Each year, the art market is becoming more international, meaning that more people have more opportunities to engage themselves with art. There is a popular opinion that you need an art degree to achieve heights in art. But how true is this statement? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of art education and find out who can benefit from it most.
The value of an art degree today. Is it worth it?
To start with, today’s art market can be roughly divided into two groups: people with degrees and people without them. Compared to the past, now you have access to a variety of resources that will help you evolve as a professional in different areas. However, there are jobs where a degree in art is required. Take, for example, museums jobs. Directors, curators, coordinators, registrars, historians, and conservators need to be academically trained to fulfill their duties. Without proper skills and knowledge, it is next to impossible to become such a specialist.
By contrast, artists, illustrators, designers, and photographers don’t require a degree in the first place. All doubts aside, all of them can benefit from an art degree, but it doesn’t make it obligatory. Nowadays, you can hone your skills without academic programs and enroll in dedicated courses instead. If you don’t have money to pay for your classes, you might become a specialist by learning and practicing by yourself. As you might have already guessed, this is the hardest way out there.
What about art collectors? Starting an art collection is more a hobby than a job. It is true that you need to understand what you collect. Nonetheless, an art degree will be more beneficial if you decide to continue to collect fine art in the future.
Hopefully, that information has helped you dot the i’s and cross the t’s in the matter of art education. Let the knowledge back in!