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Business degree vs arts degree. Can I still get a creative job with my business degree or is it too late for me?
Hello everyone! I really am passionate about the arts, specifically film and I do a lot of editing, art and design stuff on my free time. I did illustrate a children's book for example back in high school, however, I did end up choosing to major in business and management for uni. I guess my question is if it is still possible for me to have a creative career in the future, perhaps as an art director, graphic designer, maybe somehow working in the film industry (if there are any others please mention them as well)? At the time, I chose to major in something other than the arts because I have to be able to have a form of "safety net" and because of my background, I figured an office job will also help me with stability and to continue pursuing my dreams. However, now almost a year later into my course I am worried that I closed doors for myself and I won't be able to have any sort of creative job at all. I feel a bit lost and worried right now, because as much as stability is important for me and I want to be able to take care of my parents I also have this deep ache in my heart that I cannot do what I love the most.
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15 answers
Updated
Maria A.’s Answer
Hi Dawn,
Thinking about getting a business degree even though your heart is set on the arts? That's actually a super smart move! Don't think of a business degree as a boring backup plan; think of it as a superpower for your creative life. It teaches you the basics of how the real world works—like how to manage projects, handle money, and make smart decisions. These are the skills you need to actually make a living from your art, whether you want to start your own design company, manage a gallery, work in the movie industry or market your music. By mixing your creative passion with solid business know-how, you're not just creating art—you're building a successful career that lasts.
Reseach the different collegues and find out which one have a combination of business and art as part of their offering. i.e SCAD in Savannah GA
If you are able, join one of their summer camps to get a feeling for what a combination business/art program would look like.
Thinking about getting a business degree even though your heart is set on the arts? That's actually a super smart move! Don't think of a business degree as a boring backup plan; think of it as a superpower for your creative life. It teaches you the basics of how the real world works—like how to manage projects, handle money, and make smart decisions. These are the skills you need to actually make a living from your art, whether you want to start your own design company, manage a gallery, work in the movie industry or market your music. By mixing your creative passion with solid business know-how, you're not just creating art—you're building a successful career that lasts.
Maria A. recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much. I definitely did not think of it that way and you just lifted the weight off of my shoulders. :)
Dawn
Updated
Eloy’s Answer
Hey Dawn! I've been there. I've had very similar questions in the past, as my interests and professional journey shifted a lot over the last 10 years or so. What I can say is, anything at all you learn and develop as your professional background will serve you well in whatever your purpose is years later. You can repurpose most of things and have a principled, unique perspective on arts later on, or in parallel, that's infused by a background in business, sales, etc. For the most part, this is what makes people unique, and most creative, So, don't be too afraid to keep rowing in multiple directions that don't quite connect now, because they will most likely connect into the future. You could be a filmmaker with solid business foundations, or a business consultant with really creative, artsy ways to put forth projects. Career pathways are way more dynamic than they appear to be in the beginning, and they contaminate each other a lot more than most believe.
Updated
Lindsey R’s Answer
You absolutely can still build a creative career — your degree doesn’t change that. The most important thing you can do right now is keep your creative muscles active. Keep making things, take on small projects, join student film or design groups, say yes to collaborations, and stay connected to creative communities. That momentum is what opens doors in film, art direction, and design — not the major on your diploma.
If you keep creating, you’ll keep growing — and the path will stay wide open.
If you keep creating, you’ll keep growing — and the path will stay wide open.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are also creative careers in business : Advertising, Marketing, Media content creator, Web Page Designer, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Choose the subjects in your existing business courses relevant to these careers
4. Attend other relevant courses. It can be offered by the college or other institutes
5. Explore any intern opportunities working in these careers
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are also creative careers in business : Advertising, Marketing, Media content creator, Web Page Designer, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Choose the subjects in your existing business courses relevant to these careers
4. Attend other relevant courses. It can be offered by the college or other institutes
5. Explore any intern opportunities working in these careers
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Yes, definitely! Both big and small companies can offer you a range of jobs, from typical business roles to creative ones, depending on their field. When you're interviewing, explore what departments they have. Also, when you chat with employees, ask them about how easy it is to switch roles within the company.
Updated
David’s Answer
Your degree becomes less and less relevant the farther away you are from your college years, unless you go into a profession that requires a specific degree. You never close a door in Academia, you just make the path to another degree a little bit longer. I advise getting the business degree and study as much art as you can. If you want an art degree as well, get one.
