What Can I Do With a Major in Fine Art?

A Major in Fine Art can help you live your passion and communicate it powerfully.

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Artists create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. 

They use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, or illustration—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists’ works may be realistic, stylized, or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature, or events. Artists generally fall into different categories: Art Directors, Craft Artists, and Fine Artists.

Sources: University of Delaware, Ashland University, quintcareers.com, Rutgers

Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills

*Some may require further education or specialization.

Advertising Artist
Animator
Appraiser
Architecture Model Builder
Archivist
Art Agent
Art Conservator
Art Specialist/Critic
Art Therapist
Audio-Visual Specialist
Billboard Artist
Book Designer
Cartoonist
CD/Record Cover Designer
Ceramic Artist
Children’s Book Illustrator
Cinematographer
Comic Strip Artist
Consultant
Corporate Designer
Costume Designer
Courtroom Sketcher
Custom Decorator
Desktop Publishing Artist
Exhibit Designer
Fashion Coordinator
Flatware Designer
Graphic Designer/TV Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Interior Designer
Jewelry Designer
Magazine Designer
Medical Illustrator
Museum Curator
Package Designer
Pallet Manufacturer
Photographer/Picture Framer
Press Operator
Printing Crafts Worker
Printing Store Manager/Owner
Production Artist/Coordinator/Manager
Tattoo Artist
Teacher/Professor of Art or Art History
Technical Illustrator
Textile Designer
Visual Merchandiser

Apparel Manufacturers/Textile Mills
Architecture/Engineering Firms
Art Galleries
Art Publications
Auction Houses
Colleges/Universities
Community Service Agencies
Consulting Organizations
Consumer Products Firms
Corporate Communications
Craft Guilds
Cultural Organizations
Federal, State and Local Agencies
Historical Societies
Hospitals/Nursing Homes/Rehab Centers
Independent Production Companies
Libraries
Media Organizations
Museums
National Associations and Councils
Photo Agencies & Studios
Preschool/Day Care Centers
Private Schools - National
Private Schools - International
Public Relations/Advertising Firms
Public Schools
Publishing Houses
Regional and National Accrediting Agencies
Retail Stores

Possesses proficiency for accurate detail

Concentrates for long periods

Possesses aptitude for spatial relationships

Meets deadlines

Recognizes differences in shapes, shading, and color

Makes critical observations and appropriate decisions

Possesses good manual dexterity

Communicates ideas and emotions creatively

Experiential Learning

  • Designing logos/publications for a graphic arts firm
  • Assisting an interior designer with plans for a retail store
  • Teaching students in a summer art enrichment program
  • Working with at-risk youths to develop their art talent
  • Helping children with disabilities cultivate their art abilities

Professional Associations

Enhancing Your Employability

Here are ways to improve your job prospects:

  • Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
  • Participate in internships and field experience placements.
  • Become active in alumni and mentor networks.
  • Plan on a graduate degree for advancement.
  • Take part in mock interview opportunities.

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