<p>Currently I am finishing my freshmen year at a very good out of state public university on scholarship (I essentially pay in-state tuition). Before coming here, I was 100% positive that I was going to be a mechanical engineering major. I have since switched to a computer science major. I am now finding myself at a crossroads. </p>
<p>I have always been a very creatively inclined person. I love to write novels, draw, and I loved directing/editing/producing my high school's senior class video. I always thought of this as more of a hobby. Since coming to school, I have been increasingly more inclined to sit down and draw a picture instead of contemplating my science research. </p>
<p>So here is what it boils down to. I feel like I need to get a reliable degree, but I feel like I won't be happy unless I am doing something I will really enjoy, like the arts. I switched to computer science since there are some jobs in the film/ animation industry that require that degree. I plan on doing both the Disney internship and the Lucasfilm internship. I guess I could always take some art/ graphics classes after I graduate. I just feel so lost. Should I continue the path I am on, or should I jump ship and try to get in to an art/film school and risk job uncertainty?</p>
<p>Thank you for reading all of that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>When I was a graphic design major (turned psychology, now working as an HR manager) I heard a lot of feedback that your portfolio, not your degree, will land you good art and design jobs. If you choose a back-up plan - such as finishing your CS degree - while doing art on the side as a minor or double major, you can still pursue those creative careers after college. Or you could combine the two and pursue scientific illustration, web development (learning software design as well as visual design), etc. Ultimately, the more you can do, the more valuable you become (fine art, graphic/digital art, coding, etc.). But keep in mind that if art/design/etc. isn’t your primary focus, you may not land the big internships that could lead to better jobs upon graduation. There is some trade off if you choose only to minor or double major in art. You will be splitting the time you have to devote to that development.</p>
<p>Art and design are highly competitive fields, and without knowing your current talent level it is difficult to tell you whether or not to “jump ship” entirely. Maybe start by taking a summer art course and see how it goes. Compare your talents to those around you, and gain feedback from professionals in the field (the art profs). They may be able to give you candid feedback about your skills and the state of employment in those fields. </p>
<p>Remember, even truly talented artists can fail to market themselves properly and miss out on opportunities. It is a package deal. You have to be able to sell yourself, network, promote your work, etc.</p>