9 answers
Olubunmi
Student
Ondo, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
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What should I do I have passion for art, I am also good at sketching styles that, appart from drawing, painting and all. Now, I was thinking of studying business administration in university, is it possible? Can the two be merged, or should I just go for fine art and leave business administration # coding, business administrator and an artist #professionls with experience?
What should I do?
I have passion for art, I am also good at sketching styles that, appart from drawing, painting and all. Now, I was thinking of studying business administration in university, is it possible? Can the two be merged, or should I just go for fine art and leave business administration # coding, business administrator and an artist
#professionls with experience
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Olubunmi!
I love that you're thinking ahead and looking for ways to merge your passions for art and business. That’s actually a smart move because creativity and strategy together can open up a lot of opportunities. Let’s break it down.
Is it possible to merge Fine Arts and Business Administration?🤔...... Yes, absolutely! Many successful professionals blend these fields, and you can too. In fact, having both creative skills and business knowledge can make you stand out in the job market and give you more career flexibility.
Which path should you take?🤔Now....
You have three main options:👀
1. Major in Business Administration, Minor in Fine Arts (or take art-related electives).
This gives you a strong foundation in business while keeping your artistic side active.
You can still develop your art skills while learning how to manage finances, market products, and grow a business.
Perfect if you see yourself starting an art-related business or working in industries like marketing, branding, or design management
2. Major in Fine Arts, Minor in Business.
This route allows you to focus on mastering your artistic skills while gaining essential business knowledge.
Ideal if you want to be a professional artist but also want the skills to market your work, manage sales, or start an art business.
Many artists struggle financially because they lack business skills—this helps you avoid that problem.
3. Double Major in Business and Fine Arts.
A bit more challenging and time-consuming but the best way to fully integrate both fields.
You’ll be well-equipped for careers that require both creativity and strategic thinking.
Great for careers like Art Director, Creative Entrepreneur, or Branding Specialist.
Now... Career Paths That Blend Art and Business!! If you combine art with business skills, you have many career options beyond just being an artist.
Graphic Designer – Works in advertising, branding, or web design.
Creative Director – Leads design teams in marketing or media companies.
Marketing Specialist – Uses visual storytelling and branding to market products.
Entrepreneur – Starts an art-related business (e.g., an art studio, gallery, or online store).
UI/UX Designer – Blends creativity with business strategy to design digital experiences.
Art Consultant – Advises businesses and collectors on art investments.
Advertising and Branding Expert – Uses visual art for product promotion.
Product Designer – Creates artistic and functional products for businesses.
Olubunmi, man, Since you mentioned coding, another great mix is learning digital art, animation, or game design.
Fields like motion graphics, 3D modeling, and interactive design can be very profitable.
Learning graphic design software and coding for web development or app design could give you an edge in tech-related creative fields.
My Ultimate Final Advice for you mate is that, If financial security is important, consider starting with a business degree and keeping your art as a strong side skill.
If art is your main passion, study Fine Arts but take business courses to learn how to market yourself.
If you can, try for a dual major or minor to get the best of both worlds.
No matter what, learn digital skills—graphic design, branding, and UX/UI design are high-paying creative fields.
Go with what excites you, but be strategic. You’ve got talent, and with the right skills, you can turn your passion into a successful career. 💪
You got this, mate! All the best and reach out if you need to! 🤗😎
I love that you're thinking ahead and looking for ways to merge your passions for art and business. That’s actually a smart move because creativity and strategy together can open up a lot of opportunities. Let’s break it down.
Is it possible to merge Fine Arts and Business Administration?🤔...... Yes, absolutely! Many successful professionals blend these fields, and you can too. In fact, having both creative skills and business knowledge can make you stand out in the job market and give you more career flexibility.
Which path should you take?🤔Now....
You have three main options:👀
1. Major in Business Administration, Minor in Fine Arts (or take art-related electives).
This gives you a strong foundation in business while keeping your artistic side active.
You can still develop your art skills while learning how to manage finances, market products, and grow a business.
