To anyone who thinks a Fine Arts degree means I'm not smart or capable, this one is for you.
I've debated whether to say this out loud, but here it is: I suspect I have been passed over for jobs over the years because of my degree. I have a Bachelor's in Fine Arts with a minor in Art History, and I graduated with honors.
Do I have proof that I was passed over? No. I'll probably never know. But time and time again when I mention my degree it's met with a skeptical side eye or a causal and unimpressed response. I can't help but wonder if someone glanced at my resume and thought, "Oh... an art degree," and kept moving.
It's like that stigma with stay-at-home mothers. As if they don't work as hard or are taking the easy way out. Try being a stay-at-home mom with a Fine Arts degree- you get the double whammy of judgement.
Let's clear something up:
A Fine Arts degree is not "easy."
It's not "frivolous."
And it is definitely not a reflection of low intelligence.
My education required critical thinking, original- problem solving, historical analysis, hundreds of hours of hands-on work, and the ability to take critique (sometimes brutal critique) and use it to grow. I studied the evolution of culture, philosophy, politics, and identity through the lens of art. I learned how to present ideas, manage projects, and push creative boundaries- skills that directly translate to almost any career. I was taught by individuals- Randall Rhodes being one of them- who opened my eyes to the connections between art and the world.
And despite what people may assume, I didn't just "get by."
I excelled. I excelled in not just art but in the science and math courses I was required to take as well.
It's frustrating to think that years of hard work can be overshadowed by outdated stereotypes. But I'm speaking up now in case someone else with a humanities or arts background has felt the same sting of being underestimated. You're not alone- and you don't have to shrink your achievements to fit someone else's limited and close- minded expectations.
To anyone reading this who has ever doubted the value of a creative degree: maybe it's time to take a closer look. You might be surprised at just how much intelligence, resilience, and skill it takes to thrive in the arts. Keep working artists, the world needs you more than you probably know.