"Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up." - Pablo Picasso
Passion for art starts at a young age - even those who don't pursue art professionally don't lose that passion. But the lucky few who decide to pursue that passion professionally, in the form of an art degree or other formal art education, truly live and breathe their interests. Pursuing an art education, however, is not without it's risks, and if you have some hesitations, you're not alone. Working in the arts has always been a risky bet, but those who choose to walk that path often find it fulfilling in ways that a more traditional career route may never be. Plus, the "starving artist" mentality doesn't have to be your reality. There are plenty of art degrees that lead to more stable and yes, even more lucrative career options. Here are some points that may help guide your decision.
Image: Smart Art
- Most people assume that getting an art degree is a really risky proposition and don't see the benefit to getting an art degree in this day and age. While there is definitely some truth in the old “starving artist” adage, and the reality that few who get an art degree turn into the next Picasso, the actual statistics behind getting an art degree is significantly better than most people realize. A 2011 report from Georgetown’s University’s Center on Education and Workforce stated the unemployment rate from someone who majored in the arts has dropped from 7.8% to 4.5%, and those who in the artistic career field earned a median income of $42,000. Not too shabby at all!
- Another assumption is that the only job you can do with an art degree is be a painter in your garage. This is also untrue; there are actually several lucrative and exciting positions in the world of art. Of course, anyone who is wishing to pursue a career as a sculptor, painter or photographer, can live a very fulfilling and prosperous life as an artist, even one as a self-employed artist. The road may be difficult but the payoff is the greatest in the sense that you get to live out your passion and potentially do extremely well financially. Not to mention the old saying that nothing worth having comes easy! But there are tons of jobs that fall under the category of artist that might not necessarily be a full time painter but are just as rewarding. A popular position for art majors is museum curator, which is a very rewarding career because curators get to immerse themselves in the art community and plan and calibrate their idea of a perfect art museum. Teaching is always one of the most rewarding jobs and that is not different with an art major. Art teachers can pass their expertise on to students of all ages even teaching the skill at higher-level institutions and universities. Other career options include graphic design, marketing, photography, and so much more!
- A third fallacy about getting an art degree today is that art and technology are mutually exclusive. Fortunately, this is untrue! There's no doubt that this is truly one of the most important questions that art students have to ask themselves living in modern society. And the good news it that just because technology might be speeding up it doesn’t mean that the need for art is slowing down. If anything, the premium on art skills is at an all time high. Like we pointed out, artists can use their degree experience to design websites, become a graphic designer, and even get involved in the exciting and developing world of 3D printers and technology. This is the epitome of the future, and art students can position themselves to be ideally suited for it.
Hopefully this guide helps answer some of your questions about pursuing a career in the arts! Of course you might still have questions, but any student shold be naturally inquisitive. We hope you can see that an art degree isn't what it used to be - and encourage those passionate enough to pursue a formal art education to give it their all!
By Steve Goble, VP of Marketing Communications for Navis Pack & Ship. When he's not spilling packing and shipping secrets, he's spending time with his family at a San Diego Padres or Chargers game. Connect with Steve on Google+ and LinkedIn.