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Kristie’s Answer
Hello! I majored in Art and Design (Design Studies and Motion Graphics) for my undergraduate programs and then pursued a Master's degree in Management. During my studies, I was working for corporate as an intern or as an assistant while owning an online graphic design business, where I was always seeking out for freelance design and animation opportunities. My goal was to be a Manager for a design firm but I realized I was more like an Owner of my own online design agency. Don't give up your dreams to be in the creative field! That's what networking opportunities and internships are for.
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Christine’s Answer
I have a BBA but have been a designer since graduation. Every person's journey is different, that's what makes you unique, and you have an edge over other that went the traditional route. It's an advantage to have a business sense when coming up with designs, (ie. would your audience like this product? Should it be in red, has red been a top selling color in the past?) And if need be, you can go back to school later on.
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Mallorie’s Answer
Hi! I think you still have the ability to be an actor or a musician. But if your passion is to do arts, then I think you should go all in and focus on that. If you are worried about doing both, you won't be as successful.
If you want a mix of business and arts, you could go with marketing or advertising as a career. Another create business opportunity is in sales.
There are many examples of people in the film industry that have pivoted after doing business for a few years.
Keep an open mind, you never know when an opportunity will become available to you!
If you want a mix of business and arts, you could go with marketing or advertising as a career. Another create business opportunity is in sales.
There are many examples of people in the film industry that have pivoted after doing business for a few years.
Keep an open mind, you never know when an opportunity will become available to you!
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Dawn,
A very thoughtful question. I just answered a similar question for Ethan. I'll share it directly with you as I believe it will help you with your legitimate concerns regarding having the very best possible career for your wants, needs and goals.
Rick
Ethan,
This is a far better question than you may realize, because you’re not just asking what job should I get, you’re asking who am I, and how do I bring that into the world of business? That’s exactly the right place to begin.
Let me tell you how it worked for me.
When I went to college, I didn’t know myself very well. Like most students, I thought picking a major was a logical exercise. What classes make sense? What career sounds stable? How can I earn the most money? What do other people think I should do? I tried that route first, and it didn’t work. Something felt off. I was doing the work, but there was no energy in it. No pull. No excitement.
What I eventually learned, the hard way, is that meaningful careers don’t start in the logical part of the mind. They start with interest. Curiosity. The things I naturally leaned toward without being told to. For me, it turned out I was endlessly interested in people: what motivates them, how they make decisions, why they want what they want. Business, I discovered, was simply a real-world laboratory for those interests.
Here’s the key shift that helped me:
Business isn’t a subject. It’s a set of ideals and principals.
Ethan, your personal interests don’t need to compete with business; they need to plug into it. If you like psychology, business becomes sales, leadership, negotiation, or marketing. If you’re interested in systems and efficiency, business becomes operations or strategy. If you enjoy creativity, business becomes branding, entrepreneurship, or product development. I believe the real world rewards people who bring themselves into their work, not those who try to imitate some generic idea of “a business professional.”
College will give you vocabulary and structure, but the real world, and your emotions, will teach you who you are. Pay attention to the classes that energize you instead of draining you. Notice the projects that grab you and won't let go--because you care. Those signals are worth more than any career aptitude test.
So, don’t ask, “How do I fit myself into business?”
Ask, “How can business become the vehicle for who I already am and who I want to be going forward?
That will lead you, like it did me, to where good careers come from - which is your heart and your soul, not just your rational conscious mind.
Do this and you will succeed at all you do, all you will have and all you will achieve.
Rick
A very thoughtful question. I just answered a similar question for Ethan. I'll share it directly with you as I believe it will help you with your legitimate concerns regarding having the very best possible career for your wants, needs and goals.
Rick
Ethan,
This is a far better question than you may realize, because you’re not just asking what job should I get, you’re asking who am I, and how do I bring that into the world of business? That’s exactly the right place to begin.
Let me tell you how it worked for me.
When I went to college, I didn’t know myself very well. Like most students, I thought picking a major was a logical exercise. What classes make sense? What career sounds stable? How can I earn the most money? What do other people think I should do? I tried that route first, and it didn’t work. Something felt off. I was doing the work, but there was no energy in it. No pull. No excitement.
What I eventually learned, the hard way, is that meaningful careers don’t start in the logical part of the mind. They start with interest. Curiosity. The things I naturally leaned toward without being told to. For me, it turned out I was endlessly interested in people: what motivates them, how they make decisions, why they want what they want. Business, I discovered, was simply a real-world laboratory for those interests.
Here’s the key shift that helped me:
Business isn’t a subject. It’s a set of ideals and principals.
