Studio Art and Independent Practice
- Painter
- Fine Artist
- Independent Artist
- Freelance Artist
- Portrait Artist
- Muralist
- Exhibiting Artist
- Commercial Artist
- Studio Manager
- Art Fabricator
- Tattoo Artist
What Jobs Can You Get With a Painting Degree?
Explore a variety of careers relevant to painting and drawing majors such as:
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Design and Visual Arts
- Art Director
- Illustrator
- Graphic Designer
- Concept Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Exhibition Designer
- Scenic Artist
- Set Designer
- Costume Designer
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Museums, Galleries, and Collections
- Museum Curator (typically requires an advanced degree)
- Gallery Director
- Preparator
- Exhibition Coordinator
- Art Advisor
- Archivist (typically requires specialized/advanced education)
- Art Conservator (typically requires specialized training)
- Collections Specialist
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Arts, Education, and Community Careers
- Arts Administrator
- Community Arts Coordinator
- Teaching Artist
- Arts Consultant
- Art Instructor
- Professor (typically requires an advanced degree)
- Cultural Journalist
- Art Therapist (typically requires an advanced degree and professional credentials)
Is Painting and Drawing a Good Major?
Painting and drawing can be a good major for students who want an intensive studio education and enjoy making visual work, experimenting with materials, discussing ideas, and responding to critique. In addition to developing technical art skills, painting majors learn visual communication, creative problem-solving, project management, research, and how to develop and present a professional portfolio.
The major is especially well suited to students interested in becoming practicing artists or pursuing careers in illustration, design, museums and galleries, arts education, creative businesses, or other visual fields.
Is a Painting and Drawing Degree Worth it?
A painting and drawing degree can be worthwhile if you want to develop your artistic practice through intensive studio work and build a strong body of work. The value of the degree depends on your career goals, the cost of your education, and the support through the program. A degree can also help you develop skills that apply beyond studio art, including visual communication, creative problem-solving, collaboration, presentation, and project development.
What Skills Do You Learn?
A painting and drawing degree helps you develop technical, creative, and professional skills that support your artistic practice and prepare you for a range of creative careers. You’ll learn how to:
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Technical and Artistic Skills
- Develop an artistic voice
- Draw and paint from observation
- Use color theory and composition
- Work with a range of art forms, materials, and techniques
- Explore representation, abstraction, and hybrid forms
- Develop a cohesive body of work
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Professional and Transferable Skills
- Think critically about art and culture
- Take creative risks and learn from failure
- Give and receive constructive feedback
- Communicate ideas through visual, written, and oral presentations
- Develop professional skills
Independent Careers
Many painters and artists build careers through freelance work or independent creative practices, either as their primary source of income or alongside other work. While artists can create for art festivals, e-commerce platforms, or fairs, there are a lot of business skills needed to pursue these opportunities. These paths require knowledge around pricing, contracts, invoices, taxes, marketing, client communication, personal equipment, timelines, and project delivery.
At PNCA, our curriculum and Career Design team help support these skills. Attend workshops, complete hands-on experiences, and grow connections to understand how to build your creative practice.
Why Choose PNCA for
Painting and Drawing?
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Build a Professional Art Network in Portland
At PNCA, we host visiting artists, workshops, lectures, and community events to help students make the right connections. Our professors act as mentors, offering industry experience and a strong critical lens to help you develop as an artist. Students also build their skills in Portland, a city that has a strong independent media, art, and design culture. Join groups on and off campus to build a strong network that can help you build your creative practice. Build connections through the Portland Art Museum, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, and numerous studios and galleries across the city.
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Industry-Grade Equipment, Tools, and Spaces
Painting and Drawing majors spend a lot of time in our Painting Studios, dedicated spaces for painting that feature northern light, high ceilings, and panoramic views of Portland. However, students have access to all the spaces on campus, including the Gilkey Center for Printmaking, Documentation Studio, and Creative Technology Lab. Use Wacom tablets, Cintiq drawing tablets, 3D and large format printers, lithography stones, and other powerful equipment to bring your artistic vision to life.
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Career Support
We know how critical career support is to aspiring artists. Our Office of Career Design offers a variety of resources to help you prepare for a career. Join workshops about grant writing, building a professional portfolio, taxes for creatives, and even social media and marketing. We have a strong alumni network, and we can also help you connect with top companies and art organizations for career information sessions and internships.
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Curriculum That Matters
Painting and Drawing majors take courses in painting, drawing, intermedia, art history, and professional practice. Students experiment with multiple materials and approaches while developing advanced technical skills and completing a thesis that contributes to a professional portfolio. Earn a fine arts degree that prepares you for a career in the arts.
Take the