Perfect if you see yourself starting an art-related business or working in industries like marketing, branding, or design management
2. Major in Fine Arts, Minor in Business.
This route allows you to focus on mastering your artistic skills while gaining essential business knowledge.
Ideal if you want to be a professional artist but also want the skills to market your work, manage sales, or start an art business.
Many artists struggle financially because they lack business skills—this helps you avoid that problem.
3. Double Major in Business and Fine Arts.
A bit more challenging and time-consuming but the best way to fully integrate both fields.
You’ll be well-equipped for careers that require both creativity and strategic thinking.
Great for careers like Art Director, Creative Entrepreneur, or Branding Specialist.
Now... Career Paths That Blend Art and Business!! If you combine art with business skills, you have many career options beyond just being an artist.
Graphic Designer – Works in advertising, branding, or web design.
Creative Director – Leads design teams in marketing or media companies.
Marketing Specialist – Uses visual storytelling and branding to market products.
Entrepreneur – Starts an art-related business (e.g., an art studio, gallery, or online store).
UI/UX Designer – Blends creativity with business strategy to design digital experiences.
Art Consultant – Advises businesses and collectors on art investments.
Advertising and Branding Expert – Uses visual art for product promotion.
Product Designer – Creates artistic and functional products for businesses.
Olubunmi, man, Since you mentioned coding, another great mix is learning digital art, animation, or game design.
Fields like motion graphics, 3D modeling, and interactive design can be very profitable.
Learning graphic design software and coding for web development or app design could give you an edge in tech-related creative fields.
My Ultimate Final Advice for you mate is that, If financial security is important, consider starting with a business degree and keeping your art as a strong side skill.
If art is your main passion, study Fine Arts but take business courses to learn how to market yourself.
If you can, try for a dual major or minor to get the best of both worlds.
No matter what, learn digital skills—graphic design, branding, and UX/UI design are high-paying creative fields.
Go with what excites you, but be strategic. You’ve got talent, and with the right skills, you can turn your passion into a successful career. 💪
You got this, mate! All the best and reach out if you need to! 🤗😎
Allen Foster
Interior Designer
3
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Allen’s Answer
Hi Olubunmi,
Ms. Garcia gave you a very thorough and well-thought-out answer, so I’m not going to try improving on it.
But I will say I was never interested in business, and that pretty much doomed the one-person Interior Design studio I started. Insecurity made me avoid issues that needed my attention. I kept the business open for twelve years, but the last eight were a joke - I had to take part-time jobs to pay the rent. I think the fact you’re interested in studying business is a great strength if you go into the Arts professionally. The idea of a major and minor, or a double major, sounds really smart to me. You could choose either as your major - you’ll probably have a better idea of that after some courses. The University I went to didn’t allow art students to declare a major until sophomore year at the earliest, and sure enough my thinkingabout what kind of design I wanted to do changed once I started studying. I took one semester of accounting in college, and the school had a one year class on Interior Design Business that barely scratched the surface of what I needed to know. I also realized after a while on my own that I really missed having coworkers, and going solo was not my thing.
People are different, of course, and running your own firm may be a great goal for you. But also consider working for a larger firm - if there is such a thing in the art direction you choose - or interning/assisting an established artist when you’re starting out. I think it’s great you’re asking these questions, and that Career Village was available to you. Stay thoughtful, you’ll do great!
Best Regards,
Allen Foster
Ms. Garcia gave you a very thorough and well-thought-out answer, so I’m not going to try improving on it.
But I will say I was never interested in business, and that pretty much doomed the one-person Interior Design studio I started. Insecurity made me avoid issues that needed my attention. I kept the business open for twelve years, but the last eight were a joke - I had to take part-time jobs to pay the rent. I think the fact you’re interested in studying business is a great strength if you go into the Arts professionally. The idea of a major and minor, or a double major, sounds really smart to me. You could choose either as your major - you’ll probably have a better idea of that after some courses. The University I went to didn’t allow art students to declare a major until sophomore year at the earliest, and sure enough my thinkingabout what kind of design I wanted to do changed once I started studying. I took one semester of accounting in college, and the school had a one year class on Interior Design Business that barely scratched the surface of what I needed to know. I also realized after a while on my own that I really missed having coworkers, and going solo was not my thing.
