6 answers
Sophia
Student
Jersey City, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How does one know exactly what branch of whatever their passion is to major in and focus on?
I know I love art, but am pretty sure I’m not going to go to art school, and am looking for alternatives, and have no clue which design related topic to choose!
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1915
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
You just may be great at several forms of art and all it takes is personal discovery !
It will take actually doing the different forms to see which type you like best. Invest in art supplies and experiment. Since you want to do this on your own and not go to college for further training, you will have the luxury of creating your own structure and time frames for your goals and self-direction in art is very doable.
The visual arts are much different from the performing arts, so that will be your first step. Do you want to chance getting work as a performer or do you want to create definite, actual works of art that you could display in a gallery venue or sell privately ? Of course you can be a painter and an actor at the same time, too, but this is something that your time schedule and financial situation will be a factor in determining.
I suggest Pinterest as I do not know any other website quite like it because it has so many different forms of art that may inspire you. Try the different types of art, keep a sketch book of your work and maybe later your ideas can be built on as a finished work of art.
Although you say that you're not going to go to art school but you say you're trying to figure out what to major in, I would say go with one of your marketable interests if you do go to college. You can take a performing or fine art class here and there. Some marketable arts are Commercial Art, Advertising, and Art Education.
Most of all, practice patience with this because knowing what may be the best fit for you takes time. It's okay to like it all, though, but eventually something will present itself as the thing for you to do. This does take time, though.
Wishing you all the best in your decisions and hope that you obtain work in a field that you truly love !
It will take actually doing the different forms to see which type you like best. Invest in art supplies and experiment. Since you want to do this on your own and not go to college for further training, you will have the luxury of creating your own structure and time frames for your goals and self-direction in art is very doable.
The visual arts are much different from the performing arts, so that will be your first step. Do you want to chance getting work as a performer or do you want to create definite, actual works of art that you could display in a gallery venue or sell privately ? Of course you can be a painter and an actor at the same time, too, but this is something that your time schedule and financial situation will be a factor in determining.
I suggest Pinterest as I do not know any other website quite like it because it has so many different forms of art that may inspire you. Try the different types of art, keep a sketch book of your work and maybe later your ideas can be built on as a finished work of art.
Although you say that you're not going to go to art school but you say you're trying to figure out what to major in, I would say go with one of your marketable interests if you do go to college. You can take a performing or fine art class here and there. Some marketable arts are Commercial Art, Advertising, and Art Education.
Most of all, practice patience with this because knowing what may be the best fit for you takes time. It's okay to like it all, though, but eventually something will present itself as the thing for you to do. This does take time, though.
Wishing you all the best in your decisions and hope that you obtain work in a field that you truly love !
Allison Adimari
Digital Media Professional
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hey Sophia!
What you're feeling is perfectly normal and valid! Most colleges should have a general class that you can take that explores many areas of design to see which one interests you most. From there you can ask questions to your professor and dive deeper into areas of potential interest.
I work in Media and Advertising and when I was in college there was a "Media Studies" class that walked through every potential path within Media that I could major in. From Journalism to Public Relations, it spent time going through each vertical and ultimately helped me understand my path to where I am now.
Not all outcomes are guaranteed but these types of classes really do help!
What you're feeling is perfectly normal and valid! Most colleges should have a general class that you can take that explores many areas of design to see which one interests you most. From there you can ask questions to your professor and dive deeper into areas of potential interest.
I work in Media and Advertising and when I was in college there was a "Media Studies" class that walked through every potential path within Media that I could major in. From Journalism to Public Relations, it spent time going through each vertical and ultimately helped me understand my path to where I am now.
Not all outcomes are guaranteed but these types of classes really do help!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Sophia!
Embarking on a journey to discover the perfect major within a field you're passionate about can be quite an adventure, filled with challenges but also immense satisfaction. When it comes to the vibrant world of art and design, there's a myriad of exciting options to explore. It's crucial to dive deep into your interests and strengths to make a choice that truly resonates with you.
To kick things off, one strategy to pinpoint the ideal design-related subject is to delve into your specific likes within the vast field of art and design. Think about what elements of art and design really light your fire. Maybe you're captivated by graphic design, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, or some other unique area? Reflect on the kind of projects or creative endeavors that truly thrill you. This self-discovery journey can help you spot the particular branch of art and design that syncs perfectly with your interests and talents.
Next up, doing a deep-dive into different design-related majors and potential career paths can offer invaluable insights. Check out the syllabus of various design programs available at different universities or colleges. Discover the courses, specializations, and career opportunities linked to each major. Also, try to gather info about the latest industry trends, job prospects, and potential growth areas within different design fields. Getting a solid grasp of the design-related professions landscape can assist you in making a well-informed decision about which major to go for.
Also, reaching out to professionals or mentors in the art and design field can provide priceless advice and viewpoints. Connect with folks who are active in different design-related roles or have industry experience. Ask them about their career journeys, the hurdles they overcame, and the aspects they find most rewarding in their respective fields. Their insights can give you a realistic understanding of what each design-related major involves and help you gain clarity on which path might be the perfect fit for you.
On top of these steps, think about exploring interdisciplinary programs that fuse art and design with other fields like technology, business, or psychology. These programs can offer a unique mix of skills and knowledge that might align with your diverse interests.
