When I tell people that I double major in studio art and architecture, I get a lot of looks on their faces. Some admire my decision while others worry about my future career. Art major requires persistence, determination, attention to detail, and courage to try out unfamiliar styles/media. I love every minute in the studio, but let’s face it, every major has its struggle.

1. People assume your classes are easy.

Those people usually take art classes in hopes of getting an easy A and end up dropping it within the first week. When there’s a major, there’s work.

2. Figure drawing classes can get a bit awkward.

It’s so awkward that I don’t know how to put it in words exactly.

3. You never have a clean pair of jeans.

Because you are always in the studio.

4. Effort does not equal quality.

The piece you spend 3 days on might get a worse grade than the one you rushed in 15 minutes. We have learned to not love our pieces too much…

5. You get A LOT of requests.

Come on people, I have my own life too!

Everything comes with pros and cons. Although I might have made art major sound terrifying, the enriching, rewarding experience it constantly provides me always outweighs the pressure. At the end of the day, you’ll find me in the studio with my favorite Studio Ghibli soundtrack playing in the background, examining the canvas, and painting my next project.