People are different, of course, and running your own firm may be a great goal for you. But also consider working for a larger firm - if there is such a thing in the art direction you choose - or interning/assisting an established artist when you’re starting out. I think it’s great you’re asking these questions, and that Career Village was available to you. Stay thoughtful, you’ll do great!
Best Regards,
Allen Foster
Emily Garcia
Graphic Designer
35
Answers
Apple Valley, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hello Olubunmi,
It's definitely possible to merge your passions for both art and business! Many successful artists and creatives have found ways to combine their love for art with business skills. With a degree in business administration, you could work on your own creative business, whether that's selling your art, starting an art-related brand, or running a studio. You could also work in areas like art galleries, museums, or cultural organizations. Business skills would be essential in roles like gallery management, event planning, or curatorial positions.
Fine art is a great choice if you want to focus purely on the creative side. If you're passionate about deepening your technical skills in art and working on your craft, studying fine art would allow you to explore different mediums and techniques more fully. However, fine art alone doesn't always provide the business skills necessary to make a substantial career from it. That's where having a background in business could give you an advantage in terms of selling, marketing, and understanding how to navigate the art world.
Some universities allow you to pursue a dual major or a major with a minor. For example, you could major in Business Administration and minor in Fine Art or a related subject like graphic design. If you're passionate about both, you could pursue a double degree, where you'd complete both a Fine Arts degree and a Business Administration degree. However, this would take more time and could be more challenging. You might consider starting with business administration but taking elective art courses along the way. This way, you can test out both fields and see if there's a way to blend them more naturally over time.
If you want to pursue business administration, don't feel like you have to abandon your passion for art. The skills you'd gain in business could help you turn your artistic endeavors into a more sustainable career, whether you choose to start your own business, work in a creative industry, or manage artistic projects. On the other hand, if you feel more passionate about deepening your art skills and really focusing on your craft, then fine arts is a solid choice, but you might to eventually consider business skills to support your art career. You could also try blending both worlds by working in creative roles that also require business management skills (like marketing, art direction, or creative entrepreneurship).
I hope this helps you out a bit more, and I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endeavors!
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
It's definitely possible to merge your passions for both art and business! Many successful artists and creatives have found ways to combine their love for art with business skills. With a degree in business administration, you could work on your own creative business, whether that's selling your art, starting an art-related brand, or running a studio. You could also work in areas like art galleries, museums, or cultural organizations. Business skills would be essential in roles like gallery management, event planning, or curatorial positions.
Fine art is a great choice if you want to focus purely on the creative side. If you're passionate about deepening your technical skills in art and working on your craft, studying fine art would allow you to explore different mediums and techniques more fully. However, fine art alone doesn't always provide the business skills necessary to make a substantial career from it. That's where having a background in business could give you an advantage in terms of selling, marketing, and understanding how to navigate the art world.
Some universities allow you to pursue a dual major or a major with a minor. For example, you could major in Business Administration and minor in Fine Art or a related subject like graphic design. If you're passionate about both, you could pursue a double degree, where you'd complete both a Fine Arts degree and a Business Administration degree. However, this would take more time and could be more challenging. You might consider starting with business administration but taking elective art courses along the way. This way, you can test out both fields and see if there's a way to blend them more naturally over time.
If you want to pursue business administration, don't feel like you have to abandon your passion for art. The skills you'd gain in business could help you turn your artistic endeavors into a more sustainable career, whether you choose to start your own business, work in a creative industry, or manage artistic projects. On the other hand, if you feel more passionate about deepening your art skills and really focusing on your craft, then fine arts is a solid choice, but you might to eventually consider business skills to support your art career. You could also try blending both worlds by working in creative roles that also require business management skills (like marketing, art direction, or creative entrepreneurship).
I hope this helps you out a bit more, and I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endeavors!
