As a graphic design student from an Asian American household, I’ve faced significant backlash from peers that I’m making a mistake by pursuing a career I’m passionate about. Despite the presence of art in our everyday lives, pursuing a career in the arts is still widely undervalued by society. Passionate art students are often criticized for their choices, especially regarding financial and career prospects. The most common argument I hear is centered around the fear of financial instability after graduation. This fear leads many art students to reconsider their paths, often switching majors in pursuit of careers with more perceived financial security. But, like every other student, a lot of graduates will face financial challenges, including student loan repayment and the uncertainty of finding a stable job after college. Art students are not alone in this struggle. 

Art students shouldn’t feel pressured by their peers and society to change what they want to pursue and study. Furthermore, a lot of art students are told that they are wasting money in college to study art. While you can practice drawing, painting, dancing, etc., at home, college gives art students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and the chance to network with others. By going into college pursuing art, you’ll be able to use a variety of tools that can be expensive or hard to get. Although these tools might not be free, being a college student can get you discounted prices for materials. For example, if you’re studying graphic design, you’ll be able to get Adobe Suite for cheaper using a website called CollegeBuys. Many universities have a design or computer lab, which gives students access to high-tech computers that already have programs installed. If you are studying performing arts, many universities will have big practice rooms that students can book for free. College is a great opportunity for art students because being able to get critiques and learn from our peers is crucial for growth.

If you’re currently an art student like me, pressure from peers and society can feel discouraging. We only live once, and being able to pursue a career that brings you happiness is difficult to find in today’s world. Many people don’t feel joy or excitement in the work they do, so if the arts make you feel connected and fulfilled, you should follow your heart and pursue them. Yes, it will be challenging at first to find a career in the arts, but these struggles are not unique to art students. Many students across all fields also face these issues.

Here’s some advice that might help you feel less anxious:
First, network. Networking is important because it allows you to connect with people across different industries who may help you find opportunities in your chosen field. If you are currently taking an art class, try to build professional relationships with your professors, especially those working in the area of art that you want to pursue. Professors can recommend you for internships, offer you assistant roles that give insight into the industry, or write strong letters of recommendation.
Second, build a portfolio! Whether you draw, dance, make music, etc., it’s important to have a portfolio that showcases your best work to display the experience you have. Most art-related internships and jobs will require a portfolio to evaluate your skills and see if you’re the right person for the job. Curating a portfolio is easier than it sounds. You can store your work in a Google Drive or build a free website using platforms like Wix, Readymag, or Squarespace to display your work! Personally, I’ve used Wix to create my own online portfolio and showcase my work! 

Lastly, share your work on social media! Social media is a great way to reach different audiences, and it’s easy to build connections with a lot more people. Similarly to a portfolio, you’ll be able to showcase all the pieces of your work! Here are some examples of people on Instagram that do a good job at showcasing their works: Niyuart, hapipeach, and studiopaperbear.

Pursuing art shouldn’t make us, as art students, feel anxious about our futures or career prospects. Artists are essential to everyday life—they create music, film, advertisements, designs, and more. Being an artist shouldn’t define your financial worth or status in life, because artists are just as important as professionals in any other field. So, don’t let pressure from others discourage you. You are in control of your path, and you have the power to define what success is.