10 answers
Adrianna
Student
Platte City, Missouri
3
Questions
Updated
865 views
What other majors should I look into incase I don't get into art school?
My name is Adrian, and my goal is to go to an art school for 2d animation. But my college counselor at my high school is asking me to look into other options. But I just don't know what?!
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10 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look at something involving Graphic Design (Bachelors in Graphic Design).
This major combines many areas of technical art and skill elements, which are in high demand in our society.
This major combines many areas of technical art and skill elements, which are in high demand in our society.
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
70
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Adrianna,
First of all, it's so awesome that you're focused on going to art school for 2D animation that’s an amazing goal. But if you want to explore some other options you can do that. The thing is that there are other majors out there that still let you be creative and stay close to animation.
Here are some ideas:
1. Film & Media Studies:
You’ll learn about storytelling, visual effects, and production all important skills that can help with animation if you want to come back to it.
2. Illustration:
This major will let you keep honing those skills. Plus, illustration can easily tie into animation later on.
3. Game Design:
If you're into building worlds and characters, game design might be fun. You could work on 2D art and storytelling for games very cool crossover with animation.
4. Graphic Design:
This could be a good fit if you love visual creativity. You can work with art and design in a way that’s still connected to animation in some ways.
5. Digital Media: This major is super versatile. You can explore animation, video editing, and digital art, all in one program.
6. Computer Science (with a focus on Animation or Graphics):
If you’re okay with some tech, this can give you the tools to work on the technical side of animation super useful.
7. Interactive Media/Multimedia:
This is a great option if you want to mix art, storytelling, and tech together in interactive projects (like animation).
No matter what, your creativity will shine through in whatever path you choose. And even if art school doesn’t happen right away, you can still keep practicing and improving on your own. Keep following your passion.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck.
First of all, it's so awesome that you're focused on going to art school for 2D animation that’s an amazing goal. But if you want to explore some other options you can do that. The thing is that there are other majors out there that still let you be creative and stay close to animation.
Here are some ideas:
1. Film & Media Studies:
You’ll learn about storytelling, visual effects, and production all important skills that can help with animation if you want to come back to it.
2. Illustration:
This major will let you keep honing those skills. Plus, illustration can easily tie into animation later on.
3. Game Design:
If you're into building worlds and characters, game design might be fun. You could work on 2D art and storytelling for games very cool crossover with animation.
4. Graphic Design:
This could be a good fit if you love visual creativity. You can work with art and design in a way that’s still connected to animation in some ways.
5. Digital Media: This major is super versatile. You can explore animation, video editing, and digital art, all in one program.
6. Computer Science (with a focus on Animation or Graphics):
If you’re okay with some tech, this can give you the tools to work on the technical side of animation super useful.
7. Interactive Media/Multimedia:
This is a great option if you want to mix art, storytelling, and tech together in interactive projects (like animation).
No matter what, your creativity will shine through in whatever path you choose. And even if art school doesn’t happen right away, you can still keep practicing and improving on your own. Keep following your passion.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck.
Ragini Gaikwad
Interior design
1
Answer
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Ragini’s Answer
Hello Adriana,
A Set Design program can be a great option for an art student. It combines elements of visual arts, architecture, and storytelling to create immersive environments. Creating stunning background for theatre plays, movie sets, exhibition installations, etc. are some areas of work you can pursue. Sketching 2D /3D, knowledge of color theory, principles of design and elements of design and technical knowledge are the base structure of this program.
If you enjoy:
Visual storytelling: Creating spaces that enhance and support narratives.
Spatial design: Thinking about how objects and people interact within a space.
Technical skills: Understanding materials, construction techniques, and lighting design.
Collaboration: Working with directors, producers, and other creatives to bring visions to life.
Then a set design program might be the perfect fit.
Here are some things to consider:
Program focus: Some programs specialize in theater, film, or events. Choose one that aligns with your interests.