Best Regards,
Emily Garcia
Diaba Patrick
Creative Director
1
Answer
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Diaba’s Answer
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to merge your passion for art with a degree in business administration. Many artists benefit from business skills to market their work, manage finances, or even run their own art-related businesses (e.g., galleries, online stores, or creative agencies). You could pursue a degree in business administration while continuing to develop your art skills on the side. Alternatively, you could explore programs that combine both fields, such as arts management or creative business. If you’re passionate about both, there’s no need to choose one over the other—many professionals successfully blend art and business in their careers.
Jade Donovan
Human Resources
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Jade’s Answer
Hey Olubunmi!
Nice to meet you. I was always a creative type in college and I chose to go down the art education route first as I felt while I'm younger I wanted to explore that creative side more. If you want to take art seriously and make money, my biggest piece of advice would be to learn marketing and finance on the side.
My one regret was getting so sucked into the creative environment in college and not thinking about what happens after, I did some exhibitions and sold some work online but I wished I used my time wiser when I was still there and learned some business skills simultaneously. So I say go for the fine art course, I work in HR now but I took a course in that about 12 years after I graduated from art/design college, you don't have to stay on 1 path and it's ok to change lanes :)
Go with what makes you happy but also try be business savvy with it too to increase your chances of making a living out of it if that's what you want
Best of luck with it!
Jade
Nice to meet you. I was always a creative type in college and I chose to go down the art education route first as I felt while I'm younger I wanted to explore that creative side more. If you want to take art seriously and make money, my biggest piece of advice would be to learn marketing and finance on the side.
My one regret was getting so sucked into the creative environment in college and not thinking about what happens after, I did some exhibitions and sold some work online but I wished I used my time wiser when I was still there and learned some business skills simultaneously. So I say go for the fine art course, I work in HR now but I took a course in that about 12 years after I graduated from art/design college, you don't have to stay on 1 path and it's ok to change lanes :)
Go with what makes you happy but also try be business savvy with it too to increase your chances of making a living out of it if that's what you want
Best of luck with it!
Jade
Kalunda Hilton
Team lead
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Kalunda’s Answer
Hi,
The best advice I could give you is deciding which of the career paths would bring you the most satisfaction; where you show up as your authentic self.
If you decide you want to earn your degree in Business Administration, it does not dismiss your creativity.
You just have to decide how you want to use your artistic skills; graphic or fashion designer etc.
Write down your goals. Decide what would you do after you complete your fine arts degree. And what would you do after you complete your business administration degree.
It is possible to have a dual major.
The best advice I could give you is deciding which of the career paths would bring you the most satisfaction; where you show up as your authentic self.
If you decide you want to earn your degree in Business Administration, it does not dismiss your creativity.
You just have to decide how you want to use your artistic skills; graphic or fashion designer etc.
Write down your goals. Decide what would you do after you complete your fine arts degree. And what would you do after you complete your business administration degree.
It is possible to have a dual major.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1994
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have a wide range of interest. You can consider taking one subjects as the major and another as minor. Alternatively, you can take a double major. Firstly, you better consider what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Given you have interest in both arts and business administration, would you like to work in art gallery, advertising, run art school, run design house, etc. there are plenty of art and business related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue and decide what subjects would be your major and minor or take double major
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Given you have interest in both arts and business administration, would you like to work in art gallery, advertising, run art school, run design house, etc. there are plenty of art and business related careers online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue and decide what subjects would be your major and minor or take double major
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Natalie Brown
Product Manager
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Great advice above, especially from those who have a passion for art like you. I love the suggestion above about pursuing art as a minor at university, and taking advantage of art-focused curriculum at the university level (how amazing to have that access!). However, I encourage you to really think about pursuing business as your primary major and core "job" for your future.
I'll take a bit of a mathematical approach here. Getting that business degree and pursuing as high-paying job as possible right out of college really sets you up for later in life when it comes time to do large-scale financial things like buying a house, sending kids to college, taking a sabbatical, paying for unexpected health costs, taking care of ailing parents, and of course eventually retiring.
