Need advice about career and degree

[Matthew Severson]

Thank you all for your advice. I'm actually surprised that so many of the fine artists on this site do not have bachelors degrees, and its seems that most of you regret it. This is definitely enough incentive for me to stay in college!

Michelle, I have so many career options that is hard to put my finger on one of them. Since my school is hounding me for not making the decision "NOW!" I've been a little overwhelmed, and desperate to find the ideal career. I decided to go for a degree in illustration instead of drawing, because most drawing programs focus on creativity instead of accuracy. With my degree I would like to become either a medical illustrator or a teacher (preferably at a University)

Thanks
M Severson

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hi Matthew,
I don't feel like I can give you advice but I just wanted to wish you luck with your decision.

Personally, I have learned 95% of what I know about art by taking classes from local instructors, from workshops, reading books, and mainly just practicing. I do have a degree (in petroluem engineering) but obviously that hasn't been any bit of help in the art world. Do I wish I had a degree in fine arts? I don't think it would help me where I am now, I took some classes at the University of Texas in art before I switched to petroleum engineering and they were all geared towards the abstract. This was back in the 1980's. But I am glad to have some kind of degree.

When I have a big decision to make, I pray about it and listen for the answer.
Joan