If you’re passionate about the arts, there’s no reason to hold back from turning that passion into a profession. Exploring your degree options is a great first step toward building a future as an artist.

Many people assume that becoming an artist doesn’t involve higher education—that you either have the talent or you don’t. And while natural ability certainly plays a role, even artists with exceptional innate skill can benefit immensely from formal training.

“College just looks better on your resume whether you’re a freelance artist or employed by a company,” explains Maegan Shipp, a freelance graphic designer and art teacher in Lowell, Michigan. Shipp completed her bachelor’s degree in animation with a concentration in 3-D modeling at the Southwest University of Visual Arts in Arizona.

Earning an art degree can expose you to new techniques, help refine your existing abilities, and provide the space to create a professional portfolio. It can also help you make industry connections that can lead to stronger earning opportunities. “You’re absolutely taken more seriously,” Shipp adds.

Continue reading to learn what it takes to become an artist and what this career path looks like.

How do I know if becoming an artist is right for me?

While it may seem straightforward, the first requirement for pursuing a career as an artist is a genuine love of creating art. Having a natural inclination toward your medium is also important.

“You need to have an artistic ability,” Shipp notes.

If you’re unsure whether you have the interest or foundational skills to pursue art professionally, consider trying art courses before enrolling in a college program. High school students can often explore different mediums through their school’s art department, while adults can look for community education classes offered by local arts councils or community colleges.

Beyond enjoying art itself, you should be comfortable with the possibility of self-employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 58% of craft and fine artists and 63% of special effects artists and animators are self-employed. These individuals often work as freelancers, contractors, or independent creators selling their work directly to customers.

Self-employment offers flexibility and creative freedom, but it’s not the ideal setup for everyone. If you’d rather work as a traditional employee, it’s wise to research available job opportunities in your chosen specialty before committing to an artistic career path.

How to become an artist

Becoming an artist doesn’t follow a rigid, linear path, and according to Justin Pincar, Co-founder and Managing Director of Achievable, this flexibility is both the challenge and the opportunity.

“Unlike professions with fixed credentials or licensing steps, art careers develop from skill growth, consistent practice, and a strong portfolio,” Pincar explains. “That means you need structure, even if the field itself doesn’t always provide it.”

He notes that many students thrive with formal training because college programs offer a guided environment similar to Achievable’s structured learning approach. Degree programs help you build foundational techniques, receive expert critique, and gain exposure to industry expectations. More importantly, they give emerging artists a chance to develop a polished portfolio — the equivalent of a “performance-based credential” in artistic fields.

For those who want independence or plan to sell their work directly, Pincar highlights the value of pairing creative training with practical skills. “Artists today benefit from understanding marketing, budgeting, and even analytics,” he says. “At Achievable, we’ve seen how students succeed when they combine domain knowledge with professional skills. Art is no different.”

Students preparing to enter art programs should begin building their portfolio early. High school electives, local workshops, online courses, and community studios provide essential practice. “In any skill-based discipline, breadth leads to strength,” Pincar adds. “Experiment widely at first. The more techniques you try, the better prepared you’ll be to specialize later.”

Education options: How long to become an artist

Wondering how long it takes to become an artist is natural, and the answer depends on the educational path you choose.

Community colleges may offer two-year associate degrees in fine arts, while most students pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree. These programs combine studio courses with general education subjects such as psychology, math, and humanities. “Broader academic exposure isn’t a distraction,” Pincar says. “It supports creative problem-solving and strengthens the analytical side of the artistic process.”

At many universities, including the University of Nevada, Reno, students complete core studio requirements and choose a concentration such as:

● Drawing

● Graphic design

● Digital media

● Photography and videography

● Ceramics

● Printmaking

● Sculpture

● Painting

● Book and publication arts

● Art history

Pincar often encourages learners to evaluate both the BA and BFA routes. “The BA tends to be more flexible, while the BFA offers deeper immersion. It’s like choosing between a broad foundational curriculum and a highly specialized track — both work, depending on your goals.”

He emphasizes that versatility is one of the greatest advantages an art education can provide. Many students, like countless professionals he has coached at Achievable, discover new career directions along the way. “Skills transfer,” he says. “A strong design background opens doors far beyond traditional studio art, from marketing to digital production to user experience.”

For students uncertain about long-term career options, Pincar says this adaptability is a strength. “The path may shift, but the skills you build — visual communication, creative analysis, technical proficiency — remain incredibly valuable across industries. With the right structure, discipline, and portfolio strategy, you can shape an art career that matches your strengths and evolves with you.”

Careers in art

By the time you finish an art degree, you should have significant hands-on experience in your chosen area. Ideally, you’ll also have made connections with faculty members and industry professionals who can support your early career. Still, your long-term success often depends on your ability to seek out opportunities proactively.

“You have to be your own advocate,” Shipp emphasizes. She believes that building a successful artistic career is realistic, but it requires dedication. “You can get there. It just depends on how much work you are going to put into it.”

Self-employment is the most common career path for most artistic specialties, but for those who prefer a traditional employee role, here are some of the industries employing artists according to the BLS:

● 12% of special effects artists and animators work in motion picture and video production

● 11% of art directors are employed in advertising, public relations, and related services

● 9% of graphic designers work for specialized design services

● 8% of craft and fine artists are employed by independent artists, writers, and performers

Additionally, organizations such as the College Art Association, the National Association of Independent Artists, and local arts councils offer resources that can help artists develop their careers.

Future of artist jobs

There has been concern in recent years about artificial intelligence potentially replacing commercial art jobs, especially in digital fields. However, the BLS predicts ongoing growth in art-related occupations.

From 2021 to 2031, the agency expects job increases ranging from 3% for graphic designers to 6% for craft and fine artists. Although technology, from 3-D printing to AI-generated imagery, will likely play a larger role in creative work, machines cannot replicate the imagination, vision, and originality that human artists bring.

If you’re enthusiastic about the arts and envision yourself working in a creative field, don’t hesitate to follow that dream. Explore degree programs and speak with an admissions advisor to take the first step toward becoming an artist.