College & Career Insights
Most grateful for the time and thoughtful insights for our HS Junior—pursuing art in college and as a career path. Gary & Sheree L. are both practicing Graphic Art Directors and college art instructors. Together, they have direct experiences with ArtCenter, UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, Cerritos College, and Cal State Long Beach. They have sent their two children to art school at both CSULB and CSUF.
Takeaways:
ArtCenter, Otis, CalArts are too expensive and not likely to be a return on the investment. Job prospects for most Art degrees may still be challenging.
UC’s in general are weak at Art. UCLA, UCI etc offer very basic BA degrees and the instructors were not impressive.
Cal State Long Beach and Fullerton are very strong programs (most Cal State Art Programs)—BFA better than BA for job prospects. Long Beach a little more conceptual and Fullerton more practical—gearing up for the creative working world, post graduation.
One’s portfolio and work experience speaks more highly than your education or school. If you are talented and get exposure, you will find work.
Not all artistic & creative fields have the same job prospects. Some may pay per project, or contract; while others may be by salary.
Illustration graduates, even if most talented exist in an abundance of artists—resulting in competition and fewer opportunities.
Design in general, are better paying than general art. e.g. Graphic Design, Product Design, Game Design.
Graphic Design (BFA), more than Graphic Arts (BA)—uses a wide range of skills. Client based.
As a college art instructor, they see talented and prepared students as transfers or those with some earlier experience. Freshmen with little art or computer design experience have to be taught the basics.
With regards to Graphic Design, you will have a head start if you are familiar with computer design software—Adobe etc. Take a high school or community college class prior to college design.
Most BFA is your finding a mentor or teacher working in the area or style that you like (junior year), and that you focus on in the last year.
Build a strong portfolio, get work experience through internships, and get your work seen.