Many artists care deeply about their artistic vision and hope to inspire those who see their designs, performances, videos or exhibitions. They hunger to improve their skills and push artistic boundaries to create new and innovative art forms. If this sounds like you, a Master of Fine Arts, or MFA, can be a gateway to the artistic field of your choice.
Most programs focus on working in your preferred artistic medium to intensify your creative and interpretive skills and help you develop an individual style. Master's degrees in fine arts encompass many different disciplines, including these:
- Design: Fashion design, interior design, lighting design, industrial design, design and technology
- Performing arts: Dance, theater
- Visual arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry design, printmaking, animation, photography, cinema
- Writing: Creative writing, screen writing
In addition to intensive studio practice, courses cover fundamental principles and theory. Students often attend seminars, critiques or master classes with visiting artists. Schools may require a project such as a video or manuscript, a thesis or a portfolio.
Fine arts career outlook and salaries
Career options span all the fine arts disciplines as well as educators, gallery owners, or art and movie critics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects slow to average growth for some related occupations between 2010 and 2020. Demand should increase for fine artists with digital skills, and new opportunities are expected in Internet-based publishing. Here are median 2010 salaries for representative careers:
- Art directors: $80,630
- Craft and fine artists: $43,470
- Multimedia artists and animators: $58,510
- Museum curators: $42,310
Art directors typically have 1-5 years of experience as well as management skills and a degree. This profession should grow by 9 percent, which is slower than average, with opportunities in advertising and public relations. The BLS writes that a master's degree is often the minimum qualification in the competitive world of museums.
Academic options for fine artists
You can seek a doctorate if you dream of teaching at the university level. A Ph.D. in fine arts allows you to pursue research, art criticism or arts administration at museums or galleries.
Some components of fine arts degrees may be available online; however, the intensive studio practice and art critiques encourage in-person participation. Make your artistic vision a reality by enrolling in a graduate program that can take your creativity to the next level.
Many artists care deeply about their artistic vision and hope to inspire those who see their designs, performances, videos or exhibitions. They hunger to improve their skills and push artistic boundaries to create new and innovative art forms. If this sounds like you, a Master of Fine Arts, or MFA, can be a gateway to the artistic field of your choice.
Most programs focus on working in your preferred artistic medium to intensify your creative and interpretive skills and help you develop an individual style. Master's degrees in fine arts encompass many different disciplines, including these:
- Design: Fashion design, interior design, lighting design, industrial design, design and technology
- Performing arts: Dance, theater
- Visual arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry design, printmaking, animation, photography, cinema
- Writing: Creative writing, screen writing
In addition …
