Da Vinci’s Last Supper , Marcel Duchamp’s Ready-mades or the happenings by Joseph Beuys: Art influences people’s lives. Even if the ghosts argue about what art actually is. It can inspire, delight, stimulate thought or even disturb the viewer. For artists, it is a creative form of expression, a means of education or, quite simply, a craft. The romantic idea of born genius still shapes our idea of the artist. The numerous courses that train to become a painter or sculptor, on the other hand, show that artists also need training.
The Fine Arts course in Germany
According to Medicinelearners, the Fine Arts course is divided into two sub-categories . On the one hand, there is the liberal arts :
- painting
- sculpture
- Installations
- Graphics
- Objects
- Performances
- Media art
On the other hand, there is the applied arts :
- Textile art
- Stage design
- Ceramics
- Gold and silversmiths
The photograph is in some universities part of the visual arts. Often, however, it is offered as an independent subject.
The main objective of the course is to develop your own creativity and develop your own, distinctive work . In order to achieve this, the art students learn, on the one hand, the various artistic and craft techniques. On the other hand, their teachers encourage them to theoretical reflections on their own work and those of others .
Bachelor’s degree in fine arts
In the bachelor’s degree, the students first go through an orientation phase . You will get to know different materials and technical techniques and practice painting, drawing or design. Depending on the orientation of the university, they also familiarize themselves with multimedia. In addition to the practical exercises, the curriculum also includes theoretical lessons, for example in art theory or art history .
In the higher semesters , students have the opportunity to specialize in the medium that interests them most. The universities offer specializations in different areas , such as sculpture, digital media, fashion design or drawing. The course is now characterized by project work in which the art students realize their own ideas. Theoretical subjects are still on the curriculum to encourage students to critically question their own work.
Most courses in the field of fine arts can of course be found at art colleges . Some technical colleges and universities also have corresponding courses in their programs. Not everyone who goes through their studies is ultimately a so-called freelance artist: Many study fine arts for teaching . Even two-subject Bachelor programs , a combination of the compartment with another, are possible.
Master’s degree in fine arts
If you want to become a teacher, you cannot avoid the Master of Education . But for many others it also makes sense to add a master’s degree after completing a Bachelor’s degree. In the master’s programs there is the possibility of concentrating even further on one area of work, for example on multimedia, painting or design .
In addition, some students decide to complete a master’s degree in subjects such as museum education or cultural management . In this way they expand their skills and opportunities on the job market.
Personal requirements and admission criteria
Since the number of applicants has been higher than the number of study places for years, the admission criteria for the degree are tough. Applicants must first prove their special artistic talent . For this purpose, they submit a creatively designed application folder with their own work. After passing the wallet test more aptitude tests and interviews follow.
Already during the selection process and during the course of studies it becomes clear that creativity and talent are not enough to be successful later on. Budding artists have properties such as assertiveness to and the ability to self-marketing to bring, if they want to succeed in the art market.
Professional fields for visual artists
Those studying to become a teacher usually go to the legal clerkship and school after completing their master’s degree. Most of the remaining graduates work freelance after graduation . Very few, however, can make a living from selling their own art. With a little luck, graduates can get a job as an expert in a gallery or museum.
Many find their field of activity as lecturers at universities or as art teachers in therapeutic institutions or at adult education centers. They are also placed in art publishers or cultural authorities. Those who specialize in graphics, design or multimedia also work in film and television or in advertising and PR agencies.
Advantages of international experience for visual artists
For aspiring artists, it makes sense to spend one or more semesters abroad. On the one hand, there they can broaden their own artistic horizons through insights into other study concepts and art directions . On the other hand, they improve their language skills and train their intercultural skills while studying abroad. Both are welcome additional qualifications on the highly competitive job market. For freelance artists in particular, it is important to make international contacts in good time and thus create a network .
