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First, some facts. Of the Fine and Studio Arts graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1041 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, Fine and Studio Arts graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Fine and Studio Arts graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 41% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Fine and Studio Arts. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONShift Leader CookNSolo Restaurants Oct 2019 - Feb 2023 Artist  Self-employed Feb 2023 - Jun 2023 Member Services Associate  Global Rescue Jun 2023 - Present ABOUTStudio Art Graduate focusing on digital art and design with a minor in Art History.After some time spent leading experiential education trips abroad and working in hospitality, I have settled in my home state of New Hampshire. Now you can find me at Global Rescue as a Member Services Associate.Even though I have lived in cities for the past few years, I am still an outdoorsman at heart. Some of my hobbies include skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and hiking. I have also been a three-time Wilderness First Responder, a Ski Patroller, and led community service trips abroad for students.Feel free to reach out if you're interested in talking about art, travel, food, or just about anything else! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Fine and Studio Arts reveals a mixed bag of employment outcomes. Many graduates pursue roles that are not directly related to their art education, focusing instead on positions in customer service, management, and logistics. For instance, roles such as Barista, Sales Associate, or General Manager prominently feature in the data. These jobs typically emphasize skills in customer interaction, product merchandising, or operational management, which, while potentially benefiting from creative problem-solving, do not substantially utilize the artistic skills and knowledge developed through Fine and Studio Arts programs.
On the other hand, a significant subset of graduates has successfully transitioned into roles that leverage their fine arts education directly. Positions as Art Teachers, Graphic Designers, and Production Assistants highlight this correlation, where the individuals apply their creative skills actively in their work. For example, many graduates find fulfilling careers as art educators in K-12 settings, allowing them to shape and inspire the next generation of artists. Additionally, freelance opportunities in writing, illustration, and design permit these graduates to cultivate their artistic talents and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
However, the overarching trend indicates that many holders of Fine and Studio Arts degrees may find themselves in careers that, while they could incorporate some elements of creativity, do not engage with the core skills of visual arts or artistic expression daily. This suggests a need for the industry to better align educational outcomes with professional opportunities or for graduates to proactively seek positions that fully utilize their artistic training. Overall, while the data showcases a spectrum of employment experiences, many Fine and Studio Arts degree holders encounter a reality where their artistic skills are often underutilized in the workforce.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Fine and Studio Arts graduates:
When examining the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Fine and Studio Arts, it becomes clear that there’s a broad spectrum of outcomes. Some graduates find paths that resonate with their artistic education and passions, while others veer off into jobs that seem far removed from the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies. So, let’s break this down a bit.
For many recent graduates, their first jobs tend to be quite varied, and unfortunately, often not directly linked to their degree. Take the recent grad from Fontbonne University, for example. After graduating in 2020, they found themselves working as a general office clerk and a courtesy clerk at Dierbergs Markets, roles that might not exactly scream "Fine Arts Degree." This pattern isn't uncommon. Many start in roles that may seem menial or unrelated, like working in retail or administrative positions. It appears that many head straight into customer service or retail jobs, perhaps a reflection of the job market and the immediate need to find employment after graduation.
As we look five to ten years down the line, the picture starts to change for some. Graduates from schools like Malone University have taken on roles that align with their Fine Arts education, such as becoming a Traveling Exhibits Coordinator at a museum. However, not every graduate reaches their dream roles quickly. For instance, many remain in more generic corporate or service roles that don’t utilize their art skills effectively. On the flip side, several have successfully carved out niches for themselves, like the business owner from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, who runs a children’s clothing company, or the freelance artists who manage to sustain their businesses while pursuing their passions.
Overall, engagement within the arts after graduation varies widely. Some graduates have thriving art careers, becoming art directors, gallery managers, or educators in art institutions. Yet, a significant number seem to settle into jobs that don’t leverage their artistic training, which can be disheartening. Breaking into the art world can be tough, and this reality raises the question of how much job support or mentorship these graduates received while studying. It’s definitely a mixed bag, showing both the struggles many face and the fulfilling paths a select few manage to forge. So, while Fine Arts can lead to amazing creative careers, the reality is that many grads often have to take on unrelated roles to make ends meet in those early years.
A Bachelor degree in Fine and Studio Arts can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, if you’re someone who loves being creative and has a passion for making art, you might find it easier because it feels more like play than work! But on the flip side, it can also be pretty challenging because you’ll have to constantly push your boundaries, accept critiques, and develop your skills in various mediums. Plus, balancing projects, deadlines, and sometimes subjective grading can add some stress. So, while it might be more enjoyable for those truly into it, it definitely has its tough moments, making it about average in terms of difficulty compared to other degrees.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Fine and Studio Arts.
Alright, so looking through these LinkedIn profiles, it seems like the financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts graduates vary pretty widely. Some folks have found roles that might not be pulling in serious cash but offer stability, like teaching positions or work at galleries and museums. For example, someone running their own art business or serving as an adjunct professor might not be making six figures, but if they’re able to enjoy their work, that can kind of balance things out. On the other hand, there are grads who have landed positions with good companies and might be earning decent salaries, like those involved in marketing or design roles, particularly in tech or education settings.
Overall, it looks like many of these graduates are in jobs that might allow for a comfortable lifestyle rather than vast riches. It's all about how you define "making decent money." If you’re passionate about the arts and can find a niche that pays the bills while also fulfilling your creative side, then it’s a win. But for some, that might mean juggling a few gigs or keeping costs low while they establish themselves in a competitive field. So, if you’re thinking about pursuing something in Fine or Studio Arts, it’s good to keep a realistic perspective on the financial side, plan for those ups and downs, and maybe have a backup plan just in case things need to pivot a bit!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Fine and Studio Arts. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Fine and Studio Arts (ordered by the average relevance score of their Fine and Studio Arts graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Parsons School of Design - The New School
|
74 | 10 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
71 | 17 |
 School of Visual Arts
|
66 | 12 |
 Florida State University
|
56 | 19 |
 School of the Art Institute of Chicago
|
51 | 10 |