Hands-on experience: Look for programs that offer opportunities for practical work, such as internships or student productions.
Portfolio building: Set design requires a strong portfolio. Make sure the program provides guidance on developing and showcasing your work.
If you're passionate about creating visually stunning and impactful environments, a set design program could be a rewarding career path.
Hope you get the best guidance on choosing the right career for you according to your interests.
Good luck for your learning journey!!!
A Set Design program can be a great option for an art student. It combines elements of visual arts, architecture, and storytelling to create immersive environments. Creating stunning background for theatre plays, movie sets, exhibition installations, etc. are some areas of work you can pursue. Sketching 2D /3D, knowledge of color theory, principles of design and elements of design and technical knowledge are the base structure of this program.
If you enjoy:
Visual storytelling: Creating spaces that enhance and support narratives.
Spatial design: Thinking about how objects and people interact within a space.
Technical skills: Understanding materials, construction techniques, and lighting design.
Collaboration: Working with directors, producers, and other creatives to bring visions to life.
Then a set design program might be the perfect fit.
Here are some things to consider:
Program focus: Some programs specialize in theater, film, or events. Choose one that aligns with your interests.
Hands-on experience: Look for programs that offer opportunities for practical work, such as internships or student productions.
Portfolio building: Set design requires a strong portfolio. Make sure the program provides guidance on developing and showcasing your work.
If you're passionate about creating visually stunning and impactful environments, a set design program could be a rewarding career path.
Hope you get the best guidance on choosing the right career for you according to your interests.
Good luck for your learning journey!!!
Warren Irwin
I am a P.E. teacher who is certified to teach art.
23
Answers
Metairie, Louisiana
Updated
Warren’s Answer
Your counselor is simply trying to tell you without telling you that art is not a good degree path. Of course, there are many reasons that a person could justifiably make that argument, but if that's what you want to study, that's what you should study. When picking a major, it is essential that you pick something that will motivate you to do the required work.
You don't have to go to art school to study art. In truth, I would not recommend art school. It is outrageously expensive and terribly encapsulating. Find a school where you can enjoy the environment, can pay the tuition and fees, and pick art as your major. If during the course of your studies, you find out that it's not for you, you can change majors but you shouldn't try to figure out plan B right now. As long as you attend a university that offers multiple degree paths, you'll have plenty of chances to change your plans.
You don't have to go to art school to study art. In truth, I would not recommend art school. It is outrageously expensive and terribly encapsulating. Find a school where you can enjoy the environment, can pay the tuition and fees, and pick art as your major. If during the course of your studies, you find out that it's not for you, you can change majors but you shouldn't try to figure out plan B right now. As long as you attend a university that offers multiple degree paths, you'll have plenty of chances to change your plans.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It's right to plan for 2nd option.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Consider other art related careers, eg graphics design, animation artist, media designer, fashion design, etc. There are plenty of information 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, college counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Consider other art related careers, eg graphics design, animation artist, media designer, fashion design, etc. There are plenty of information 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, college counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Adrianna !
It's great that you presented this issue here at Career Village. I am sorry that your counselor steered you off course about your plans to apply to Art School. That is an exciting, wonderful plan to look forward to, and now is not the time to discourage someone about it, rather it is time to see what you can do to prepare yourself for your Art School entry.
First step: plan to go to Art School. You can do it ! Two Dimensional Art has such a wide variety of possibilities for a career ! You can work with traditional paints, inks, pencils, and mixed materials. You can use your skills in Digital Media, Printmaking, Photography and again, Mixed Media. The possibilities are great ! It is the most popular form of art there is !
My advice is to create your portfolio of your work now, without hesitation. Keep all of your work in a hard copy portfolio as well as in electronic form on a website (ask more questions here if you need more information about this). Your portfolio will be part of your application to Art School or college as an Art Major, so it's best to prepare as soon as you can. Being an Artist is a serious career although some people who have little understanding of it may think it is not a real career, so just understand that if people discourage you. Many of us in the creative, elusive careers encounter people that do not believe that careers like that can happen, when in reality, they do happen. Taking the right steps through the process will lead you to the knowledge, practice and networking that can make it happen.
