Every art student has heard them. The most annoying questions, comments, and rude remarks that people feel the need to share with you as soon as you tell them that you're majoring in the arts. Whether it be your 80 year old conservative grandma, or your nosey neighbor, they all seem to have something to say about your life choices.

1. "Oh, I see.."

Really? That's it? Your enthusiasm is overwhelming.

2. "That's interesting."

When you tell them that you're an art major and all they have to say is, "That's interesting," you know that they don't actually find it interesting. At all.

3. "What are you going to do with that?"

Oh, I don't know, go to grad school, get a job, be an artist?

4. "Sometimes you have to do something that pays the bills even if you don't like it."

Ah, yes, because there are no fruitful job opportunities in the art world. Graphic design, advertising, gallery/museum jobs, freelance... Nope, nothing at all.

5. The "Starving Artist" Stereotype

Really? I want to be an artist, not a professional couch potato. And besides, McDonalds is totally affordable.

6. "You should design birthday cards!"

While there is nothing wrong with illustrating cards, when you tell your parents you want to be a professional painter and then they hit you with the card idea, it tends to feel like a slap to the face. My boney, emaciated face. I'm starving, remember?

7. "...But what is it?"

Abstract art? Forget it. It's called abstract expressionism, mom. And no, a 5 year old could not do what Jackson Pollock did.

Unfortunately, this question is almost always followed by...

8. "What does it mean?"

Sigh. Don't get me wrong, most artists love to talk about their work. But when you're at a family reunion and your aunt is drilling you with questions and judging all of your answers? Not so much.

9. The "Majoring in Basket-Weaving" Jokes

Almost as old as the starving artist comment, but even more infuriating. Having multiple 3 hour long studio classes in the same day is a lot of work. Also, who decided that basket weaving was easy anyway?

10. "Do you have a back-up plan?"

Your belief in me is outstanding.

11. "Art is a hobby, not a career."

Anyone who says this needs to refer to number 4.