Ethan, your personal interests don’t need to compete with business; they need to plug into it. If you like psychology, business becomes sales, leadership, negotiation, or marketing. If you’re interested in systems and efficiency, business becomes operations or strategy. If you enjoy creativity, business becomes branding, entrepreneurship, or product development. I believe the real world rewards people who bring themselves into their work, not those who try to imitate some generic idea of “a business professional.”
College will give you vocabulary and structure, but the real world, and your emotions, will teach you who you are. Pay attention to the classes that energize you instead of draining you. Notice the projects that grab you and won't let go--because you care. Those signals are worth more than any career aptitude test.
So, don’t ask, “How do I fit myself into business?”
Ask, “How can business become the vehicle for who I already am and who I want to be going forward?
That will lead you, like it did me, to where good careers come from - which is your heart and your soul, not just your rational conscious mind.
Do this and you will succeed at all you do, all you will have and all you will achieve.
Rick
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Part of what people look at, is your degree for sure, but you can also use experience as a way to flush out who you are as a candidate. For instance, maybe you have volunteered with organizations that are closely aligned with what you were asking to do. Maybe you’ve been a featured artist or have done work locally that you can point too. Being able to spin your business degree as a great foundation for what you are truly passionate about is something that I think is possible
Thank you, that feels good to hear!
Dawn
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Dawn,
Your creative life is no threat to your business career--and vice versa. You haven't closed any doors but are just trying to be realistic, responsible, and a good daughter. Good for you!
As others have already said, having a business degree is a great complement to an arts career. If you want to be self-employed, business skills are invaluable for wise decision-making. Even if you take a role that doesn't directly involve your business background, you'll be able to understand your organization's needs and priorities better because you have the exposure to key concepts. And, of course, there are jobs that require both skill sets.
Two things I'd think about: 1) Learn how to talk about how your interest in art--and design in particular--has made you curious, flexible, and a good problem-solver in job interviews. A lot of non-art people just don't get it and think creative people are flaky and impulsive. Use these opportunities to show interviewers how your skills and experience set you apart from more conventional applicants, and how you might add value; 2) Make sure that you prioritize your creative life so you satisfy your needs to explore and make--whatever that looks like for you. If you treat your artistic pursuits with the same devotion and seriousness as your business career, you will make progress and live a more satisfying and well-rounded life.
Rooting for you! Hope this eases your concerns a little. Remember: we're all just figuring it out as we go.
Your creative life is no threat to your business career--and vice versa. You haven't closed any doors but are just trying to be realistic, responsible, and a good daughter. Good for you!
As others have already said, having a business degree is a great complement to an arts career. If you want to be self-employed, business skills are invaluable for wise decision-making. Even if you take a role that doesn't directly involve your business background, you'll be able to understand your organization's needs and priorities better because you have the exposure to key concepts. And, of course, there are jobs that require both skill sets.
Two things I'd think about: 1) Learn how to talk about how your interest in art--and design in particular--has made you curious, flexible, and a good problem-solver in job interviews. A lot of non-art people just don't get it and think creative people are flaky and impulsive. Use these opportunities to show interviewers how your skills and experience set you apart from more conventional applicants, and how you might add value; 2) Make sure that you prioritize your creative life so you satisfy your needs to explore and make--whatever that looks like for you. If you treat your artistic pursuits with the same devotion and seriousness as your business career, you will make progress and live a more satisfying and well-rounded life.
Rooting for you! Hope this eases your concerns a little. Remember: we're all just figuring it out as we go.
Thank you so much! It definitely did ease my concerns and I feel much better now.
Dawn
Updated
Ponnu’s Answer
Hi Dawn, it's never too late, and you haven't closed any doors for yourself! Your business degree can be a great asset in starting a creative career, especially if you also focus on growing your creative skills.
Updated
Sen’s Answer
Hello! Rest assured, you haven't closed any doors to a creative career. In fact, combining a Business/Management major with your love for the arts makes you a highly attractive candidate in today's creative industry. Many roles, like Art Director or Creative Producer, need strong business skills like budget management and strategic planning, which your major provides. Your business background allows you to connect creative teams with a company's marketing and financial goals, making you incredibly valuable.
Your current work as an Interaction Designer and Key Stakeholder shows how well you blend creativity with business sense. This experience opens doors to roles like UX/UI Designer, Motion Designer, and Brand Strategist. These fields are growing and need people who understand both creativity and business.
To reach your creative career goals, focus on building a strong portfolio that highlights your artistic skills, such as your children's book illustrations. Your business degree will help you get interviews, but your portfolio will secure the creative roles. Use your time in university to take helpful electives, practice your art, and connect with people in the creative fields you’re interested in. Your passion and practical skills are setting you up for success.
