From the canvas to the commercial studio, we cultivate skills, mentorship, and space to build your creative career.
Turn your passion into a profession
Graphic design
Fine Arts
Careers
Studying fine arts and design prepares students for creative, technical, and educational careers across many industries.
Fine arts and design graduates bring strong visual communication, creative problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills—qualities that are valued in creative industries, education, technology, and beyond.
Below are common professional paths.
- Graphic designer: Creates visual materials for branding, marketing, and digital media.
- Illustrator: Produces artwork for books, magazines, advertising, and products.
- Animator / Motion designer: Develops animated visuals for film, television, games, and online media.
- UI/UX designer: Designs user-friendly digital experiences for websites and apps.
- Web designer: Builds the visual layout and style of websites.
- Game artist / Concept artist: Designs characters, environments, and visual elements for video games.
- Interior designer: Plans and designs functional, aesthetic interior spaces.
- Photographer / Videographer: Produces visual content for media, events, and commercial use.
- Art director: Leads the visual and conceptual direction of creative projects and campaigns.
- Creative director: Oversees overall creative vision for brands or organizations.
- Brand designer: Shapes a company’s visual identity and brand presence.
- Digital content designer: Designs visuals for websites, apps, and online platforms.
- Social media visual designer: Produces engaging visual content for social channels.
- Interaction designer: Focuses on how users engage with digital products.
- Brand strategist: Develops visual and conceptual direction for brands.
- Marketing designer: Creates visual materials that support marketing campaigns.
- Exhibit or experience designer: Designs interactive spaces for museums, events, or installations.
- Set or production designer: Develops visual environments for film, theater, or events.
- Creative project manager: Coordinates creative teams and oversees project timelines.
- Freelance creative / Studio owner: Operates an independent creative business
- Fine artist: Produces original artwork for galleries, commissions, or exhibitions.
- Muralist / Public artist: Creates large-scale public art installations.
- Ceramicist / Metalsmith: Specializes in material-based studio practices.
- Gallery artist / Commissioned artist: Sells or creates artwork for private and public clients.
- Art conservator or preparator: Preserves, installs, and maintains artwork (additional training often required).
- K–12 art teacher: Teaches visual arts in elementary, middle, or high schools (certification required).
- High school digital media / design teacher (CTE): Teaches career-focused design and media courses.
- Community college instructor: Teaches foundational or technical art and design courses
- College / University professor: Teaches specialized subjects in fine arts or design (MFA typically required).
- Teaching artist: Leads workshops and residencies in schools, museums, and community programs.
- Museum or gallery educator: Develops and delivers educational programs for visitors.
- Private art instructor / Workshop teacher: Offers independent lessons or community classes.
- Online art educator / Course creator: Teaches art or design through digital platforms.
What our students say
“Faculty is ready to push students to be artists and to explore art in their own way while teaching the core information about Fine Arts.”
“It provided me with confidence to indulge in my visions and try out new things. It provided me with positivity and knowledge of working with different forms of media and techniques.”
“The biggest strength is the professors taking the time to get to know and understand your learning process so that you can have the best outcomes.”
“Teachers were very supportive and allowed students enough creative freedom while educating students about all the skills and necessities of Fine Arts.”
“I loved being a part of the Fine Arts course here at Indiana University East; it’s enlightened me so much. Thanks so much!”