Is an art degree worth it?

April 13, 2016

When we were little, we were always told that we could grow up to be anyone we wanted to be- weather that be a fireman, a veterinarian, a policeman, or a doctor.

Our parents told us that no matter what we wanted to be in life, they would always support us and our decisions as we grew older.

But it has become obvious that some careers are “better” than others, and that some branches of work are looked down upon, or seen as merely hobbies and not “real” jobs.

Art is one such career with a stigma attached to it that many look down on the career as a waste of time and money.

The “Starving Artist” is one such career pursuit that many laugh off as a “bird course.”

Studying in Arts and Humanities is a branch that is judged harshly and with stigma.

How many times will an art student be asked “What are you going to do with that?” as if studying this course is something to be ashamed about?

Or being told that all they will end up doing in life is painting pretty pictures, or wasting their lives on some pointless hobby they should’ve grown out of by now?

What many people don’t realize is that those who study or pursue a career in art can do many things beside just painting a pretty picture that’s hung up on a wall.

“There are many career branches one can go into in pursuing art as a career,” said Lori Mozina, an teacher in the Art Department here in Franklin Regional. “Many modern jobs are considered careers in art. Technology has opened many fields for one to pursue.”

New software technology on continuously updating computers allow for careers such as Animation, and Graphic Designing to open up. Careers in Architecture, Fashion Design, and Photography are also considered “art” careers as well. With this new technology comes a new way of doing business, and new positions that open in different fields.

“Art as a major is very open- ended,” said art teacher Denielle DeSantis. “Many don’t realize what is out there for careers in art- there’s more to art than just Studio Art and art making.”

In “The Ontarion,” the University of Guelph’s Independent Student Newspaper, it’s said that “Art majors are a valuable addition to businesses, perfect candidates for law school, and valuable members of the workforce due to their ability to rationalize, be analytical, and think creatively to solve problems they will encounter.”

A common misconception that people have is that when going into school for an arts major, one automatically goes on to just draw portraits and paint meaningless things in hopes to make money.

Many stereotypes have convinced many people to think that studio art is all an artist does, that most of an artist career is made up of self- promotion and trying to sell off art pieces for as much as one can get.

But times are changing now, and the stigma against the arts is something that can’t hold any longer.

With new technology and the surplus of diverse career choices for those majoring in the arts, the “Starving Artist” is being shown to be anything but.

Understanding just what art major students and the future careers available for those with the degree is just the first step to getting rid of the stigma of the “Starving Artist.”

The department of arts is diverse and full of opportunity for one interested.

This kind of thought is the same regardless of the major.

For example, computer science majors can become app programmers, software writers for medical equipment, or a host of other different career paths.

Art is no different, with art majors having access to more career paths than one can count.

The world is full of options for one going into the arts, and learning just what there is available for one in that department is just a step closer to getting rid of the stereotype of the “Starving Artist.”