The academic programs that make up the category of fine arts are a broad, varied group. The fine arts typically includes visual arts like painting and photography and sculpture, but they can also reference performative arts in some lexicons – although this is rare.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that although fine artists don't need education past a high school diploma, it's not uncommon for individuals interested in a fine arts career to to earn a degree as a way to hone their skills in a setting with peers and professionals. Most public and private universities and colleges offer programs in the fine arts, although the variety will depend on where you attend school.
A career as a fine artist can be rewarding, but for some it can also be uncertain: many fine artists work as freelancers on a pay-per-project basis.
Degree Types
Schools often offer an associate in fine arts, Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in various categories. The difference between these degree programs is that the Bachelor of Fine arts and Master of Fine Arts are considered professional degree programs. They prepare a student for a career in their chosen specialization – by mastering the skills in that specialization.
A concentration requirement in a BFA or MFA degree program often replaces the elective courses that are required in the Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts programs. Also, the Master of Fine Arts is typically considered a terminal degree program in the fine arts categories referenced above. It is the highest degree program that one can complete in the subject. In this situation, fine arts refers to a visual art, like photography or painting.
Specializations
A fine arts major has several choices when it comes to their specialization. Across the country, schools offer fine arts degree programs with specializations in painting, sculpting and ceramics. Photography and illustration also fall into the fine arts category and are potential specializations for individuals who are considering pursuit of a fine arts degree.
Sample Courses
While a degree in any of the fine arts specializations includes general education courses like mathematics, science, literature and a language, it also includes a variety of courses devoted to your chosen specialization. The bulk of your courses will focus on your specialization.
For example, a program in photography will most likely include study of black and white and color photography techniques, large camera formats and a senior project that may include an exhibition.
An illustration specialization includes courses in the history of illustration, design studies and studio courses where students put their skills to work. In these studio courses, they often master figure drawing and learn about topics like animation.
A specialization in painting and printmaking includes study of the materials used in printmaking, drawing and painting techniques, a study of space and the characteristics of various surfaces.
Ideal Candidates for Fine Arts
Fine artists are often perceptive and have strong visualization skills; they are creative, have good hand-eye coordination and an eye for mixing and matching colors. Fine artists must be patient, persistent and have confidence in their own skills and their finished product. They must be willing to work hard to build a reputation over time, and must be willing to wait for recognition on a large scale. A fine artist in any specialization must be confident and comfortable selling themselves and promoting their work.
If that sounds like you, if you're comfortable working independently, managing your own work, fine arts may be a great career for you. This career path is good for individuals who are artistic, comfortable working with their hands and comfortable working indoors, as many fine artists work inside, drafting tables, painting easels or even bent over a pottery wheel.
Career Pathways
Fine artists create works that are beautiful, not necessarily useful. These professionals display their works in galleries, museums and on the Internet; they also create commissioned works for clients. Often, fine artists have a second job, according to the BLS. In 2012, the BLS reported that between 2012 and 2022, jobs for craft and fine artists are expected to grow at a slower than average rate: just 3%. The agency noted that in 2012, craft and fine artists earned an average of $44,380.
Painters and illustrators use pen and ink, watercolors or oil paints or even charcoal to create their works. They work with clients, editors and other customers to design works that fit their client's vision and the client's purpose for the artwork. Painters, illustrators and sculptors often create portfolios of their work in order to attract new clients and further their careers. For painters, sculptors and illustrators, ONET Online reports that these fields could see slightly higher growth, and a higher median income. The growth rate is approximately 7% between 2012 and 2022; the median annual wage was $44,850.
Sometimes, photographers work directly with clients to determine the specific photographs they'll take; other times, they work alone, taking photographs that speak to them and hang them in galleries for sale. Photographers need to know some business techniques, like marketing, as well as photography-related tasks, like enhancing photos for the best possible shot. Many photographers have moved away from the older silver halide film to the popular digital format.Photographers can expect to see a 4% increase in hiring over the decade, adding approximately 5,900 jobs. They earned an average of $28,490 in 2012.with these free online fine arts courses.
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Journals
British Journal of Photography
This monthly publication looks at the evolving technology in photography, interviews professionals and showcases new projects by photographers.
The Journal of Illustration focuses on promoting illustration as a profession, discussion of art practices and critical thought on the field of illustration.
Published by Xanate Media, The Illustrator's Journal includes professional illustrators' portfolio reviews, commentary on illustration exhibits and even some techniques.
Trade Magazines
With a focus on drawing, this magazine publishes reviews of galleries (online and off), promotes online events and promotes art competitions.
This magazine is a juried exhibition in print for painters, a publication of Open Studios Press.
Paintworks features free art project guides for painting, ceramics and other art forms. The magazine also features tips and tutorials.
