Art is the study of the various creative means of expressing human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions, and ideas. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, the Department of Art and Design responds to the needs of a visually oriented world through instruction in graphic design, studio art, art history, art education, and the exhibition of art. Students majoring in art at UW – Eau Claire can choose either a traditional major or a Comprehensive major with an emphasis in graphic design, illustration, photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, printmaking or metalsmithing.

What will I learn from studying Art?

Knowledge:

An art major’s knowledge usually involves many different areas. For example, an art major choosing an emphasis in an area of fine art will expand their focus of knowledge in a different way than one choosing an emphasis in commercial art. Whatever the emphasis, basic knowledge (established in the art foundation courses) will help him/her have a general base of knowledge in the art world. Knowledge increased in the foundation courses includes: drawing and composition, color, life drawing, ceramics, and sculpture.

Skills:

• Proficiency for accurate details
• Concentrate intensely for long periods of time
• Communicate ideas and emotions creatively
• Aptitude for spatial relations
• Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions

What are some of the interests and values related to Art?

• Aesthetics
• Self-expression
• Ability to work independently
• Creativity
• Ability to adjust to close public scrutiny and criticism
• Curiosity

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Art Student Association
• Designer’s Ink
• Art Educators Club
• None of the Above (NOTA)

Professional:

• The Society of Illustrators
• College Art Association
• National Association of Women Artists
• Professional Photographers of America
• American Institute of Graphic Arts

What career fields are related to an Art Degree?

Potential Employers:

Art graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of art graduates include apparel manufactures, interior design companies, art galleries, schools, newspapers, publishing houses, libraries and museums.

Potential Job Titles:

• Illustrator
• Photographer
• Graphic Designer
• Art Teacher
• Technical Illustrator
• Handcrafter
• Stylist
• Web Designer
• Art Critic

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Art graduates?

• Graphic Designer, Meyers Printing Company, Minneapolis, MN
• Designer , Johnson Monument Company, Chippewa Falls, WI
• Core Member , AmeriCorps, Charleston, SC
• Senior Art Director , Ultra Creative Inc., Minneapolis, MN
• Gallery Assistant , Margo Leavin Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

How can I learn more about Art?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Art & Design
• Haas Fine Arts 140, 836-3277

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self‑assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center :

• Careers In Art, Blythe Camenson
• Careers for Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types, Marjorie Eberts & Margaret Gisler
• Great Jobs for Art Majors, Blythe Camenson
• 100 Best Careers for Writers and Artists, Shelly Field
• Careers for Color Connoisseurs & Other Visual Types , Jan Goldberg
• Top Careers for Art Graduates , Checkmark Books

Internet:

• Art Source- Network for Art and Architecture
• Art and Design Associations
• Artists Network
• The Complete Resource for Careers in the Visual Arts
• Artists Resource

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Art?

Students who display their art in the UW – Eau Claire Foster Art Gallery or through art shows gain experiential learning skills that include the ability to take criticism and explain their art to the public. For more information about the Foster Art Gallery, contact the Foster Art Gallery Director.

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Art & Design that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Art & Designdepartment chair about enrolling in ART 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Speak with your advisor about enrolling in ART 395, 399 or 499.