There is one college 45 miles from you that you may want to look into. It is Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks. I have left their Facebook page link for you below. You can do further searches on the internet as well as on You Tube. Colleges that offer an Art Major that are located in Missouri are Kansas City Art Institute, Missouri State University, Drury University, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College and Missouri State University-Springfield. If you want to study and then work in a city, you can explore colleges and schools in major cities where there is usually high art activity. Your counselor may have advised you against going into Art because there is probably not a huge market for it where you live, but I think as you go through the process, you will also make decisions about where you'd want to live and work. The awesome part is that you can always go into business for yourself as an artist !
In order to enjoy a career, you need to run on your passion and if Art is your passion, never let anyone put a damper on it. I hope that this is helpful and I invite you to return here to ask more college and career questions ! Best wishes in all you do !
COLUMBIA COLLEGE LAKE OF THE OZARKS https://www.facebook.com/CCLakeOzark/
It's great that you presented this issue here at Career Village. I am sorry that your counselor steered you off course about your plans to apply to Art School. That is an exciting, wonderful plan to look forward to, and now is not the time to discourage someone about it, rather it is time to see what you can do to prepare yourself for your Art School entry.
First step: plan to go to Art School. You can do it ! Two Dimensional Art has such a wide variety of possibilities for a career ! You can work with traditional paints, inks, pencils, and mixed materials. You can use your skills in Digital Media, Printmaking, Photography and again, Mixed Media. The possibilities are great ! It is the most popular form of art there is !
My advice is to create your portfolio of your work now, without hesitation. Keep all of your work in a hard copy portfolio as well as in electronic form on a website (ask more questions here if you need more information about this). Your portfolio will be part of your application to Art School or college as an Art Major, so it's best to prepare as soon as you can. Being an Artist is a serious career although some people who have little understanding of it may think it is not a real career, so just understand that if people discourage you. Many of us in the creative, elusive careers encounter people that do not believe that careers like that can happen, when in reality, they do happen. Taking the right steps through the process will lead you to the knowledge, practice and networking that can make it happen.
There is one college 45 miles from you that you may want to look into. It is Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks. I have left their Facebook page link for you below. You can do further searches on the internet as well as on You Tube. Colleges that offer an Art Major that are located in Missouri are Kansas City Art Institute, Missouri State University, Drury University, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College and Missouri State University-Springfield. If you want to study and then work in a city, you can explore colleges and schools in major cities where there is usually high art activity. Your counselor may have advised you against going into Art because there is probably not a huge market for it where you live, but I think as you go through the process, you will also make decisions about where you'd want to live and work. The awesome part is that you can always go into business for yourself as an artist !
In order to enjoy a career, you need to run on your passion and if Art is your passion, never let anyone put a damper on it. I hope that this is helpful and I invite you to return here to ask more college and career questions ! Best wishes in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Arina Avakian
Graphic Designer
1
Answer
Pflugerville, Texas
Updated
Arina’s Answer
You could look into majors like Graphic Design or Game Design. Graphic Design will give you solid digital art skills and experience with the software used in animation, which can be a great starting point. Game Design is also a good option since it’s closely related to animation and lets you work on interactive content. My friend started with Game Design, focused on illustrations, and later began learning 3D animation—and he’s really enjoying it! Either major will help you build the skills and portfolio you need to eventually get into animation. Good luck!
Jiadi Tang
Animation
17
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jiadi’s Answer
Hello Adrianna,
There is a variety of choices you can go with if your passion is in 2D Animation.
