Fine Arts & Creative Practice
- Professional artist (painter, sculptor, illustrator, printmaker)
- Photographer
- Mural artist or public artist
- Mixed-media or digital artist
What is a Studio Art Major?
A studio art major is a hands-on program where students learn how to make art, think visually, and develop skills that go beyond the art world. Students typically explore mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Studio art majors create artwork, participate in critiques, study art history, and build a portfolio.
It’s a major for students who want to explore ideas through creating and creative problem-solving.
What Skills Do You Learn?
Studio art students develop technical skills in photography, painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing, and digital art. Students also learn how to network and grow in areas that employers value.
Through a liberal arts program, studio art majors can expect to develop skills in:
- Project planning and time management
- Visual communication
- Creative problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration and critique
- Technical proficiency
- Design thinking
- Research and concept development
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Design & Digital Media
- Graphic designer
- Animator or motion designer
- UI/UX designer
- Web designer
- Book or album cover designer
- Fashion designer
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Museums, Galleries & Cultural Work
- Museum or gallery curator
- Conservator or collections assistant
- Gallery manager or gallery educator
- Museum education coordinator
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Art Education & Community Arts
- Art teacher (K–12 or community programs)
- Teaching artist
- Artist-in-residence
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Creative Business & Communication
- Creative director
- Art director
- Visual merchandiser
- Creative consultant
- Art appraiser
- Art critic or arts writer
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Specialized Professions
- Art therapist
- Arts Lawyer
- Industrial Designer
Is Studio Art a Good Major?
Yes. If you’re someone who thrives on creativity, hands-on work, and exploring big ideas, studio art can be a rewarding major. Develop strong technical skills while learning how to communicate your ideas, manage projects, and work through feedback. An arts education helps improve critical thinking skills by 75% and problem-solving skills by 65%.
If you want a major that blends creativity, curiosity, and real-world skills, studio art is a great choice. It all depends on how you choose to use this degree to meet your career goals.
Should I Major in Studio Art?
Are you excited by creative challenges? If you love making things, thinking visually, and exploring ideas through hands-on work, a studio art major could be the right fit. Studio art isn't just about creating artwork; it's about developing your artistic voice and building skills that translate into a variety of careers. With help from a faculty mentor, you'll build a strong portfolio, grow your network in the art world, and gain skills important to all types of employers.
Real-World Examples
With support from Willamette’s Career Center, students leverage their portfolios, hands-on learning opportunities, professional experience, and networks to land impactful internships and launch careers. While many studio art majors pursue careers in the art world, some of our graduates have pursued careers in other fields.
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Recent Internships
- Buzz Monkey Software
- Mary Lou Zeek Gallery
- New Lanark Trust
- Oregon Arts Commission
- Oregon State Archives
- Roger W. Rogers Gallery Assistant
- Salem Art Association
- Salem-Keizer Public Schools
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Employment Outcomes
- Blue Nile
- Open Works Baltimore
- Premier Media Group
- Seattle Public Schools
- Thesis
- The Trevor Project
- Vanguard
- Wunderman Thompson
“The work experience at Hallie Ford definitely outweighed any post university art job I may have received at other fine arts universities, thanks to the breadth of museum experience I gained during that period of time.”
Marcella Kriebel ’07
Studio Art and Anthropology Double Major
Why Choose Willamette for Studio Art?
Take the