4 answers
Amber
Student
Rock City, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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Is there an “easy way” to decide between two majors?
I’m currently a high school senior headed out the door to college this fall. I thought I was set on Marine Biology for my major and everyone has been pushing me towards it as well, but my passion in Art and animation grew more and I’ve noticed that I am more interested in Art than I am in Marine Biology. I found a college that I can have a major or minor in either Marine Biology or Art and they did inform me that it was easy to switch majors/minors at any time. I still come back and ask myself which one I would choose, but I’m still tied between the two. Is there an “easy way” (or as easy as possible) to decide between the two majors? If you have any advice at all, please let me know.
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4 answers
Fallon Taylor
Art/Fashion Design/Modeling
13
Answers
Rowland, NC
Updated
Fallon’s Answer
There isn't necessarily an easy way. It may take multiple switches as it has in my case. Go with your gut. If you feel drawn to art pursue that (this is my advice and not a command). Don't listen to others who try to sway you. It is your life to live and you will be most successful in what you feel gravitationally drawn too.
Hope this helps and wish you all the success and happiness in the world and beyond!
I'm confident in you.
Hope this helps and wish you all the success and happiness in the world and beyond!
I'm confident in you.
Thank you! I appreciate your response and I will keep it in mind throughout my time at college.
Amber
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
61
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Amber,
Ultimately, you have to go with your gut. Sixteen-year-old me would pick art first and hope for the best, which is what I did when my dad tried to convince me to major in art ed and be a teacher like he was. Later on I went back to school and got a technical certificate in commercial art, and I've made a lot more money providing graphic design and production services than I have selling sculptures and drawings, and that certificate has paid for itself.
I think a major in marine biology and a minor in art sounds super exciting and practical. As the climate changes, there will be intense changes in our oceans, and even greater urgency to figure out how to mitigate some of those changes. And with advances in computer graphics and ChatGPT, you could maybe work on modeling and illustration projects that would use your art skills. Start by focusing on foundational studies and make sure you design your courseload so you're engaged in all your courses and do your best work, and maybe your decision will reveal itself.
That said, studying art teaches problem-solving skills, visual literacy, flexible, creative thinking, and so much more--not to mention what happens to the brain when one engages directly with materials. And of course, there's the sheer pleasure of making and what you learn from it.
Artists tend to be lifelong learners and make art their entire lives. You can maintain a fulfilling professional art practice while working in another field. It's not always easy, but if it's what you love, you find a way.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in your pursuits.
Ultimately, you have to go with your gut. Sixteen-year-old me would pick art first and hope for the best, which is what I did when my dad tried to convince me to major in art ed and be a teacher like he was. Later on I went back to school and got a technical certificate in commercial art, and I've made a lot more money providing graphic design and production services than I have selling sculptures and drawings, and that certificate has paid for itself.
I think a major in marine biology and a minor in art sounds super exciting and practical. As the climate changes, there will be intense changes in our oceans, and even greater urgency to figure out how to mitigate some of those changes. And with advances in computer graphics and ChatGPT, you could maybe work on modeling and illustration projects that would use your art skills. Start by focusing on foundational studies and make sure you design your courseload so you're engaged in all your courses and do your best work, and maybe your decision will reveal itself.
That said, studying art teaches problem-solving skills, visual literacy, flexible, creative thinking, and so much more--not to mention what happens to the brain when one engages directly with materials. And of course, there's the sheer pleasure of making and what you learn from it.
Artists tend to be lifelong learners and make art their entire lives. You can maintain a fulfilling professional art practice while working in another field. It's not always easy, but if it's what you love, you find a way.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in your pursuits.
Thank you very much! I will be taking this into consideration.
Amber
Isabel SV
Project Manager
2
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Usually, I'd suggest finding a way to mix both your interests, but these two are quite distinct. Consider which lifestyle you'd enjoy more. As an artist, you'd likely work freelance, juggling projects and finding new clients while using your creativity. In contrast, marine biology might involve more structured lab work, with set hours and routine tasks. Which one fits your personality and lifestyle better?
Thank you for your feedback, I will keep that in mind!
Amber
Aries Galindo
Lead Print Production Specialist
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Aries’s Answer
Here's food for thought - look in to merging the two - especially if you're into drawing/illustration. Medical and Scientific Illustration is still a thing and a good way to take your love for art to the next level. The first two years of college tends to focus a lot on the core prerequisites. Its often the time you need to decide a learning path. If you decide you still hold interest in Marine Biology (very cool!) then you will have a wide variety of resources for subjects you can work with. You can easily fill a portfolio with amazing art you've drawn from real life :)
You don't have to rush in to making a career decision just yet but be creative in your approach. Eventually, you will settle on what is practical and what makes you happy and finding that balance!
You don't have to rush in to making a career decision just yet but be creative in your approach. Eventually, you will settle on what is practical and what makes you happy and finding that balance!
Thank you for the great feedback! I might be able to merge the two if I go more animation and incorporate some science elements within my character designs or the stories, and I’m very fond of learning how people and animals are “animated” which is how they move! (I don’t have much of a detailed/realistic art style for medical/scientific illustrations) Really appreciate the response, thank you again!
Amber