<p>^This is EXACTLY what I was trying to say.</p>
<p>^^I would agree with that.</p>
<p>Unless you’re one of the best high school performers or visual artists in your area (be honest with yourself here), I don’t know if a “doing” career in the arts is the best choice for you. The people who will be making serious money off of their craft are the ones who have already been working their butts off in their specific expertise since probably elementary school. I wouldn’t go the graphic design route, either. There are too many schools churning out kids with design majors already, so there’s an overabundance of them in the industry. If you don’t mind learning a lot about business or technology, there are several music business or tech/production majors across the country that would be well worth looking into. If you’re into medicine, music therapy could be something you’d totally love, but I have absolutely no idea how much money the average music therapy major goes on to make. Have you considered being a teacher in one of these fields? There are majors designed for that as well where you would still get the opportunity to continue to hone your craft during college.</p>
<p>If you are, however, an extremely skilled and talented performing or visual artist with years of training and technique under your belt, by all means, go for it.</p>
<p>Nadia Boulanger once said (referring to making a career out of your art) “Do not take up music unless you would rather die than not do so.” Which to be honest I think is a very very good maxim.</p>
<p>Be a medical illustrator :)</p>
<p>What OP thinks about doctors: “Hi I’m doctor Jones let me cure your ailing infant and give him a lollipop, then I’ll go hand out malaria vaccines in Somalia.”</p>
<p>What doctors are really like: “You have ______, take these pills I’m paid to give out, rest for a week, and come back again for a follow-up appointment so I can make more money.”</p>
<p>In all seriousness, be a doctor and do art on the side, if you’re afraid about finances.</p>
<p>If you were truly in love with art, you wouldn’t be asking this question.</p>
<p>91%of uc berkeley’s “pre-med” students can’t get into med school…just a thought…</p>
<p>^^^^great idea </p>
<p>thanks everyone, the input helps a lot. I’ve been going back and forth for a while now and I’m just trying to get an idea of what I’m going to do so I can better pick my classes. I’ve been giving up art classes recently in order to do some extra math/science but If I’m going to be an artist then this has a negative effect. </p>
<p>@27dreams As far as my art goes in terms of how good I am, for visual art I’m at least one of the best in my area. I’ve won all recent art competitions I’ve competed in, and when I see other art displays, mine definitely stands out. Also, my art style is more mainstream and less traditional so I would do well working with design or an animation studio or something</p>
<p>@skarpi </p>
<p>If it was just about me picking what I personally would like to do, then yes the question would be art hands down, but the world isn’t just about me and my desires. I don’t want my family (or anyone else) to suffer for my selfish decision, so if being a doctor would be a better use of myself for other people than being an artist, then it seems like that’s is what I should do, even if it isn’t my first choice. But I don’t know how much I’ll regret denying myself later, that’s what I’m worried about.</p>
<p>Spouse=primary breadwinner?</p>
<p>Seriously, all you have to do is marry a lawyer/doctor/other professional/hedge fund manager/trust fund baby/NBA player and you’re set.</p>
<p>Hrmm… I think you should. Personally, I have the same passion, but I have terrible eyes. I’m too afraid to take Lasik, so I might go blind before I’m 50. Life’s too short.</p>