What should I major in?

[LoopyWillow]

I'm thinking about going to the School of Art Institute of Chicago and I was wondering what I should major in? I was thinking about majoring in illustration, but should I major in Fine Arts so that I can maybe be a teacher in my later years?

[Meloncov]

You forgot to mention what sort of art you want to do. That's rather relevant to picking your major.

But there's no reason you couldn't teach with an illustration degree.

[Storyboard Dave]

Don't look at choosing a major like being married to a deadbeat for the rest of your life. Choose it because you feel some sort of passion for it. That's why you got into art to begin with.

Also ask yourself honestly where do you see your artwork appearing four years from now. Do you see yourself doing more gallery work? Do you see yourself working as an animator of some kind? Do you see yourself doing book covers? Do you see yourself being an arts administrator? WHERE?

And just because you choose one path doesn't mean you're locked into it forever. You can change your mind at any time and switch if you want. It's not a death sentence if you choose one, get into it and find out it's not you. I always use the "bad movie" analogy- just because you pay good money to see a movie doesn't mean you have to stick it out to the bitter end if it sucks midway; you can walk out at any point.

Choose a major based upon something you have an inner passion for. This should be the basis of a long and hopefully happy career for you. Even if it's not in art- live life with some sense of passion. Life's too short to be miserable.