If you love the arts and want to make a career of it or take your current work to the next level, you’re probably wondering if you should go to art school. It can be a tough decision to make since being an artist doesn’t require a degree, but formal study can help hone your skills. 

The Pros

There are some jobs in the creative field that state you need a degree, and there are others that don’t require a trip to college. You could be involved with people who act, sing, direct, or write. The business aspects of artistic jobs can become more challenging to learn on your own. For this reason, you might consider pursuing a degree at a university that offers classes and programs aimed at the business side of a successful career in the arts. Attending an art college is also a great way to make connections in your chosen field.

The Cons

It can help to look down the road more than the four or so years it would take to receive a degree in a creative field. Many jobs in the artistic and creative fields are best learned hands-on, such as by apprenticing with an established artist. You can learn methods and history and objective aspects, but to improve your skills, you need to practice. The cost of attending art college also needs to be considered.

The Alternatives

In fields such as photography, musical composition, and writing, the cost of a degree could be better spent on living expenses, taking courses, and pursuing internships while you’re learning and practicing your skills. If your dream is to become an artist, you might look around your town for businesses that display artists’ work and show your art to the public. Social media has become one of the best ways to advertise artwork for free. You can design a website for your work, and your social media pages can direct your followers to your site.

Artistic jobs are not limited to those of writers and artists. Creativity can exist in music, dance, and within many areas of media and more. Consider the pros and cons that apply to you, and follow your dream, with or without a degree.

Related article: 4 Careers You Can Start Without A Degree