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Maia
Student
Ypsilanti, Michigan
1
Question
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I'm am planning on majoring in Art History and my career goal is to sell my own art successfully. Is Art History a good major to have in order to have background knowledge in art?
I'm not sure if Art History will actually help me with getting into the career field I want to go into which is basically being an entrepreneur in the field of art. #artist
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2 answers
Kristina Gonzales
Graphic and Web Designer
14
Answers
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
It's a good backbone but you need entrepreneurial zeal, knowledge in basic law (for copyright negotiations) and marketing.
Eric Vincent
Freelancer Visual Communication Specialist
35
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Maia,
Here's the honest answer: No. It's a good thing to have behind you regarding knowledge and understanding of the rules, methods and values of art in our human culture, but as a sole major, it is not what will give you an edge in selling your art professionally.
A major in Art History is excellent for working in a museum, gallery, curated auction house, but to sell YOUR art, it is just a backbone of knowledge.
Ask yourself if you understand the mechanics of art. Why does green react with red the way it does? Does a warm tone help in the case of your painting? Does the composition of your work resonate as well executed and refined? Selling your art successfully is entrepreneurial, creating successful art to sell is artistic.
As a freelance artist myself, selling my work both in design and art I have to have 3 important areas I am extremely knowledgable and strong in: Art itself- does my work look learned and professional. Entrepreneurial skills - I'm self employed I need to understand business practice, development and management. Marketing - how to market my talents and products.
If your life is going to be selling your art, make sure your art is professional, good, strong... a dual degree in design and fine arts, or a dual degree in art history and fine arts/digital arts, or business and fine arts/digital arts. Art history will be an aspect in any arts program you take, but as a stand alone degree for selling what you produce, it may not be the right fit.
Here's the honest answer: No. It's a good thing to have behind you regarding knowledge and understanding of the rules, methods and values of art in our human culture, but as a sole major, it is not what will give you an edge in selling your art professionally.
A major in Art History is excellent for working in a museum, gallery, curated auction house, but to sell YOUR art, it is just a backbone of knowledge.
Ask yourself if you understand the mechanics of art. Why does green react with red the way it does? Does a warm tone help in the case of your painting? Does the composition of your work resonate as well executed and refined? Selling your art successfully is entrepreneurial, creating successful art to sell is artistic.
As a freelance artist myself, selling my work both in design and art I have to have 3 important areas I am extremely knowledgable and strong in: Art itself- does my work look learned and professional. Entrepreneurial skills - I'm self employed I need to understand business practice, development and management. Marketing - how to market my talents and products.
If your life is going to be selling your art, make sure your art is professional, good, strong... a dual degree in design and fine arts, or a dual degree in art history and fine arts/digital arts, or business and fine arts/digital arts. Art history will be an aspect in any arts program you take, but as a stand alone degree for selling what you produce, it may not be the right fit.