Anyone who is an arts major of any kind has had someone tell them that it is a waste of time, or that they don't see te point of getting an arts degree... here's why those people are wrong.
7. Networking
Certain companies like to pick their favorite perspective employees from the same slew of colleges, because they know the caliber of the program and what the student is likely to be capable of. Sure, there are plenty of exceptions and you still have to earn your spot, but there are many opportunities at college career fairs and through alumni contacts. Also, your teachers can be major supporters when you need a good reference and can even recommend you for a job to an acquaintance or colleague. Just like in many other majors, college gives you ample opportunity to network and make connections that will help you later in your career. Don’t be afraid to talk with your professors and ask them about their own work as well!
6. Broadening your horizons
Sure, you could go out on your own and find people who know different techniques than you, or try to learn them yourself, but the simplest solution is taking classes at a university. A lot of majors, although focused on certain concentrations, really force you to take a variety of classes that stretches your skill set wider than you could have hoped. My concentration is computer animation, but as an electronic arts major I learn about producing sound, photography, design, foundations such as life drawing and sculpture, computer science, and so much more. The professors of each class are usually very skilled and great to work with, and who knows, you may discover something unexpected that you are great at and works for you.
5. Interdisciplinary Studies and Collaborations
Whether it is working with other artists in different mediums, or working with other majors, such as the engineers at my school, you find a lot of opportunities to learn things outside of your major as well, which can sometimes help you in a project of your own. A class of engineers, artists, scientists, and computer programmers can all work to make an interactive mural, or a group of game design students who all specialize in certain things can come together to design a game. This gives you practice working with other people and gives you great opportunities to make amazing work for your portfolio.
4. Learning to Meet Deadlines
Anyone who has told you that being an arts major is easy, was probably lying, because the art majors that I have met work harder than most of the people I know. Our projects aren’t necessarily more time consuming, until they are. With animation, something that you expect to take five minutes will take you five hours, especially when you are still learning and your program crashes on you seven different times during the same project. You’re forced to create more than you could have ever imagined you could, in a relatively short span of time, which prepares you to meet deadlines and work quickly.
3. Critiques and Community
While you are being pushed to work quickly and efficiently, you are also being pushed to become a better artist. In college you have an entire room of students, as well as professors, and sometimes even visiting artists or graduate students that critique your work and tell you what’s working, what’s not working, and what you have to improve. Even though time constraints might mean your work is not a masterpiece, there’s a certain sense of pride that keeps your work at a certain level where you can in somewhat good conscious tack it up in front of the class, and take their suggestions to improve it afterwards. Also, when you see so many other people’s work, a community forms and you make friends and acquaintances that you will be happy to have when you need help, are stuck for an idea, or just want an opinion on a new piece.
2. Gaining Experience
At a lot of colleges, science students can help their professors with research- art is no different. Whether it is an experimental media study with a resident artist or art exhibit installation for one of your professors’ shows, these opportunities are priceless and give you great experience; plus, it can build up your resume and be really fun! I helped on of my professors, Nathan Meltz (above) with an installation in a gallery and it was great to learn a little bit about screen printing and see how the piece was made and put on display
1. There is actually a job for you...
Just like in any major, a job isn’t guaranteed after graduation. However, advertising and entertainment companies (along with others) are looking for hard-working, creative artists, and having a degree certainly shows that you can get the job done. It is true that many positions are paid project by project, but there are so many opportunities for a determined, smart artist that’s not afraid to do some hard work. Whether this is a stepping stone to a different graduate degree, or a kick-start to a growing career in the arts, don’t be afraid to study what you love and dream big. Be persistent, work hard, and go for it.
... and you're going to love doing it.
There's a simple reason why I chose to study animation- because it's something I knew that I would enjoy. Despite all the complaints about work, and the sleepless nights staring at a screen, I know I'm learning to make something great that will make other people smile.
Why did you become an arts major?
