I want a career doing something with photography and/or writing. Should I go to a community college or should?

I go to an art institute? The thing is, I have already taken a few courses at a local community college and I have done really bad because I hate things like maths, and sciences. I am a 27 year old woman supporting myself working as a secretary and I haven't gone back to school because I have loans out and lost my financial aid due to bad grades. I just wish I would've gone to an art institute. I requested information from one and I'm waiting for them to call me back. Is this a bad idea for me to do?

I'm biased since I know some people who went to art institutes, and spent lots of money, and did not ever really make a full living doing art (had to bartend/waitress and do art). So I'm not sure it is worth it.

Is there any way you can start doing writing and/or photography and get paid for it? Do you have any local free magazines/newspapers that accept articles? Have you looked into books like _Writers Market_ (http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozi... - also available at libraries) or _Photographer's Market_ (http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozi... that tell you about national magazines that accept MIGHT accept work from new writer's and/or photographers?

How about writing and/or photography clubs in your area? They might be ways to learn how to be a better writer/photographer.

I work for a community college, and I'm all for more education, but I think there are some things you might learn better by doing. So, go write something that will someone will pay you for, or take pictures that they will want to buy, either for a magazine, or maybe you can sell cards/matted prints at a local store?

Instead of looking to pay someone to tell you how to do it, try maybe to make your hobby into a paying proposition.

An artist is not a graduate of an art institute, an artist is someone who creates art that someone else enjoys. So, go make some art, and if it is good, maybe someone will pay you for it.

No its not a bad idea. Have you thought about online courses as well? Or have you checked into an internship with a photo journalist? Just a few ideas. Or the free government grants? Hope I have helped.