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Major in Art
Article by Rachelle Wiggins
“If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God, but like God—that is, if you are human—your work is to take what God has made and shape it and use it to make Him look great.” ~John Piper
Art colors our world--from the graphics on your computer screen to the design on your coffee cup to the sculpture in the gallery to the ad on the billboard. Art, as a college degree, is an interdisciplinary major, meaning that it draws from many academic areas such as history, music, dance, theater, visual arts and writing. Art majors focus on the creation, interpretation and evaluation of works and performances in auditory, kinesthetic and/or visual forms to express ideas and emotions. A strong art program will enhance understanding of art and cultural history, sharpen aesthetic awareness in everyday life, and hone a wide variety of skills useful in expressing and communicating with an audience.
If you have been artistically gifted, have an eye for detail, are a creative problem solver and enjoy the arts in many forms, then perhaps this major is up your alley. Some of the other skills and traits helpful for this major include good research skills and an analytical mind able to synthesize learning from various areas in order to create something new and meaningful. While an artist at this level must sometimes work alone for hours on a given project, it is also helpful to be a team player since other endeavors involve collaboration and group settings. It is great to possess traits of flexibility and resourcefulness, being able to utilize whatever is available to you in the creative process.
No matter what genre you prefer, an art major is a versatile degree that allows you to explore a number of different art forms and mediums. Classes you can expect to take vary greatly depending on your interests and your school’s specific program. While you will most likely take classes about the history of art, Western Art and Modern Art, here are some other categories:
Because an art major has such a broad base, the breadth of career options is equally wide and varied. Art majors have found successful careers in fields as far ranging as business, publishing, technology, design, education, advertizing and media. Some of the more traditional art careers such as illustrator, photographer, graphic designer and art teacher interpose with unique careers like art therapist or arts administrator. More competitive fields, that may require advanced or specialized training, include animator, fashion designer and professional artist. Here are some of the fastest growing art careers today:
87% of art major alumni report being gainfully employed and content with their lives. Therefore, if you’re feeling inspired to tap into that creative energy God has fashioned into your genetic make-up, then maybe a career that showcases those gifts is the choice that allows His light to best shine through!