We all know the stereotypes: studying any medium of art as a future career is a soon-to-be train wreck, art students are not proficient in math or science, or they have no true aspirations for the 'real world.' But as an art student, let me tell you something; I'm an art student but I'm not...

1. Awful at math

Contrary to what you may believe, yes I do comprehend quantitative reasoning and calculus. Yes, I can also take amazing photographs. It is, in-fact, possible to be proficient in both fields.

2. Destined to only minimum-wage jobs

Yes, it is possible to get a career based in art in this 'real world' of which you speak.

3. A tortured soul

I feel emotions exactly the same as you; I feel happy, sad, confused, excited, or any other color under the rainbow, I may just express them more openly through my art.

4. Always the best at creating art.

Art can be difficult ok?! There are days when I create masterpieces like Van Gogh or symphonies like Beethoven and there are days when I draw as well as a second-grader or rock out to the triangle. There is no in-between.

5. The best at every type of art.

Yeah I can take pictures, sure I like to paint and play guitar, but sit me down and make me sculpt? I'll try to make a vase, but it will just end up being a sad, soggy pile of clay.

Art is an amazing form of expression and individuality. Just like any other fantastic field of study, such as business, biological engineering, or computer science, it is a perfectly viable option to make a career out of it. But in the end, what does it matter to anybody besides yourself what you're studying? Pursue what makes you happy and don't judge others for their decisions!