In the end, selecting a major in the realm of art and design is a deeply personal decision that should be based on a blend of self-reflection, research, and guidance from seasoned pros in the field.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications or Websites:
The College Board - collegeboard.org
The Art Career Project - artcareerproject.com
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) - nasad.arts-accredit.org
Take care and God bless,
James.
Embarking on a journey to discover the perfect major within a field you're passionate about can be quite an adventure, filled with challenges but also immense satisfaction. When it comes to the vibrant world of art and design, there's a myriad of exciting options to explore. It's crucial to dive deep into your interests and strengths to make a choice that truly resonates with you.
To kick things off, one strategy to pinpoint the ideal design-related subject is to delve into your specific likes within the vast field of art and design. Think about what elements of art and design really light your fire. Maybe you're captivated by graphic design, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, or some other unique area? Reflect on the kind of projects or creative endeavors that truly thrill you. This self-discovery journey can help you spot the particular branch of art and design that syncs perfectly with your interests and talents.
Next up, doing a deep-dive into different design-related majors and potential career paths can offer invaluable insights. Check out the syllabus of various design programs available at different universities or colleges. Discover the courses, specializations, and career opportunities linked to each major. Also, try to gather info about the latest industry trends, job prospects, and potential growth areas within different design fields. Getting a solid grasp of the design-related professions landscape can assist you in making a well-informed decision about which major to go for.
Also, reaching out to professionals or mentors in the art and design field can provide priceless advice and viewpoints. Connect with folks who are active in different design-related roles or have industry experience. Ask them about their career journeys, the hurdles they overcame, and the aspects they find most rewarding in their respective fields. Their insights can give you a realistic understanding of what each design-related major involves and help you gain clarity on which path might be the perfect fit for you.
On top of these steps, think about exploring interdisciplinary programs that fuse art and design with other fields like technology, business, or psychology. These programs can offer a unique mix of skills and knowledge that might align with your diverse interests.
In the end, selecting a major in the realm of art and design is a deeply personal decision that should be based on a blend of self-reflection, research, and guidance from seasoned pros in the field.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications or Websites:
The College Board - collegeboard.org
The Art Career Project - artcareerproject.com
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) - nasad.arts-accredit.org
Take care and God bless,
James.
Ella Zhang
1
Answer
Updated
Ella’s Answer
I recommend using your spare time to pursue an internship in various art fields like painting, sculpture, music, dance, drama, film, literature, or other art forms. By actively participating, you'll gain a deeper understanding and find out if you truly enjoy the experience.
Mary Moberg
Care Manager
9
Answers
Wallingford, Connecticut
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Being artistic is a gift It may take time to unwrap your own box of talents. That being said, what a great thing to be aware of this creativeness stirring about.
Locally, the library can be a great place to take inspiration. Some of them have a collabratorium where you can delve into various mediums. Also, you can sign up for classes for free. In addition, libraries offer free or discounted passes to local libraries. Finally, some have supplies you can borrow to take home.
Back when I was in high school, we had a week off of regular classes to explore new ideas. Anyone who wanted to teach a skill could. I signed up to teach macrame. My biology teacher taught us how to make white sauce over the bunsen burner, lol. You might suggest such a thing to your school.
Best wishes to you on your endeavors.
Try Meet up groups for art related activities
Check out books like "Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain" or Sark's series on being artistic
Locally, the library can be a great place to take inspiration. Some of them have a collabratorium where you can delve into various mediums. Also, you can sign up for classes for free. In addition, libraries offer free or discounted passes to local libraries. Finally, some have supplies you can borrow to take home.
Back when I was in high school, we had a week off of regular classes to explore new ideas. Anyone who wanted to teach a skill could. I signed up to teach macrame. My biology teacher taught us how to make white sauce over the bunsen burner, lol. You might suggest such a thing to your school.
Best wishes to you on your endeavors.
Mary recommends the following next steps:
Caitlin Tran
Undergraduate student
1
Answer
Aldie, Virginia
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Be patient with yourself to find what peak your interest the most. If you are unsure what design major you should take then have no worry because art major is vast and diverse, so you will have lots of options. Since you mention design topic, there are plenty to consider. There is video game design, fashion design, web design, graphic design, interior design, architecture design, product design, sound design, and game design. Design majors are both science and artistry, such as web design require coding to build the page to the colors used that work to reflect the branding of the website. Another example can be sound design, professionals who work in sound design creates music for movies, commercials, clubs, or other productions.
Don’t be afraid to take good risk! High school years can be frustrating, specially if you still don’t know which major to choose! Reached out to your school counselor about school field trips to universities, do lots of research on your future major, and maintain good grades in high school at the moment to earn yourself a steady GPA.
Be patient with yourself to find what peak your interest the most. If you are unsure what design major you should take then have no worry because art major is vast and diverse, so you will have lots of options. Since you mention design topic, there are plenty to consider. There is video game design, fashion design, web design, graphic design, interior design, architecture design, product design, sound design, and game design. Design majors are both science and artistry, such as web design require coding to build the page to the colors used that work to reflect the branding of the website. Another example can be sound design, professionals who work in sound design creates music for movies, commercials, clubs, or other productions.
Don’t be afraid to take good risk! High school years can be frustrating, specially if you still don’t know which major to choose! Reached out to your school counselor about school field trips to universities, do lots of research on your future major, and maintain good grades in high school at the moment to earn yourself a steady GPA.