Creative Doesn’t Mean Clueless
Here’s How Arts Majors Can Lead to Real Careers—and Real Impact
🎭 Yes, You Can Major in the Arts
Whether you’re passionate about performance, storytelling, design, or expression—creative majors are real majors. The key to success is have a strategy, have a plan, Start Early, and Start your career before you go to college. Weather that is painting murals, Coloring a local comic book artist, Selling your painting at Artisphere. An artist needs to understand more than just making the art, you also need to understand how to build a business around it.
But they require just as much planning as STEM or business tracks.
The arts can lead to fulfilling careers—but you need to know how to connect what you love with what the world needs.
✅ High-Value Arts Majors to Consider
1. Graphic Design / Digital Media
🖥️ Careers: UX Designer, Motion Graphics, Brand Visualist
📈 Growth: +16%
💰 Median Salary: $79,000
2. Arts Administration
🏛️ Careers: Museum Manager, Theatre Director, Nonprofit Leader
📈 Growth: +9%
💰 Median Salary: $71,000
3. Music Technology / Audio Engineering
🎧 Careers: Sound Designer, Studio Technician, Live Audio Engineer
📈 Growth: +8%
💰 Median Salary: $60,000+
4. Illustration / Animation
🎞️ Careers: Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer
📈 Growth: +10%
💰 Median Salary: $77,000
5. Theatre / Performing Arts with Business Minor
🎭 Careers: Actor, Casting Coordinator, Arts PR, Creative Producer
📈 Growth: Varies (creative field)
💰 Earnings based on experience and roles, but supported by diversified skills
🔍 What Colleges Look for in Creative Applicants
A strong portfolio or audition (start early!)
Evidence of commitment: lessons, shows, camps, competitions
Academic preparation, especially in relevant courses
A story—why this art form, and what you want to do with it?
We help students craft that story, frame their experience, and build strong application packages.
💬 What Students & Parents Say
“We didn’t know how competitive animation programs were. College Refocus helped us prep the portfolio early—and find programs that were a match, not just a dream.”
— Greenville, SC🛠️ How College Refocus Helps Arts Students
✅ Portfolio coaching and creative résumé reviews
✅ Application timelines based on audition/portfolio requirements
✅ College list tailored to strengths and interest area
✅ Scholarship and arts-specific financial aid guidance
✅ Balanced strategy: creative passion + career practicality
We treat creative majors seriously—because they are.
📞 Book a Free Creative Major Planning Call
🎯 In 30 minutes, we’ll help you:
Clarify your artistic and career goals
Identify best-fit programs (and backups)
Understand timelines, auditions, and scholarships
👉 Schedule Your Free Arts Planning Call »