journalism and philosophy. “I’m a very curious person.”
Finally, Ana offers advice to those with artistic talent who hesitate to pursue it: “Have confidence in yourself—that’s the most important thing. Even if those around you don’t believe in you, it’s often because they don’t fully recognize your potential. You are the one who should make the important decisions in your life, not anyone else.”
Through Ana’s journey, we see what it means to be a UNARTE student – bold, determined, and passionate. It is through dedication and perseverance that creativity flourishes, allowing both the artist and their audience to experience the beauty of artistic expression.
About the author
Daria Botez is a student at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies, University of Bucharest and this interview was created during her study programme (the version in Romanian language, available on the students’ page) and was curated by Manuela Preoteasa. Daria Botez is also a co-host of Generatia Z radio programme, broadcast by București FM, a channel of Radio Romania, where she had Ana-Maria Chițu as a guest.
Visuals about the mentor of the radio journalism by Ana Maria Chițu
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