1. Game Design:
Game Design is present in many universities and often they work with animators to create their game. As a 2D animator, it is entirely possible for you to make a 2D game such as a side-scroller and use your animation chops for that. As an animator who went to DePaul University, a lot of my animation classes were filled with game designers; these two majors might have more intersections than you assume!
2. Graphic Design:
As a 2D animator, you probably spend most of your day drawing; therefore, graphic design would be a good choice as well. Many courses for a graphic designer can be very helpful for an animator as well, such as composition, color theory, typography, etc. Translating moving ideas into still designs might be a fun challenge for you.
3. VFX:
When you are a VFX major, you can potentially learn advanced software such as After Effects and Nuke, and those programs can be very helpful in your animation career, as they are industry standards for motion designing and compositing. Moreover, there is a high industry demand for 2D animators with VFX skills, as often both skills are needed for certain projects.
Hope this is helpful! And good luck!
There is a variety of choices you can go with if your passion is in 2D Animation.
1. Game Design:
Game Design is present in many universities and often they work with animators to create their game. As a 2D animator, it is entirely possible for you to make a 2D game such as a side-scroller and use your animation chops for that. As an animator who went to DePaul University, a lot of my animation classes were filled with game designers; these two majors might have more intersections than you assume!
2. Graphic Design:
As a 2D animator, you probably spend most of your day drawing; therefore, graphic design would be a good choice as well. Many courses for a graphic designer can be very helpful for an animator as well, such as composition, color theory, typography, etc. Translating moving ideas into still designs might be a fun challenge for you.
3. VFX:
When you are a VFX major, you can potentially learn advanced software such as After Effects and Nuke, and those programs can be very helpful in your animation career, as they are industry standards for motion designing and compositing. Moreover, there is a high industry demand for 2D animators with VFX skills, as often both skills are needed for certain projects.
Hope this is helpful! And good luck!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
25
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Do you know what "other options" means? Do you think your college counselor is suggesting you shouldn't go to art school at all, or are they concerned about there won't be animation jobs when you graduate, so they're suggesting you look at other majors?
Everything is changing so quickly right now, and school is so expensive, I can see why your college counselor would have some concerns. Have you looked into other possible training options, such as internships or relevant summer jobs, so you don't have to invest in art school right away? Have you considered doing informational interviews with animators to ask how the field is changing with the increased use of AI?
I wish everyone who wants to could go to art school and not have to worry about money. You learn so many important things--problem-solving, critical thinking, visual literacy, collaboration, and so much more. But if you leave school saddled with debt, you'll have to prioritize making enough money to repay your loans and cover all your other expenses, and that may leave you struggling or trapped in a job you don't like. It's very rare that a fresh graduate finds a high-paying job right out of school; you have to pay your dues, which means getting an entry-level job with entry-level wages--and probably side hustles too.
A lot of students have double majors now, like art and business, so they can hedge their bets when the job market is tight. That might be a good option for you. I would suggest that you stay open to all sorts of opportunities and talk to as many professionals in jobs that interest you as you can.
Whatever you do, though, don't give up on your dreams. Make your goals as clear and specific as possible, and work toward them every day, even if only for a few minutes. Always take time to do what you love.
Wishing you happiness and success in all your endeavors. I'm right there with you!
P.S. If you haven't seen the PBS series, Confluence, about the intersection of art and technology, you might want to check it out. It's also on Kanopy, which is free to you if you have a library card and is a great resource for art documentaries.
Everything is changing so quickly right now, and school is so expensive, I can see why your college counselor would have some concerns. Have you looked into other possible training options, such as internships or relevant summer jobs, so you don't have to invest in art school right away? Have you considered doing informational interviews with animators to ask how the field is changing with the increased use of AI?
I wish everyone who wants to could go to art school and not have to worry about money. You learn so many important things--problem-solving, critical thinking, visual literacy, collaboration, and so much more. But if you leave school saddled with debt, you'll have to prioritize making enough money to repay your loans and cover all your other expenses, and that may leave you struggling or trapped in a job you don't like. It's very rare that a fresh graduate finds a high-paying job right out of school; you have to pay your dues, which means getting an entry-level job with entry-level wages--and probably side hustles too.
