Art Education

So I am really interested in art education, but I also want to pursue animation (specifically 2D). I’m scared of rejection and not being successful as an artist, and I enjoy teaching, so I want to be able to do both. I live in NC right now, but I would love to go to college in a city or just a more urban area.

Is there any way to go to school for animation or something else in an art field, and then teach? Or do I need a degree in art education? Also, double majoring?? Should I even consider that option? I just know I really want to be able to do both things, and be able to rely on teaching as a solid career. Any advice is helpful! thanks!

Some do art education as a master’s program so one possibility is to major in animation for the BFA, then get an MA in art ed. Or, if you can find a program that supports this, a major in animation and a minor in Art Ed. If you pursue the BFA (ie an intense studio program) you likely won’t have time for a double-major.

@whomstdtve My D was considering an Art Ed major for undergrad, but I strongly advised her to get her BFA in studio art instead, followed by her MA in Art Ed. She ended up enrolling in NYU in their studio art program. To be honest, most of the learning to become a teacher happens in a classroom. (I am a teacher myself and can personally attest to that!) The historical and theoretical aspects of education, learning and child development can be adequately addressed in a MA program. There is no reason to study it as both an undergrad and graduate student. Since the state we live in (NY) requires a master’s after 5 years of teaching, I advocated for her to not water down her undergrad degree by taking ed classes, but rather I advised that she immerse herself in the study and practice of studio art in the 4 years of undergrad. She found her passion, sculpture, and found her voice as an artist. The BFA program opened up many amazing opportunities for her. Becoming an artist and seeing herself as part of the art world, did not change her desire to teach. So she went straight into a one-year program and received her MA in art education from NYU and found employment immediately.

She is currently a NYC bd of ed teacher, working with Pre-k to 8 as a sculpture teacher in Brooklyn. Although these first few months have been an intense learning experience and she has little time for herself, let alone making art, she is looking forward to summers off and will probably consider art residencies in the future.

My advice to you is that in order for you to understand where you fit in the art world, you need to go for it and pursue the BFA. Education does not have to be a “fallback” because you will not succeed as an artist. If you decide to purse education, do it because you see yourself as a successful artist with a passion for teaching (and yes, the stability is a plus.) Or you may surprise yourself and find steady work in animation. As a working artist, you can always supplement your income by teaching art part-time in positions that require a BFA, but not an education degree.

Good luck!

Also, I would take a look at SVA in NYC. They offer both an excellent animation program and have a one-year master’s degree in art education. It may be possible to take a graduate class or two in art education while still an undergrad.