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How is an art school or college degree necessary for a career in the art field?

I'm currently in highschool and I want to get a career in art/writing like being a comic artist or storyboarder, but I'm not sure if you need a degree or if you can just jump into the field.

college art school arts fine-art
Thank you comment icon This is a great question to ask Sobnom Mimi
Thank you comment icon Get the degree! If you can of course. Read everything you can, and study Art History, then go commercial. There are standards. Virginia (ginny) Mangrum
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Maia’s Answer

While your growing-up and soaking in new material and skills, your interests and tastes might change. Comic-books and storyboarding, while very similar, have their own niches and pipe-lines in the their respective industries. You can use skills and practices in both professions. However, I know some colleges, show they provide a Comic-Book Degree, but don't let that be your hook completely. When you are in college and also as a practicing artist, you'll want to keep refining and changing your skills and aesthetics while you're learning. If you have a strong sense of story-telling, drawing skills, proportion, etc., and it will be an ever continuous journey of self-improving as an artist, you can learn it in college, but you can also self-teach yourself certain aspects of drawing. There are a lot of self-taught artists who taught themselves how to draw and understand the fundamentals. Moreover, the first year or two in school, you'll be learning or improving on those fundamentals to improve.

Getting a degree, of course is important, but being in the arts isn't like academia where information and degrees carry the same weight to a graduate program, other higher educational learning, and almost guranteed careers like a doctor or lawyer. Everything as an artist depends on what is in your portfolio.
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Megan’s Answer

I think the biggest piece is getting experience and a college degree can help with that. It can connect you to internship opportunities and networking opportunities. The projects you do in your courses help you to build up a portfolio to showcase to jobs. I think it is more about what degree will help you the most and what college will help you the most to reach those goals.

I hope this helps!
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Stephanie Stephen’s Answer

Well getting an art degree, or writing degree is not a 100% requirement to pursue a career in art. Much like getting a degree in say Computer Networking Systems is not necessarily a requirement to do any kind of work in Telecommunications, or to get a job as a system administrator but having the experience documented is a requirement. An example of what I am saying is like my late father, the man worked for 30 years as an equipment installer within telecommunications and had a first class FCC license but only had a 9th grade education. Now I know Computer Networking and my father have nothing to do with pursuing a career in art, but they are both examples of why being able to document your experience is important. Getting an art degree, just increases your ability to document your experience and skills as an artist making you that much more desirable as an employee for companies like Disney and Pixar.
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TLAUREN’s Answer

Art programs are all about teamwork, practical thinking, and creativity. Lots of folks who study art end up starting their own businesses or working freelance. If you're thinking about boosting your art career or preparing to teach in college, a master's degree could be just the ticket. While an art degree can be a great asset, it's not always a must-have for a successful art career.
Thank you comment icon I completely agree with you! Sobnom Mimi
Thank you comment icon Thanks for participating 'T' TLAUREN TLAUREN
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Sobnom’s Answer

Earning a college degree can connect you with a community of individuals who share your interests, aiding in your growth and skill development. The coursework encompasses everything from basics to advanced subjects, including pertinent history and industry-specific language. Plus, you might get the chance to intern, gaining hands-on experience.

However, remember that the art field is adaptable, and success can be achieved without a degree. If you're aiming to freelance, you'll need to learn how to establish your business and promote your services to draw in clients.

Ultimately, becoming a paid artist is more about your abilities and aspirations than your educational background. Therefore, if you're talented and committed, you can thrive in the art world, even without a degree.
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