A publication of Photo District News, this magazine is published monthly for professional photographers and includes photography industry news, profiles and…
A publication of the International Sculpture Center, this magazine promotes all forms of sculpture, from artists around the world.
This sculpture-focused magazine presents commentary about sculpture and its effect on society around the world, along with pieces on specific art installations.
Grants
Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts provides a variety of grants for individuals wishing to create projects across mediums.
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
This grant program gives students funding to complete non-credit tasks like creating and hosting fine arts events at the University of Utah or in Salt Lake City.
Fotographia List of Photography Grants
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
Fotographia curates a list of photography-related grants with varying requirements and deadlines.
Deadline: September 14th
Award Amount: Varies
The Graham Foundation offers grants for artists who want to complete projects about architecture and the designed environment.
Scholarships
Edwin Clemmer Scholarship in the Very Fine Arts
Deadline: March 1st
Award Amount: Varies
Students must major in fine arts to be considered for this scholarship. Search for "Edwin Clemmer" to find information.
Freshman Scholarship in the Visual Arts
Deadline: March 21st
Award Amount: Varies
Baylor University offers a non-renewable scholarship for entering freshmen in the Visual Arts program.
Judith Richardson Visual Art Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Award Amount: Up to $1,000
Information about this scholarship is available from the Adams State Art Department.
Painting and Printmaking Scholarships at VCU
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a variety of painting and printmaking scholarships for undergraduate students.
Painting Scholarships at the Cleveland Institute of Art
Deadline: Varies
Award Amount: Varies
The Cleveland Institute of Art maintains a series of scholarships available to students majoring in painting.
Queen's Golden Jubilee Scholarship for the Visual Arts
Deadline: May 1st
Award Amount: $5,000
Administered by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Scholarship is awarded to a young Alberta resident who has clear art-related goals.
Seattle Print Art Scholarship in Printmaking
Deadline: February 18th
Award Amount: $1,000
Students can use this scholarship to offset the costs of studio rental, supplies or workshops at Pratt.
Student Illustrator Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Award Amount: N/A
The Society of Book Writers and Illustrators sponsors four student illustrators to attend illustration conferences each year.
The Kuzmicki-McCutchen Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Award Amount: Varies
This scholarship is specifically for high school seniors who plan to study art at the University of Georgia.
Drawing Internships at the Morgan Library and Museum
Deadline: Varies
The Morgan Library offers internships to undergraduate and graduate students in Old Master and 19th Century Drawings before 1900 Internships or Modern and Contemporary Drawings.
Deadline: December 2nd
Students can find internships in four programs: J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Research Institute, Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Foundation.
Internship at Zea Mays Printmaking
Deadline: Varies
Zea Mays Printmaking offers three seasonal internships, from September to March, March to August or the length of summer.
Internships for Graduate Students at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Deadline: Varies
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston offers unpaid seasonal internships in curatorial, development, intellectual property and museum education among other topics.
John Harrington Photography Internships
Deadline: Varies
Professional photographer John Harrington offers paid internships that teach photography students about the business side of photography.
The Drawing Center Internships
Deadline: Varies
These internships expose students to a variety of jobs in a museum from curation to publications and marketing
The Getty Foundation Multicultural Undergraduate Internship
Deadline: February 3rd
A fine arts internship with the Getty, arguably LA's most famous art museum. Undergrads of African American, Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent living in LA county are eligible.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Internships
Deadline: Varies
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has offered internships for more than three decades. Interns learn about the challenges of running a small museum.
Washington Printmakers Gallery Internships
Deadline: Varies
In this program, the WA Printmakers Gallery designs an internship around an intern's skills and interests.
Student Organizations
Fine Arts Council at the University of Texas Austin
The Fine Arts Council promotes student-faculty interaction and provides opportunities to get involved in art.
Fine Arts Student Association at Clemson University
This association represents fine arts students and provides opportunities to network and show their work.
Murals and Painting Society at Iowa State University
MAPS creates murals and public art around the Iowa State University campus.
Student Association of Photographers
At Pittsburg State University, the Student Association of Photographers helps photographers to share their work.
Students in this club have opportunities to strengthen their photography skills and allows students at all skill levels.
Professional Organizations
American Photography Association
The American Photography Association sponsors photography exhibitions and hosts professional portfolio services for members.
The American Print Alliance is a group of nonprofit printmakers' councils in the U.S. and Canada.
Professional Association of Visual Artists
PAVA sponsors art exhibitions and provides support for professional artists.
Professional Photographers of America
A nonprofit organization, PPA offers professional certifications, insurance benefits and other benefits to its members.
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
This organization offers professional development in conferences, as well as grant funding for member projects.
The Society of Illustrators sponsors competitions, presents educational events and sponsors special events.