A lot of students have double majors now, like art and business, so they can hedge their bets when the job market is tight. That might be a good option for you. I would suggest that you stay open to all sorts of opportunities and talk to as many professionals in jobs that interest you as you can.
Whatever you do, though, don't give up on your dreams. Make your goals as clear and specific as possible, and work toward them every day, even if only for a few minutes. Always take time to do what you love.
Wishing you happiness and success in all your endeavors. I'm right there with you!
P.S. If you haven't seen the PBS series, Confluence, about the intersection of art and technology, you might want to check it out. It's also on Kanopy, which is free to you if you have a library card and is a great resource for art documentaries.
Angela Y. Smithers
User Interface Design
9
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Angela Y.’s Answer
Wow!
It’s so wonderful that you have a counselor willing to take a personal interest in your future. Since it seems that you are in high school, the #1 thing that I recommend is to join LinkedIn’s account for high school students *if your high school participates in this option*. This way you can follow as many 2D animators as possible and track their career steps. I would not want you to throw away your dream or ambitions entirely.
💻 By using LinkedIn, you gain the opportunity to see which schools animation studios frequently hire from. This is a valuable resource. Pay special attention to companies like Nintendo, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and others. 💡
Try to find a school that offers both your alternative major and 2D animation, or one that provides the technology/software necessary for self-teaching 2D animation. This isn't for the purpose of sneaking into 2D animation classes and overhearing lectures and secretly learning 🤫 (who does that? 😉), but rather to allow for the possibility of an open elective class. If your major is entirely different from 2D animation, remember that you can utilize tutorials from YouTube, EnvatoTuts, and other platforms to learn on your own.
To provide specific advice, I need to know certain details like how many years you intend to study, your willingness to work extended hours, and your proficiency in math. Architecture, for instance, may require a minimum of 6 to 8 years of study plus 2 years of apprenticeship. Industrial design necessitates a knack for math. Civil engineering also demands math skills and possibly long working hours.
However, if you're simply interested in exploring a list of majors, take a look at the offerings at Concordia —> https://www.concordia.ca/academics/undergraduate.html.
3. Glance over the offered undergrad programs at a school that also teaches 2D animation
2. Find the schools that animation studios hire from the most (using LinkedIn)
1. Get access to LinkedIn’s high school only account
It’s so wonderful that you have a counselor willing to take a personal interest in your future. Since it seems that you are in high school, the #1 thing that I recommend is to join LinkedIn’s account for high school students *if your high school participates in this option*. This way you can follow as many 2D animators as possible and track their career steps. I would not want you to throw away your dream or ambitions entirely.
💻 By using LinkedIn, you gain the opportunity to see which schools animation studios frequently hire from. This is a valuable resource. Pay special attention to companies like Nintendo, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and others. 💡
Try to find a school that offers both your alternative major and 2D animation, or one that provides the technology/software necessary for self-teaching 2D animation. This isn't for the purpose of sneaking into 2D animation classes and overhearing lectures and secretly learning 🤫 (who does that? 😉), but rather to allow for the possibility of an open elective class. If your major is entirely different from 2D animation, remember that you can utilize tutorials from YouTube, EnvatoTuts, and other platforms to learn on your own.
To provide specific advice, I need to know certain details like how many years you intend to study, your willingness to work extended hours, and your proficiency in math. Architecture, for instance, may require a minimum of 6 to 8 years of study plus 2 years of apprenticeship. Industrial design necessitates a knack for math. Civil engineering also demands math skills and possibly long working hours.
However, if you're simply interested in exploring a list of majors, take a look at the offerings at Concordia —> https://www.concordia.ca/academics/undergraduate.html.
Angela Y. recommends the following next steps: