They live in stylish factory floors, drink coffee all day and only work when they are kissed by the muse. They spend their evenings at exhibitions and parties and are either famous or chronically broke. So much for the clichés when it comes to artists or designers. The truth is usually different: Most artists and designers have a more or less regulated profession. Their artistic and technical skills did not “flown” to them, but they mostly acquired them in a very traditional way during a course of study.
Art and design – an insight into your studies
According to Top-Medical-Schools.com, there are many ways to express yourself artistically. The courses offered are just as numerous. Both traditional universities and modern universities of applied sciences offer study programs in the creative fields. And almost everywhere in the world there are special universities that exclusively offer artistic courses . The universities set the priorities differently. Anyone who decides to study art and design should find out which university is right for them.
Applied and free: fine arts
The generic term of the fine arts usually refers to the so-called liberal arts as well as the applied arts . Classical liberal arts courses at a college of fine arts are painting, sculpture, media art and performance art. The applied arts include gold and silversmiths, textile art and ceramics. The photograph is counted in part to the visual arts. Here, too, most art colleges offer their own degree program.
In most courses in the field of fine arts, students first familiarize themselves with the different materials and artistic techniques in the basic course . In the higher semesters they then specialize in a medium that suits them.
The main focus of the course is on developing your own creative personality . It is also possible to fine arts in teaching to study.
Stage and Film: Performing Arts
The so-called performing arts form the second major sub-area of the subject of art . This includes the courses in acting , dance , dramaturgy , directing and stage design – all subjects in which the students learn to represent something.
Some art schools also offer these courses. There are also a large number of state and private drama, film and dance schools and academies .
Here, too, it is about training an artistic personality. The students get to know various acting and dance techniques and work on their first projects, such as dance or theater performances, during their studies. In addition, they have classes in subjects such as theater studies or media history .
For creative technicians: design
In the design courses , the focus is not so much on your own artistic development, but rather on learning manual skills. Most of the courses are very application-oriented . Accordingly, they are divided into different categories such as fashion , product and communication design . They correspond to the later work areas.
The individual subjects are offered by various art schools as well as universities, technical colleges and private art and fashion academies. At all institutions, students receive basic training in the field of design . In doing so, they not only get to know different drawing techniques and types of color and space perception, but also practice using computer-aided design programs.
Depending on the course of study, subjects such as pattern design or typography are added. The students learn the theoretical background in subjects such as design history . At most universities, however, the focus of the course is primarily on working on your own projects .
The study of interior design is also part of the design department. Interested parties can complete the Interior Design course at some art and technical colleges . The students in this subject not only receive design training, but also attend events from the architecture department , such as building construction or statics.
Specializations in the master’s degree
The master’s programs in the fields of art and design give Bachelor graduates the opportunity to specialize even further after completing their first degree . Fine arts students focus on multimedia art or painting, for example. Product designers focus on packaging design or sustainable production.
In the field of art, in particular, many bachelor graduates use the master’s programs to gain further qualifications in related fields and thus expand their professional opportunities. In the dance department, for example, there are master’s courses with a pedagogical focus . They prepare students for a job as a dance teacher. On the other hand, graduates of the field of drama have the opportunity to gain further qualifications in master’s programs in the field of dramaturgy or directing.
There are so-called master classes for some subjects such as dance, photography or the fine arts . Students with special artistic talent receive intensive support here in order to further perfect their skills.
Personal requirements and (possible) admission criteria
A certain artistic talent is essential to be qualified for a degree in art and design. Almost all study programs in Germany have restricted admission. In most subjects, applicants first submit a portfolio with their own artistic work. If you have passed this “portfolio test” , you will receive an invitation to further job interviews and aptitude tests. In subjects such as dance or drama, they take part directly in entrance exams lasting several days .
Professional fields for artists and designers
The cliché mentioned at the beginning of the eccentric artist with a dissolute lifestyle only applies in exceptional cases. However, the fact that many graduates work freelance after graduation corresponds to the reality. Quite a few pursue several activities at the same time in order to earn a living. For example, you are involved in individual projects at theaters or with film and television companies, give acting or dance classes on the side, or work as specialist journalists.
Permanent positions at theaters and opera houses, television companies or other institutions are also possible . Graduates can work as lecturers at adult education centers or universities, work in art publishers or cultural offices, or find jobs in event agencies.
Many fine arts graduates have studied to become teachers and later pass their knowledge on in art classes at elementary and secondary schools.
The situation is a little different for designers . Due to their more application-oriented studies, occupational fields in industry and in the service sector are also open to them. For example, they work in the furniture or clothing industry, are employed by advertising and PR agencies or in offices for interior design. Quite a few graduates become self-employed after a few years of professional experience and open their own agency.
Advantages of studying art and design abroad
Anyone who wants to assert themselves as an artist or designer should take the opportunity to gain international experience during their studies. One or more semesters abroad give you the opportunity to broaden your own artistic horizons, collect inspiration and track down international trends . In addition, you have the opportunity to build up a network of international contacts early on, which you can fall back on in your later professional life. And on the side you acquire or optimize your knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
