Creative people who are interested in working in an artistic capacity may find it beneficial to get a degree in art. There are many people interested in the arts, and an art degree gives you an edge over the competition when it comes to finding a job. Making a smart decision about which arts degree to get can make a huge difference in how likely it is that you’ll get a job that satisfies you.
What Kinds of Art Degrees Are There?
It is important to understand that there are many different types of art and design degrees. Although you can get a general art degree, it is usually more lucrative to focus on a niche area of interest for your degree. Common areas of specialization for people interested in arts degrees include:
- Animation, Film, or Audio/ Video Production
- Fashion Design including Jewelry Design
- Fine Arts including Drawing, Painting, and Photography
- Game Design, Web Design, and other High Tech Design
- Interior Design or Landscape Design
- Visual Arts and Performing Arts
What Is It Like to Study Art?
The niche area of art that you choose to study dictates what you learn in your art degree program. However, there are some general things that all art students learn including:
- Art business, marketing, and sales
- Art history with an emphasis on the area being studied such as the history of fashion design
- Art skills, including drawing techniques, pattern making, etc.
- Technology of art, including the use of computer hardware and software to facilitate design
- Portfolio creation for future job placement
The most common art degree is a four-year degree obtained from an art school. However, there are two-year arts degrees as well as advanced art and design degrees.
Job Prospects for Students with Arts Degrees
What you are probably most concerned about is whether or not you can get a job once you graduate with an arts degree. More than sixty percent of students with an art degree are self-employed, however jobs for artists can be found in a wide range of industries, depending on your specific skill set.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of artists is expected to grow approximately 12 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is the average rate of growth for all types of employment. The greatest demand is for art directors, computer-knowledgeable illustrators, and multi-media animators.
Income from an Arts Degree
What type of income are you going to get after graduating with an arts degree? The answer varies depending on your exact position, of course. Craft artists earned a median annual wage of $28,960 in 2009, whereas art directors had median wages of $78,580. Most artists fall somewhere between these two positions, earning a moderate income as freelance artists, salaried fine artists, and animators. There continues to be a lot of competition in this industry but there are regular positions opening up for hard-working artists with creative vision.
Kelli Smith writes about colleges and universities, community colleges, and online schools. Find schools offering art degrees at www.CollegesandUniversities.org.
