Should I do art as a career or just as a hobby?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I am very interested in art. However, I also really enjoy other subjects like math and science. I wanted to know what the pros and cons would be of going to an art college and majoring in art. Also, what would be the pros and cons of focusing on something in math or science and just doing art on the side? #college-major #art #majors #artist #decision-making
3 answers
Holly’s Answer
Hello Sage, Great Question. Firstly, the great Math is a high demand field. I have people in my family who are math majors and make great pay checks. Math and currency go hand in hand. Secondly, the art that you are doing depends on the type of art that you do. My daughter has a hand for art. Her family father side did too. I think this is a gene that is passed down from one generation to the next. Her father and her uncle both did very well in art. Sketching, painting, writing, There are many career paths that you can mix math and art. Some of these fields are in the police department as a Handwriting forensics tech, Or you can draw sketches for the police department. If I were you I would do try and do some art and see if any of it sells. You can go to small craft fairs, swap meets, flea markets etc. , Most importantly, I would have a major in math or science and a minor in art.
Then you have the best of both. There are many artist out there who do very well. However, the down side is technology base photoshop, paint Illustrator all art software programs, You can do graphic design math mixes well with 3D and visual design, You can do very well mixing math with art. Because, of new technology art does not sell like paintings etc once sold. I would either look into design schools, if your set on art then mix math and art to your advantage then you can start see how it works for you and go from there good luck.
By the way my daughter took up fine ink, from early eras, she does this as a hobby, she is an aspiring officer in the Armed Forces. I think its felt pen. My point is this is a hobby and she is a great artist. Good luck either way. I think you will do very well. Good Luck. I hope this has been of some help.
Thank you! This is very helpful :)
Sage
Simeon’s Answer
Yvonne’s Answer
**Studying Art:**
Benefits:
1. **Following Your Heart:** If art is your true love, studying it lets you dive headfirst into your passion.
2. **Improving Your Skills:** Art school offers structured learning and guidance to boost your artistic abilities and creativity.
3. **Making Connections:** You'll get to meet other artists, teachers, and industry insiders, which can be useful for your future career.
4. **Building Your Portfolio:** The work you do in class will help you create a solid portfolio, which is key for art-related jobs.
5. **Various Job Options:** An art degree can open up many career paths, like fine arts, graphic design, illustration, art teaching, and more.
Drawbacks:
1. **Money Matters:** Art school can be costly, and some art jobs might not pay as much as other careers.
2. **Tough Competition:** The art world is very competitive, and it might take a while to make your mark.
3. **Fewer Job Opportunities:** Even though there are many career paths, some artists might find it hard to get steady, full-time jobs.
**Studying Math or Science and Doing Art for Fun:**
Benefits:
1. **Wide Range of Skills:** Studying math or science can give you strong problem-solving skills that you can use in many areas.
2. **Secure Job Prospects:** Many math and science jobs offer good job security and high pay.
3. **Freedom in Art:** You can do art for fun without worrying about making money from it, giving you more freedom to create.
4. **Flexibility:** You can explore different interests and maybe even mix math, science, and art in cross-disciplinary projects.
Drawbacks:
1. **Less Time for Art:** If you focus on math or science, you might not have much time for art.
2. **Building Your Portfolio:** Making a good art portfolio might take extra work and time outside of your main studies.
3. **Juggling Act:** It can be hard to balance a tough major with your love for art, so you'll need to manage your time well.
In the end, your choice should match your interests, goals, and what kind of life you want. You don't have to pick one or the other right away. You could study math or science in college and still do art for fun, and look for ways to combine your interests. Also, think about asking for advice from school counselors and professionals in the fields you like to get more insight into your choices. Remember, your path can change over time, so be open to new chances and experiences.