What can I do with a major in Fine Arts?
Art is the study of the various creative means of expressing human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions and ideas. It involves both fine art and commercial art. Fine art study includes painting and drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking and crafts. Commercial art revolves around advertisement and includes design, illustration, film, videotape, television, murals, cards, posters, etc. Art history, art education, advertising, art therapy, journalism, and public relations are other key areas of concentration. Some additional areas of specialization are ceramics, pottery, weaving, textile design, fashion or jewelry design, interior decorating, and metal smithing.
Related Occupations:
| Antique Appraiser |
Antique Dealer |
Architect |
| Archivist |
Arranger |
Art Appraiser |
| Art Dealer |
Art Director |
Artist |
| Art Therapist |
Cartoonist |
Composite Sketch Artist |
| Computer Animator |
Conservator |
Copy Writer |
| Critic |
Curator |
Designer |
| Educator |
Fashion Designer |
Fashion Illustrator |
| Film Editor |
Film Producer |
Florist |
| Freelance Artist |
Graphic Designer |
Historic Preservationist |
| Illustrator |
Industrial Designer |
Interior Decorator |
| Jeweler |
Journalist |
Landscape Architect |
| Medical / Scientific |
Model Maker |
Photographer |
| Production Manager |
Radio Broadcaster |
Scenic Artist |
| Scriptwriter |
Sign Painter |
Sound Engineer |
| Television Producer |
Theater Technician |
Possible employers of Fine Arts majors:
| Advertising Agencies |
Art Studios |
| Motion Picture Studios |
Interior Design Firms |
| Furniture Development |
Publishing Firms |
| Museums |
Manufacturers |
| Magazines and Newspapers |
Colleges / Universities |
| Federal / Local Government |
Businesses and Industries |
| Hospitals |
Galleries |
| Schools |
Travel Agencies |
| Retailers |
Non-Profit Agencies |
Skills important for Fine Arts majors:
- Ability to concentrate intensely for long periods of time
- Ability to communicate ideas and emotions creatively
- Aptitude for determining and utilizing spatial relationships
- Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions
- Ability to recognize difference in shapes, shading, and color
- Ability to identify key concepts and trends
- Ability to use a wide range of computer and artistic tools
- Ability to perform critical analysis
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong self-promotion of abilities
- Good finger and manual dexterity
- Proficiency for accurate details
Personal attributes important for Fine Arts majors:
- Creative
- Flexible
- Imaginative
- Curious
- Dedicated to aesthetics, self-expression, and personal fulfillment
- Persistent
- Willingness to take risks
- Independent
- Feel for design and form
- Patient
- Intuitive
Related activities for Fine Arts majors:
- Do an internship
- Enter art contests
- Work part-time or volunteer in an art studio, museum or advertising agency
- Attend art shows, festivals and exhibits
- Develop advertising material for local community service groups
- Free lance drawing, painting, making movies, or designing
- Volunteer in a high school or college art department
Print Resources:
- Burston, Oliver. Careers in Architecture. Kogan Page Limited, 1995.
- Camenson, Blythe. Opportunities in Museum Careers. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
- Donovan, Mary. Opportunities in Culinary Careers. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
- Elliot, Barbara Gordon. Opportunities in Commercial Art & Graphic Design Careers. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
- Field, Sally. 100 Best Careers for Writers & Artists. Macmillan Company, 1998.
- Mauro, Lucia. Careers for Fashion Plates & Other Trendsetters. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
- McLean, Cheryl. Careers for Shutterbugs & Other Candid Types. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
- Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Dept. of Labor, (most recent edition).
- Salmon, Mark. Opportunities in Visual Arts Careers. VGM Career Books, (ask for most recent edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- National Art Education Association
- American Artists Professional League
- American Art Therapy Association
- American Institute of Graphic Artists
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
