Majors at the University of Connecticut
Art
The Studio Art Program results in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Within this program are six areas of concentration: communication design, illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture/ ceramics. Prior to picking a concentration, students must initially complete the foundation program, where the basics of studio art are introduced. In this foundation program, students work with typography, paint, paper and wood. They are also introduced to critical writing on contemporary visual culture, advertising, fashion, media and digital technologies and the issues that surround traditional and contemporary art.
Communication Design:
The communication design concentration focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of visual communication. Typically, students with this concentration take courses such as typography, time-based media, publication design, design history, visual identity systems, and interactive media and information design. The curriculum incorporates knowledge with conceptual, technical and visual problem solving, which focuses on the relationship between form and content. Students wishing to enter the field of graphic design usually select the communication design concentration.
Illustration:
Illustration typically refers to the painting or drawing of pictures for books, magazines and other publications, films, and paper products (such as greeting cards and calendars). Students are provided with technical skills, as well as information about the ethics behind the profession in order to be prepared for the role of an illustrator.
Painting:
A concentration in painting allows for focus of the student's personal artistic inclinations through the use of watercolor, oil, acrylic and even egg tempera to create engaging images. A student's painting experience can be furthered through working in abstract and conceptual concerns, as well as mixed media.
Photography:
Photography is much more than just pointing and clicking; it also focuses on choosing a subject, composing it effectively, orchestrating color and light, and how to develop photographs in a darkroom setting. Besides working on personal projects, students study other photographers, both contemporary and historical.
Printmaking:
Printmaking students typically study intaglio (etching and engraving), monotype lithography, serigraphy (silk screen), and relief printmaking (woodcut and linocut). Once all introductory techniques are introduced, the higher-level courses require the students to express his/her individual ideas through a method of printmaking.
Sculpture/Ceramics:
The utilization of sculpture/ceramics is a method by which artists can represent their own perceptions and understanding of the world. Typically, students with this concentration learn about welding, glassblowing, and woodworking. Introductory courses focus on experimenting with materials and techniques. As skills are developed, independent long-term projects are the dominant factor in the curriculum. In addition, the student studies the designing and constructing of sculptures as well as the history and theory behind it.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
The nature of the work of an artist is extremely varied. There are many different forms of art and many different careers an artist may choose to pursue. Artists can work in a variety of mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, or photography. They can use a variety of materials for their work, including computers, cameras, watercolors, pastels, pencils, clay, wood, marble etc. Artists may work for a company designing logos and ads; or they may be independently employed, concentrating on their own work. An artist can display and sell his/her artwork through galleries. Most artists who sell their art also have another job to supplement their income. This can be related to art; for example a position as an art teacher (with a teaching degree) or maybe giving private art lessons. An artist may also do art restoration (including deteriorating paintings, ceramics, fabric art, etc.). Artists who work for companies and businesses concentrate on producing art for their employers. They may also pursue their own art outside of their job. Artists may work independently or with groups. Something all artists share in common is their desire to create art; artists therefore seek employment that fulfills this need.
Sample Job Titles
- Painter
- Sculptor
- Art Director
- Curator
- Model Maker
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- Medical Illustrator
- Layout Artist
- Film Editor
- Animator
- Photo/Slide Librarian
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- Cartoonist
- Designer
- Photojournalist
- Art Critic
- Ceramist
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- Art Consultant
- Freelancer
- Restorer
- Furniture Designer
- Printmaker
- Art Instructor
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Potential Employers
There are many potential employers of artists, including the artists themselves. Self-employed artists often work with stores, galleries, or museums as outlets for showing and selling their work. Businesses also hire artists to be art directors and/or contract them to place and display artwork. Sometimes private collectors commission an artist to produce a piece of work as well. The city, state, or federal government can hire artists for various positions including art administrator, director, or representative in fine art galleries. An artist may also be hired to be a curator in a museum. There are other employers, such as magazines, newspapers, photography studios, and book publishers where one could be hired as a photographer, art critic, art consultant, illustrator, book designer, or photojournalist. Artists may also find work in advertising firms, marketing departments or even in films, movies, commercials or television programs.Useful Skills
Creativity is an important ability to have, as well as being able to communicate ideas and emotions through art. Other useful skills include being able to recognize differences in shape, shading, and color, and having an aptitude for spatial relationships. Self-management, discipline and being able to meet deadlines and work under pressure are important skills as well. Being able to network is an important skill too, because that is a large part of how an artist gains a reputation.
Getting Experience
The best way to become more familiar with the specific art-related career you are interested in is to participate in an internship program. This will allow you the opportunity to see day-to-day routine of an artist, as well as learn from experienced artists. This will also open up opportunities to make personal contacts, and gain information from co-workers on how to proceed when seeking a full-time position in the future.
Employment Opportunities
There are a wide range of possibilities for employment in areas such as education, communication, entertainment, marketing, and research and development. The growing use of visual images in these fields will continue the demand for innovative works of art. Although there is vast employment in this area, it is a highly competitive field, so one may need an alternative form of income in order to pursue a career within this industry.
Internet Links
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