Your current work as an Interaction Designer and Key Stakeholder shows how well you blend creativity with business sense. This experience opens doors to roles like UX/UI Designer, Motion Designer, and Brand Strategist. These fields are growing and need people who understand both creativity and business.
To reach your creative career goals, focus on building a strong portfolio that highlights your artistic skills, such as your children's book illustrations. Your business degree will help you get interviews, but your portfolio will secure the creative roles. Use your time in university to take helpful electives, practice your art, and connect with people in the creative fields you’re interested in. Your passion and practical skills are setting you up for success.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Dawn !
Good to see you back here ! To review, yesterday I provided some information and advice for you about this subject but it was for Editing in the film industry. You are now asking about becoming a an art director, graphic designer for the Film Industry. Much of my first advice will apply for this again, but the most important thing that will make it easier for you is to situate the exact job you want to try for. Creative film work covers a lot of ground and unless you know for sure which position you want to attain, it's going to seem unreachable and having thoughts that cause confusion. It takes very active steps to enter the film industry whether or not one has a film degree or not.
So your first step is to explore the various roles affiliated with the Film Industry so that you can target getting experience, building the needed portfolio/resume and start applying for work.
As for the steps towards being a Film Art Director in London, you would need to build a strong foundation in creative and technical skills, including proficiency in design software like InDesign and Photoshop, along with leadership and communication abilities. The leadership and communication skills most assuredly were developed through your college Business Program so your degree in Business is a benefit. People with or without an art oriented degree usually need three years or more of experience, ideally in an agency or in-house brand environment producing high-quality content.
I may have already mentioned in my first advice post that this is an opinion business, that's why networking is going to be one of the key things that you can do right now, especially because many Art Director positions are not publicly advertised, so you have to have strong contacts in the film industry. Please reach out to The British Film Designers Guild from which you will be privy to regional and industry events, mentoring opportunities, skills-led training, and best practice webinars for Film Art Directors. The BFI NETWORK provides support and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers, including those in production design, through professional development and industry-backed initiatives. Also see about connecting with Film London’s Equal Access Network that assist with the screen industries, offering tailored training, events, and exclusive opportunities for underrepresented talent. Attend and mingle among the people at The Raindance Film Festival and The BFI London Film Festival. I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting out there and meeting people in the industry. It will really help you as a beginner.
So, do you know how to draw blueprints for sets, How this works is that you meet with the director and production designer and come up with the visual concept for the film. This requires an understanding of film as well as life experience to be as creative for the specific project as possible. Another part of this job is to manage a large team, including assistant art directors, draughtsmen, set designers, construction crews, and other art department personnel. Art Directors are also the ones who buy the special effects, hire vehicles, and organize animal casting, using creative problem-solving to find cost-effective solutions. They also oversee the preparation, dressing, and striking (dismantling) of sets during filming.
I would suggest looking at my post that I wrote yesterday (link to it is below) and use the referrals I mentioned for any position you decide to apply for. They can guide you, however, you can't just pick a position out of a hat for this career, you have to know exactly what you'd want to apply for. Your Business Degree is indeed handy for what you'd need to do as a Film Art Director and as you see, it's not all drawing.
I understand that it may be hard to start, but you will need to take the active steps as soon as possible because you're going to need a lot of experience as well as contacts. Keep in mind that you'd be entering the Film Industry, not the Art World and they are two very different environments.
If you feel up to it, if it's not too soon, take two weeks to settle upon the exact position you will aim for. Then read up on that position by doing a search online for sites that explain what the position entails. Next, do a search on You Tube for "how to be an Film Art Director, or whatever position, in London". I left a link below of videos about being an Art Director. Thinking about film through an art perspective is not going to help you and that's why you have to explore the creative positions and be definite about which one you'll take the steps for.
