8 answers
Dan
Student
Grand Haven, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What Minor should I take?
I'm currently in an illustration major and looking for a minor. Thinking of minoring in either photography, business, or digital studies. I'm still unsure what I want to do for my future and would like a backup plan/skill. What is the best course of action? Is there any other minors I should look into? #Fall24
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8 answers
Alex Chhay
Managing Consultant
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Alex’s Answer
There are plenty of options you can choose as a minor within business that can still allow you to pursue creative interests. For example, there are communications, advertising, and marketing careers that handle things like graphics, marketing materials, etc. If you're interested in something more technical, User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) is about designing applications and websites.
Cristian Hernandez
Content Writer
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Cristian’s Answer
Alex's answer is wonderful. There are many different industries you could get into. If you want to get into the tech field, you could look into something like Computer Science or Graphic Design. Computer Science would give you an understanding of technical systems and with your major being in illustration, this could open up great opportunities in the UX Design field. This minor is also a good fallback skill because tech is the future and there are always going to be a plethora of jobs to be filled by tech professionals, especially in the AI field.
I graduated with an English degree with a minor in Computer Science. My minor allowed me to get a job as a Technical Support Advisor at Apple, which then opened up an opportunity at IBM now, where I work as a Technical Writer.
I graduated with an English degree with a minor in Computer Science. My minor allowed me to get a job as a Technical Support Advisor at Apple, which then opened up an opportunity at IBM now, where I work as a Technical Writer.
Carmine A. Picarello
Commercial Photographer
3
Answers
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Updated
Carmine A.’s Answer
The rise of AI illustration highlights the importance of possessing related commercial skills, perhaps akin to those of an Art Director.
Speaking from personal experience as a commercial photographer and studio owner, I can't help but wish I had pursued relevant business education. Regardless of whether you're part of the corporate world, it's crucial to be self-reliant and understand the worth of your work.
As an illustrator, it's imperative to grasp the nuances of composition and perspective. A solid foundation in photography is a must, not only to compile a visual scrapbook but also to facilitate effective communication with photographers you might collaborate with. I've encountered numerous art directors and designers who were somewhat oblivious to the photographic or graphic possibilities. While we do have tools like Photoshop at our disposal, it's important to remember that your images need to retain a sense of believability, for the most part.
Speaking from personal experience as a commercial photographer and studio owner, I can't help but wish I had pursued relevant business education. Regardless of whether you're part of the corporate world, it's crucial to be self-reliant and understand the worth of your work.
As an illustrator, it's imperative to grasp the nuances of composition and perspective. A solid foundation in photography is a must, not only to compile a visual scrapbook but also to facilitate effective communication with photographers you might collaborate with. I've encountered numerous art directors and designers who were somewhat oblivious to the photographic or graphic possibilities. While we do have tools like Photoshop at our disposal, it's important to remember that your images need to retain a sense of believability, for the most part.
Erin Smith, CSM®
Project Management
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Erin’s Answer
I have a business major (Marketing) with a fine arts minor. Having that balance has worked really well for me both personally and professionally in the digital marketing industry. In addition to recommending that you choose a minor in a technical or business-focused field, as many answers have already stated, I would highly recommend that you look for internships and entry-level positions where you can use both your art and X minor. You will never regret having business, finance, tech, education! They can be applied across the board and also give you additional depth and context for future roles that you may not get otherwise. Good luck!
Jacob Hostetler
Artist art teacher
3
Answers
Newton Falls, Ohio
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
From my own experience, I pursued minors in Painting, Art History, and Graphic Design during my undergraduate studies. Looking back, I wish I had also included a Business or Marketing minor. As for you, what are your plans with your Illustration degree? Do you aspire to become an Illustrator or a Fine Artist? I suggest choosing a minor that not only interests you, but will also be beneficial in your future, particularly after college.
Eddy H
Consultant
27
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Eddy’s Answer
When deciding on a minor, it’s important to choose something that complements your interests while also providing skills that can broaden your career opportunities. Photography, business, and digital studies are all excellent options, depending on your goals. Photography can enhance your artistic abilities and portfolio, especially if you enjoy visual storytelling. Business is a practical choice that equips you with entrepreneurial skills, which can be invaluable if you want to start your own studio or freelance successfully. Digital studies, on the other hand, can help you stay competitive in the tech-driven creative industries by expanding your expertise in areas like web design, digital media, or coding. If you’re still unsure about your future, think about your passions and what excites you most—minoring in something you genuinely enjoy will make the learning process more fulfilling. You might also consider other minors like animation, creative writing, or marketing, which can pair well with illustration and give you additional tools to build a versatile career. Ultimately, your choice should reflect a balance between passion and practicality, ensuring you gain skills you love and can rely on as a backup plan.
Chris Schule
Consultant
12
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Dan,
As others have mentioned, choosing business as a minor provides you the most flexibility out of the options you have provided. Learning business skills in general will be beneficial no matter what career you end up pursuing, as every career ultimately is created by a business with revenues and costs. Whether it be starting your own Illustration business as an entrepreneur or working at a larger company, understanding the underlying economics and strategies of the business will be extremely valuable to your development and success. Almost all skills from a business minor will be transferable to whatever career you pursue.
Best of luck!
As others have mentioned, choosing business as a minor provides you the most flexibility out of the options you have provided. Learning business skills in general will be beneficial no matter what career you end up pursuing, as every career ultimately is created by a business with revenues and costs. Whether it be starting your own Illustration business as an entrepreneur or working at a larger company, understanding the underlying economics and strategies of the business will be extremely valuable to your development and success. Almost all skills from a business minor will be transferable to whatever career you pursue.
Best of luck!
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Given your illustration major, it’s great that you’re considering a minor to broaden your skills. Here's a personalized take on your options:
1. **Business**: If you’re thinking of a future where you might work independently or manage a creative studio, a business minor could be a game-changer. It’ll help you understand how to market yourself, manage finances, and grow your brand as an artist.
2. **Digital Studies**: This is a solid option if you want to blend art with technology. It’ll open doors to digital illustration, animation, and design for websites, games, or advertising, making you adaptable to the growing digital art market.
3. **Photography**: If you have an interest in capturing and creating visual stories, photography could complement your illustration skills beautifully. It’ll allow you to work in multimedia, advertising, or even fine art photography while developing an eye for composition and lighting.
In addition, you might want to consider a **Marketing** minor, as it aligns well with both art and business. Understanding how to promote and sell your art could be a valuable skill for your future.
Ultimately, think about where you see yourself in the future—whether it’s running your own business, working in digital media, or building a portfolio that blends art and technology.
1. **Business**: If you’re thinking of a future where you might work independently or manage a creative studio, a business minor could be a game-changer. It’ll help you understand how to market yourself, manage finances, and grow your brand as an artist.
2. **Digital Studies**: This is a solid option if you want to blend art with technology. It’ll open doors to digital illustration, animation, and design for websites, games, or advertising, making you adaptable to the growing digital art market.
3. **Photography**: If you have an interest in capturing and creating visual stories, photography could complement your illustration skills beautifully. It’ll allow you to work in multimedia, advertising, or even fine art photography while developing an eye for composition and lighting.
In addition, you might want to consider a **Marketing** minor, as it aligns well with both art and business. Understanding how to promote and sell your art could be a valuable skill for your future.
Ultimately, think about where you see yourself in the future—whether it’s running your own business, working in digital media, or building a portfolio that blends art and technology.