Every student's journey through college is a rocky road filled with hard work and passion. It's important to understand that every student's time is valuable in its own way, whether they're assisting in labs or in classrooms, or pouring their hearts into their writing or their artwork. When it comes to being an art major, I always sense uneasiness when I tell them I'm studying graphic design. It makes me physically uncomfortable to see their obvious reaction of disapproval and I already know what is going through their head the minute I tell them. I've written article this shed some light on the truth about art students in hopes that other students will understand that we know what we're getting ourselves into and that our time is just as valuable as any other student.
1. Classes are easy.
I have listed this one first because it’s so important for people to understand that being an art major is more work than it seems. I can not tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase “Oh, she’s just an art major,” or “you must have a lot of extra time on your hands” before. Finishing art projects for a single class can take hours upon hours and in the end you might only end up with a high C or low B. Not only do we have to balance the homework assignments from all of our other classes, but add in the long list of art projects assigned to us from our professors, the research, history, and techniques we should be knowledgeable in, and the in-class critiques we have to go through. The work we do may not be similar to other majors, but that does not mean the work we do is not always easy.
2. Having an art degree is worthless.
Wrong, so wrong. Certainly finding a job in the art industry can be difficult but in no way is our degree setting us up for failure. There are plenty of things to do with an art degree that vary depending on what your major is. Some may focus on digital work, animation, or developing software, while others may want to be a freelance painter or go into art education. The average income varies widely, but it’s not impossible to find jobs with a decent salary with an art degree. If you’re doing work that you’re passionate about, the amount of money isn’t the only reward you’re receiving.
3. Every art major can draw well.
Although it can be important to be able to physically transform our thoughts and ideas onto paper, it is not a necessity for all art majors to be able to draw well. With the programs and technology we have today, there are many jobs that don’t require a lot of drawing.
4. We always think our work is the best.
We are constantly making judgements on our own art and sometimes we turn in pieces we did not like or had guidelines and restrictions that made us not enjoy the process. Somedays we finish pieces that we are so proud of and don’t want to touch-up ever again. Typically, after a project is due, students come into class and present their creative thought process and project for a grade. Critiques are an art major’s best friend. It’s difficult to hear negative opinions on your work from your professors and peers, but it’s the only way someone can grow and see outside of their own bubble. Not every art student gloats about how great their art is and thinks they’re better than everyone else. We humbly accept criticism and are always grateful to have a little input from others.
5. Art students are all broke.
I’m not saying that art supplies are cheap at all, because in reality they’re crazy expensive, but the amount of money I spent on art supplies this past year was equivalent to the amount of money my other friends were spending on textbooks, clickers, and lab codes. If you buy in bulk, know how to take care of your supplies, and spend wisely, you can save money and supplies.