Most of all, try not to let anything hold you back. You can do this. The sooner you begin preparing for your chosen film niche, the better. Not starting will cause confusion and delay your progress towards your dream career. You'd just have questions on your mind. Make it real by reaching out to the industry and taking online classes in film and film art direction or film editing if that's what you decide. Think about what may be delaying your active steps and find a solution for the reasons and start making it real for yourself instead of just thinking about it. Keep reaching out here at Career Village also.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
FIRST ADVICE FOR WORKING IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IN LONDON https://www.careervillage.org/questions/1175248/can-i-still-work-in-the-film-industry-with-a-degree-in-business-management
VIDEOS ABOUT BEING AN ART DIRECTOR https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Being+a+Film+Art+Director+in+London+England
Good to see you back here ! To review, yesterday I provided some information and advice for you about this subject but it was for Editing in the film industry. You are now asking about becoming a an art director, graphic designer for the Film Industry. Much of my first advice will apply for this again, but the most important thing that will make it easier for you is to situate the exact job you want to try for. Creative film work covers a lot of ground and unless you know for sure which position you want to attain, it's going to seem unreachable and having thoughts that cause confusion. It takes very active steps to enter the film industry whether or not one has a film degree or not.
So your first step is to explore the various roles affiliated with the Film Industry so that you can target getting experience, building the needed portfolio/resume and start applying for work.
As for the steps towards being a Film Art Director in London, you would need to build a strong foundation in creative and technical skills, including proficiency in design software like InDesign and Photoshop, along with leadership and communication abilities. The leadership and communication skills most assuredly were developed through your college Business Program so your degree in Business is a benefit. People with or without an art oriented degree usually need three years or more of experience, ideally in an agency or in-house brand environment producing high-quality content.
I may have already mentioned in my first advice post that this is an opinion business, that's why networking is going to be one of the key things that you can do right now, especially because many Art Director positions are not publicly advertised, so you have to have strong contacts in the film industry. Please reach out to The British Film Designers Guild from which you will be privy to regional and industry events, mentoring opportunities, skills-led training, and best practice webinars for Film Art Directors. The BFI NETWORK provides support and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers, including those in production design, through professional development and industry-backed initiatives. Also see about connecting with Film London’s Equal Access Network that assist with the screen industries, offering tailored training, events, and exclusive opportunities for underrepresented talent. Attend and mingle among the people at The Raindance Film Festival and The BFI London Film Festival. I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting out there and meeting people in the industry. It will really help you as a beginner.
So, do you know how to draw blueprints for sets, How this works is that you meet with the director and production designer and come up with the visual concept for the film. This requires an understanding of film as well as life experience to be as creative for the specific project as possible. Another part of this job is to manage a large team, including assistant art directors, draughtsmen, set designers, construction crews, and other art department personnel. Art Directors are also the ones who buy the special effects, hire vehicles, and organize animal casting, using creative problem-solving to find cost-effective solutions. They also oversee the preparation, dressing, and striking (dismantling) of sets during filming.
I would suggest looking at my post that I wrote yesterday (link to it is below) and use the referrals I mentioned for any position you decide to apply for. They can guide you, however, you can't just pick a position out of a hat for this career, you have to know exactly what you'd want to apply for. Your Business Degree is indeed handy for what you'd need to do as a Film Art Director and as you see, it's not all drawing.
I understand that it may be hard to start, but you will need to take the active steps as soon as possible because you're going to need a lot of experience as well as contacts. Keep in mind that you'd be entering the Film Industry, not the Art World and they are two very different environments.
If you feel up to it, if it's not too soon, take two weeks to settle upon the exact position you will aim for. Then read up on that position by doing a search online for sites that explain what the position entails. Next, do a search on You Tube for "how to be an Film Art Director, or whatever position, in London". I left a link below of videos about being an Art Director. Thinking about film through an art perspective is not going to help you and that's why you have to explore the creative positions and be definite about which one you'll take the steps for.
Most of all, try not to let anything hold you back. You can do this. The sooner you begin preparing for your chosen film niche, the better. Not starting will cause confusion and delay your progress towards your dream career. You'd just have questions on your mind. Make it real by reaching out to the industry and taking online classes in film and film art direction or film editing if that's what you decide. Think about what may be delaying your active steps and find a solution for the reasons and start making it real for yourself instead of just thinking about it. Keep reaching out here at Career Village also.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Hello Michelle! You are so right, I must say I have been in this weird spiral/mindset the past two weeks where I have been trying to look at my skills to figure out what I can do with it (I have done a lot of video editing, design for posters and illustrations) as well as what my heart truly desires. I am definitely going to take some time to find out what exactly will be best for me and start right away. Thank you once again for taking your time writing all this, it makes me happy and it also makes me feel like I am capable of achieving my dreams. Will definitely be using all the information you provided! :)
Dawn
@Dawn, That sounds great ! To get a general start, you can do what I advised in my first post - take a job as a runner at a film company. Remember, your parents also want to see you happy, so you have honored them by getting the Business Degree, but you will be happy as well doing the work that is meaningful to you. Best wishes and have a wonderful day !
Michelle M.