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First, some facts. Of the Printmaking 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 56 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, Printmaking graduates have a much lower likelihood (-15%) 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 33% 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 Printmaking graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 81% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Kansas City Art Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Printmaking. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONInstructor Kansas City Art Institute Sep 2016 - Apr 2018 Residence Life and Campus Activities Coordinator  Kansas City Art Institute Aug 2012 - May 2018 Co-Director Front/Space Oct 2014 - Jun 2018 Preparator Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago Sep 2018 - Dec 2020 Publicity Assistant  University of Chicago Press Jul 2020 - Dec 2020 Studio Assistant and Gallery Manager Space & Time Gallery Aug 2020 - Dec 2021 Visual Arts Teaching Fellow University of Chicago Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 Founder & Director RADAR Midwest Jun 2018 - Present Marketing Manager EXPO CHICAGO Nov 2021 - Jul 2023 Director of Marketing and Communications EXPO CHICAGO Jul 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Fine Arts - MFAUniversity of Chicago 2018 - 2020 ABOUTOver 10 years experience as an artist and arts professional with creative approaches to large-scale event planning, exhibition management, marketing and partnership strategies. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the jobs people with a degree in Printmaking end up doing, there’s a mix of relevant and completely unrelated roles. Many graduates find work that allows them to tap into their creative skills, while others venture into careers that have little to do with the artistry and techniques they learned. It’s interesting to see how broadly the skills acquired in a Printmaking program can be applied, but at the same time, it’s clear that many alumni end up in roles that don’t directly utilize their education.
One of the most common job types among Printmaking graduates is teaching. Many individuals have taken on roles as art teachers, teaching artists, or instructors at various educational institutions. These positions are highly relevant, as they allow the graduates to directly apply their printmaking techniques and artistic understanding in various educational settings. Furthermore, freelance illustrators and tattoo artists are also frequently seen in the mix. These roles take advantage of the visual and creative skills honed during their studies, providing a solid connection to their degree. It’s safe to say that several graduates have carved out successful paths in creative industries directly linked to their Printmaking education.
However, there’s also a significant number of graduates who find themselves in jobs that do not leverage their Printmaking skills at all. Many have taken roles in areas like retail management, social work, or administrative positions that don’t utilize any artistic knowledge. For these individuals, while they may be excelling in their careers, it’s often a matter of survival or personal interests leading them far away from the world of printmaking and art. The contrast between the relevant and the irrelevant jobs emphasizes a broader trend many art graduates experience: the reality of the job market often leads talented artists into fields that don't fully value their specialized skills.
In summary, while many Printmaking graduates find fulfilling careers that directly utilize their artistic education, a significant portion end up in jobs that don’t align with their degree. The landscape reflects both the versatility of artistic skills and the sometimes harsh realities of the job market, where passion and practicality often collide. It raises an important question: how can art students best prepare for careers that both honor their academic training and provide a stable future?
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Printmaking graduates:
Looking at the careers of Printmaking graduates from various universities, it's clear that their trajectories are quite diverse, with many taking paths that either align closely with their degree or diverge significantly into unrelated fields. Right out of college, many graduates seem to gravitate towards freelance work, teaching roles, or positions that allow them to apply their creative skills, such as graphic design or illustration. For instance, the graduate from the University of Florida who is now a Freelance Illustrator demonstrates this initial step into the creative workforce, which isn't uncommon among many recent graduates in arts-related fields.
As we extend our timeframe to five or ten years after graduation, the outlook varies widely. Some continue to thrive in creative sectors—like the tattoo artist from Arizona State University who has been consistently working in that field for several years. Others have transitioned into different realms altogether. For example, the former printmaker who became a social worker showcases how some individuals leverage their communication and storytelling abilities in fields outside traditional art settings. However, we also see a worrying trend where certain graduates end up in jobs that seem disconnected from their education, such as roles in retail or administrative positions. This speaks to the broader challenges that art students face in securing positions that directly utilize their specialized skills.
In summary, while some Printmaking graduates find fulfilling careers aligning with their artistic aspirations, a significant number appear to struggle to fully leverage their degrees in the job market. It highlights the importance of building a versatile skill set and considering how their education can translate into various roles beyond the traditional paths. Whether through teaching, graphic design, or even entrepreneurship, it's clear that adaptability plays a key role in the long-term success of these graduates.
A Bachelor’s degree in Printmaking can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, if you’ve got a passion for art and are willing to experiment with different techniques and styles, it can feel like a fun creative journey rather than an uphill battle. But on the other hand, printmaking requires a lot of technical skill and attention to detail, so you'll need to be ready to put in some serious hands-on work and maybe even deal with some frustrating experiments that don’t turn out as planned. Overall, it might be a bit more challenging than say, a general studies degree, especially if you want to really excel and develop your own unique style. So, if you're ready to get your hands dirty and embrace the process, you might find it rewarding, but don’t expect it to be a walk in the park!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Printmaking.
Looking at the jobs these graduates have held since finishing their printmaking degrees, it seems like their earning potential varies quite a bit. Some, like the graduates from the Rhode Island School of Design and those who have taken roles like Senior Graphic Designer and Associate Professor, appear to have landed on a more lucrative career path. This suggests they might be making decent money, especially considering academic positions often offer stable salaries. However, others, especially those in part-time or freelance gigs, like the freelance illustrator from the University of Florida or many who have taken on teaching roles in smaller organizations, might not be raking in the big bucks. They could still enjoy their work but may face a more uncertain financial situation.
Overall, while there are definitely some graduates doing well in their respective fields, many seem to hold jobs that may not provide the financial stability that others enjoy. It's a mixed bag really; being a printmaking grad can lead to varied opportunities, but those thinking of entering this field should be prepared for some financial ups and downs along the way! Following passions is great, but it’s always smart to keep an eye on the bank account too!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Printmaking. This may or may not be useful:
