4 career paths you can pursue with a fine art degree

Are you mad about art but worried that it might not lead to real job opportunities in the future? You’re not the only one. Many students feel unsure about how to turn their passion into a career. But the truth is, a Fine Art degree provides a lot more than just a way to develop your talent. It can open doors to a wide range of rewarding jobs by teaching you the skills that employers really value the most.

Still wondering what comes next? Keep reading to learn about four careers in art that you can pursue once you graduate from the University of Bolton.

1. Illustration and graphic design

Want a stable career choice with plenty of variety in your day-to-day work life? Businesses always have, and always will, rely heavily on eye-catching visual content to help drive their sales. You could be designing anything from logos to social media graphics, so your Fine Art skills will always come in handy. A job in graphic design could also be an excellent way to find a career in marketing and communication later on.

2. Education and community work

Love to share your passion for art with other people? You could consider a career in art education. Teaching, running workshops or leading local community art projects all help to inspire the next wave of creatives. Education, or even art therapy, plays a vital role in helping young people to express themselves in a safe environment. It’s an especially good option for mature students who may already come from a background in education.

3. Freelancing and self-employment

Whether you specialise in painting, sculpture or digital, the most liberating route is becoming a freelance artist. It is easier than ever for artists to showcase their work by building a following on platforms like Instagram and Etsy. Many of our Fine Art graduates even use their online presence to help sell original works or attract commissions. While it can be more challenging to be self-employed, you’ll also enjoy the freedom of being your own boss.

4. Art curation and gallery management

The knowledge gained from a Fine Art degree makes graduates well-suited to a role in art curation. Enjoy organising exhibitions for the public and industry professionals? Want to work behind the scenes in a role that leverages your expertise? Curators must select art, design sets and collaborate with other artists to make their events a success. It can be a very rewarding career if you appreciate the business side of art just as much as the creative.

The University of Bolton’s Art and Design courses provide experiences that prepare you for the real world. You’ll grow your critical thinking skills, learn to evaluate work and gain the practical knowledge needed to get ahead. Think a degree in Fine Art might be right for you? Talk to us on +44 (0)1204 900 600 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk to find out more about #UniAsItShouldBe.