Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts?

crispygoat · #1 03-31-2011, 09:36 PM

So I'm changing my degree path to visual arts, and I'm wondering about the value of a BFA vs. a BA in Visual Arts in the real world.

The main differences is that a BA in Visual Arts required 9.0 credits whereas the BFA requires 11.0 credits. For the BA I need 3 credits in VA History whereas the BFA I need 2 in VA History and the other one is a Studio credit.

I've already done 2 years of University, and the completion of either would take another 3 years - the BFA might be a bit more complicated, but is possible.

I've spoke to the undergrad chair of visual arts and told her that my interests were advertising, art director, industrial design, graphic design, architecture, teaching... The part where I don't understand is that she told me that a BFA is for those who wants to be artists, and that the BA would be more what I'm looking for. What does this mean? To be an artist? Is anyone aware of the difference in the real world? Is a BFA more valuable than a BA in Visual Arts or does it really come down to the portfolio?

Thanks

Bongolation · #2 03-31-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

I'm wondering about the value of a BFA...in the real world.

Mine never made me one cent.

bongomania · #3 03-31-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

I've spoke to the undergrad chair of visual arts and told her that my interests were advertising, art director, industrial design, graphic design, architecture, teaching... The part where I don't understand is that she told me that a BFA is for those who wants to be artists, and that the BA would be more what I'm looking for. What does this mean? To be an artist? Is anyone aware of the difference in the real world? Is a BFA more valuable than a BA in Visual Arts or does it really come down to the portfolio?

Speaking as somebody who spent a few years in art school...

Neither of them has any value whatsoever. If you want to get paid doing graphic design for advertising, then get a degree in computer-aided design, with a minor in marketing.

What the chair was trying to explain is that there is a difference between an artist who works out of love, obsession, and personal expression, expecting not one cent for their work--and a graphic designer, who expects to be paid for taking the words of an advertising editor/manager and turning them into visuals. The BFA is for the artist who would paint and draw even if they died of starvation doing it. The BA in Visual Art is for somebody who really should have gotten a more technical degree, but didn't realize it in time.

MJ5150 · #4 03-31-2011, 10:26 PM

The Bongo boys have spoken.

-Mike

crispygoat · #5 03-31-2011, 10:37 PM

Gee, you guys are encouraging.

As for your remark, bongomania, that's what I understood of what she said, but I mean, would anyone really consider this kind of lifestyle? Yes, I do paint out of love and personal expression, and I would never sell my work, but I mean, I at least want a good paying job that will put food on the table and support a family.

As for a more technical degree, I studied Advertising in college (not university) for a year, and to be honest it was quite disappointing. Teachers were making claims that contradicted what my art teacher had taught me in high school, lessons were slow, etc. it really felt like a waste of time and money.

I've won a few competitions regarding Desktop Publish in high school, and ranked 5th in Ontario. I plan on volunteering for the graphic design department of the newspaper next year.

Maybe I should look into marketing, and/or finishing my College diploma.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Bongolation · #6 03-31-2011, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

Gee, you guys are encouraging.

Son, you can have encouragement or reality, and you'd be amazed at how rarely they overlap.

crispygoat · #7 04-01-2011, 12:12 AM

By a technical degree, you mean college or engineering right?

bongomania · #8 04-01-2011, 08:08 AM

Yes, and in particular I mean something that would position you as having a technical skill set rather than just an artistic inclination. If you know how to work in the latest graphic technologies and you have a decent portfolio, then you stand a chance of landing a job that pays halfway decently. Nobody cares if you can paint a pretty picture, unless you are OK with one job a year illustrating children's books. On the other hand if you have a more commercially-desirable skill set, you can get an entry-level graphic design job with a steady paycheck. Now let's say you are also artistically talented--that, hopefully, will allow you to rise up to better-paying gigs.

fenderhutz · #9 04-01-2011, 08:13 AM

My wife has a Bachelors of Fine Arts that officially cost $54,000.

Number of jobs in our area outside of being a teacher or opening your own business (which in this economy is not feasible since art is a non necessity) are next to none.

Get something you can use. Seriously. Or if you major in Art minor in some kind business science.

sneha1965 · #10 04-01-2011, 08:14 AM

Get your degree in Communication Design.

crispygoat · #11 04-01-2011, 10:27 AM

My idea to go into Visual Arts is because I do not know what I want to do, but I know that I want to do (Industrial Design, Advertising, and so on) is related to arts... I don't understand how someone knows what he or she wants to do. There's just too many opportunities...

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #12 04-01-2011, 10:56 AM

A BFA can look good if you're looking for an artist residency, grants, or a fine arts teaching position (an MFA is required by most accredited places at this point). I wouldn't think too much of it otherwise- my BFA college diploma is sitting in a filing cabinet somewhere. It was mostly a nicety that came with me wanting to learn at art school.

sneha1965 · #13 04-01-2011, 11:09 AM

Crispygoat, from what you have stated your interests are, I would recommend looking into communication design or an industrial design degree. It's what you're going to need if you intend to go into advertising or industrial design. Graphic designers are used in both advertising and industrial design. I would look into a school that offers programs in industrial design and advertising. A BFA is more geared towards Fine Arts, such as painting sculpture, etc. which is not graphic arts.

crispygoat · #14 04-01-2011, 11:14 AM

I've looked into an industrial design degree before, but that requires another 4 years, a lot of money, and living in Toronto. Why can't I just be a farmer

MJ5150 · #15 04-01-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispygoat

Gee, you guys are encouraging.

Well, at least you are getting the straight truth from guys who have been there, done that. But yeah, it does suck to read that your academic path may not be as fruitful as you were hoping.

-Mike

sneha1965 · #16 04-01-2011, 11:26 AM

Lets make this simple. Do the BA degree. According to your interests, there is no advantage of getting a BFA. BA = less time and money.

i_got_a_mohawk · #17 04-01-2011, 11:34 AM

Dont know how things are in the arts, but I'm going to run on the premise that they are similar to things in the sciences.

Any little boost over the competition is going to help you get an interview, the more interviews, the more likely you are to get a job. I'm always for going that little bit further.

Possibly just me, and do take into account I'm just applying my experiences from a different field!

sneha1965 · #18 04-01-2011, 11:36 AM

The boost would be to get a Communications Design degree or Industrial Design degree. If he's not going to get those, it's a mute point. His work will be more important than the BFA. It's for Fine Arts anyway, not Graphic Design.

crispygoat · #19 04-01-2011, 11:51 AM

Do you think finishing my BA in Visual Arts and then doing a post-graduate certificate or diploma or whatever they are called, in Industrial Design is a good idea?

thanks a lot for your time and suggestions sneha1965.

sneha1965 · #20 04-01-2011, 11:57 AM

I would try and get the right training as best as I could. I went into Fine Arts when I was younger thinking that I would spend my life making art to be sold in gallery's. I have a BA in Ceramics and an MFA in Painting. I'm in communication design now. Turned out I didn't like sitting in a studio alone all day. Something I didn't realize until I got through with school. I primarily do motion design (animation for television) and wish that I had formal training. I've learned most of what I know on the street but I see young kids coming out of school and I don't have an ounce of knowledge they have. Almost makes me want to go back to school.