I encourage you to read up on the notion of "compound interest". Putting aside savings in your 20s is crucial because you have a long time horizon. That means that even small contributions to savings/retirement can significantly grow due to the power of compounding over many years. I promise I'm not trying to extinguish your fire for art, or squash that passion. These financial concepts aren't taught in school like they should be. And the 'starving artist' has become such a commonly celebrated (and unrealistic) trope in movies and media.
I'll offer a real life example. I'm a twin. My brother is an artist and pursued an art-centered career path and never started saving. I went to school for engineering and pursued tech-focused career path. Now, that's a pretty wide separation, and I'm not suggesting you go into engineering. However, that engineering degree certainly got my resume put into the interview pile more than once. We're both child-free and in our 40s. My point is -- he doesn't have any retirement savings, living paycheck to paycheck, and recently had a health scare (lemme mention he has poor health insurance that he pays for it himself because it's not offered by his contract-job at a design company). I'm gearing up to "retire" from corporate life before my 50th bday. I started saving 15% of my income the moment I got my first paycheck at age 21, and I chose to stay in roles that maximized my earning AND came with benefits like insurance and 401k retirement matching (here in the US).
While I would love to see you get an awesome art job at a company that provides benefits, high salary, and scratches allows you to use your art skills every day, I'll say it's probably more realistic to get a business-type job that gives you a stable position, money, time, and resources to pursue all your fabulous art passions outside of work.
And PS... if you do get a business-oriented job and your employer discovers you have a talent for art... make sure they pay you for any added work they put on your plate! ("Oh Hey, Olubunmi can do all the artwork, design, print layouts, and art coordination with the venue for our annual conference, great!"). Don't fall into the trap of doing 2 jobs for the salary of 1. Don't sign up for more work without a financial conversation or a discussion about what standard work will be REMOVED from your plate.
Best of luck to you, you got this! I'm proud of you for thinking of this early.
Read about the power of saving early for retirement: https://jemmafinancial.com/helpful-tips/power-saving-retirement-early-20s/
I'll take a bit of a mathematical approach here. Getting that business degree and pursuing as high-paying job as possible right out of college really sets you up for later in life when it comes time to do large-scale financial things like buying a house, sending kids to college, taking a sabbatical, paying for unexpected health costs, taking care of ailing parents, and of course eventually retiring.
I encourage you to read up on the notion of "compound interest". Putting aside savings in your 20s is crucial because you have a long time horizon. That means that even small contributions to savings/retirement can significantly grow due to the power of compounding over many years. I promise I'm not trying to extinguish your fire for art, or squash that passion. These financial concepts aren't taught in school like they should be. And the 'starving artist' has become such a commonly celebrated (and unrealistic) trope in movies and media.
I'll offer a real life example. I'm a twin. My brother is an artist and pursued an art-centered career path and never started saving. I went to school for engineering and pursued tech-focused career path. Now, that's a pretty wide separation, and I'm not suggesting you go into engineering. However, that engineering degree certainly got my resume put into the interview pile more than once. We're both child-free and in our 40s. My point is -- he doesn't have any retirement savings, living paycheck to paycheck, and recently had a health scare (lemme mention he has poor health insurance that he pays for it himself because it's not offered by his contract-job at a design company). I'm gearing up to "retire" from corporate life before my 50th bday. I started saving 15% of my income the moment I got my first paycheck at age 21, and I chose to stay in roles that maximized my earning AND came with benefits like insurance and 401k retirement matching (here in the US).
While I would love to see you get an awesome art job at a company that provides benefits, high salary, and scratches allows you to use your art skills every day, I'll say it's probably more realistic to get a business-type job that gives you a stable position, money, time, and resources to pursue all your fabulous art passions outside of work.
And PS... if you do get a business-oriented job and your employer discovers you have a talent for art... make sure they pay you for any added work they put on your plate! ("Oh Hey, Olubunmi can do all the artwork, design, print layouts, and art coordination with the venue for our annual conference, great!"). Don't fall into the trap of doing 2 jobs for the salary of 1. Don't sign up for more work without a financial conversation or a discussion about what standard work will be REMOVED from your plate.
Best of luck to you, you got this! I'm proud of you for thinking of this early.
Natalie recommends the following next steps: