We’ve all been asked the same question at some point in our lives: “What’s your major?” Now, most people will say business or marketing or something that will lead to a successful, high paying career. And then there are people like me who answer, “I’m a fine arts major.” With this answer, one can expect several different reactions followed by several other questions.
1. That’s so cool! Can you draw me something?
Yes, I can draw you something. Do I have time to draw you something? Absolutely not. But, if you wish to buy a piece of art from me, I will not complain. I’m not trying to be mean, but as an art major, you do not have time to do anything extra, much less what you have to do for class.
2. (Blank stare followed by fake smile.) That’s nice. What are you going to do with that?
Well, what a lot of people don’t realize is that everything is art or was made by some sort of designer or artist. That shirt you’re wearing? A fashion designer designed it. That cup with the cute picture of a puppy on it that you are drinking from? Graphic designer. The fancy logo on your car, the cover of a student’s textbook, the commercials you watch on TV between shows, all of these things were created by artists! Graphic designers create logos and images that are published for companies. The photo of the McDonald’s French Fries on the drive-thru menu you just ordered was taken by a professional photographer. The world relies on art, but often, it is looked over.
3. Your classes must be really easy.
Now, it’s my turn for the blank stare. What most people don’t realize is that one studio class consists of two and half hours of class twice a week followed by an art critique every other week and then there are those professors that like to throw in additional required studio times of three hours a week outside of class. Let me just cut out all sleep and eating time now. And my social life. Plus, on top of this, we have other classes to take besides art.
Some classes, like Life Drawing, encourage their art students to stand the entire time because it allows you to draw with your entire arm, not just your wrist. Granted, this is helpful and allows for more successful pieces because you are using your entire body to draw. But try standing for two and a half hours at 8 a.m. You learn some very unique ways of anchoring your knee into your easel to prop yourself up so you don’t fall over from exhaustion.
4. You must be really creative.
Yes, I can be very creative at times, but every art major runs into writer’s block. Nothing is more frustrating than staring at a blank canvas for hours on end knowing you are supposed to have a completed masterpiece ready for the following day. Sure, we are creative people, but the creativity does not always come easy.
Then, there are those days where the creativity is pouring out of you. This is sometimes a good thing, but most of the time your brain is going a hundred miles a second and you cannot turn it off. Try studying for a Spanish or Math test while your eyes continue to wander, observing the area around you, creating that perfect composition for a photo or painting. Do I want to continue studying for this math test tomorrow? Not really, my pencils are calling me and I must draw.
5. Do you want to go out to dinner later?
No, this question is not directly related to being an art major, but it is still very relevant. Art is fun. Art is expensive. Good quality works of art come from very high quality materials. Yes, I would love to go out to dinner with my friends, but occasionally, I have to save that $20 for three Micron pens so I can finish a drawing.
I love being an art major. I love the people I get to work with, the professors that teach us different techniques and ways of using materials. Art is one of my many passions and I am blessed to be able to study it in school and then hope to make a career out of being a professional photographer. Art is all around us. Some may not see it all the time, but it is there. Sure, I may not make the most money in the future like the business or marketing majors, but it takes an artist to create a brand logo, to take a professional photograph for a magazine cover, to design that shirt you decided to wear today. Art is all around us, we just have to open our eyes and see it.
