What can you do with a B.F.A. in studio art and design?

Maybe you’ve always had an interest in art or found yourself turning ideas into sketches and designs that capture how you see the world. But now you’re wondering: “Can I really turn this into a career?”

The short answer is yes. A Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in studio art and design can transform your creative talent into professional opportunities. Through immersive classes, hands-on studio work and portfolio development, you’ll learn how to refine your artistic voice and build a foundation for careers in graphic design, visual art, education and beyond.

Keep reading to explore what a B.F.A. degree really is, the types of art and design careers it can lead to, the professional skills you’ll gain and why University of Idaho's studio art and design degree program is the best place to start your journey.

What is a B.F.A. degree (and how is it different from a B.A.)?

A B.F.A. is a professional undergraduate degree designed for those who want to focus intensively on art and design practice. It’s built to help you develop your artistic technique, prepare for a career and learn how to manage projects from idea to completion. Additionally, it ensures you can pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program.

In comparison to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, which provides a broader liberal arts education, a B.F.A. focuses on studio experience and critique-based learning. According to Casey Doyle, professor and department chair of U of I’s College of Art and Architecture (CAA), “A Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and design offers intensive training in creative and technical skills, equipping students for diverse artistic careers. Moreover, it emphasizes hands-on experience and portfolio development, which are pivotal for success in the competitive art and design industry.”

While earning a B.F.A., you’ll complete intensive coursework and spend your final year developing a thesis project and oral defense. The process mirrors the expectations of real-world creative practice and sets the stage for success in graduate programs or professional art and design careers.

What is studio art and design?

Studio art and design is the study and practice of visual creation across art forms. It bridges traditional areas like painting, drawing and sculpting with applied design fields such as graphic design and user experience (UX). Studio art and design majors learn to use a variety of tools, materials and media to express ideas, tell stories and improve visual appeal.

Doyle states that U of I’s studio art and design program “equips students to become interdisciplinary artists and designers proficient in various disciplines, possessing exceptional problem-solving abilities.” That interdisciplinary foundation is essential in modern creative industries, where artists and designers might collaborate with engineers, marketers, business leaders or educators or use technology to expand the reach of their work.

Careers with a B.F.A. in studio art and design

One of the biggest misconceptions about art degrees is that they only lead to one path: becoming an artist. While some graduates become working artists, a B.F.A. in studio art and design also opens doors to a wide variety of creative and professional opportunities. It’s a degree that allows you to discover how creativity applies across industries and carve out a career that reflects your own interests and goals.

Below are six career paths you can pursue with a B.F.A. in studio art and design degree.

Professional artist

Professional artists create original works that express ideas or observations through mediums such as painting, sculpture, printmaking or digital art. They may exhibit pieces in galleries, complete commissions, sell work online or collaborate on public art projects. Many artists also manage their own studios, handle marketing and sales and conduct community art classes or workshops.

Graphic designer

Using images, typography, layout and color, graphic designers transform ideas into visual messages for businesses, organizations, media outlets and non-profits. Their work can shape how people perceive brands, interact with information or experience digital platforms.

Art director

Art directors guide the look and feel of advertising campaigns, publications, films or digital experiences. They oversee design teams, manage creative processes and ensure that visual concepts align with broader goals or brand identities. It’s a role that demands artistic vision and strong communication skills.

Museum or gallery curator

Professionals who work in museums, galleries and cultural centers plan art exhibitions, curate collections, design displays and often handle education or public engagement programs. These individuals must have a deep understanding of artistic practice and the ability to interpret and present creative work clearly.

UI/UX designer

Behind every great digital experience is thoughtful design. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers focus on how people interact with technology, ensuring apps, websites and other software are accessible and engaging.

Animator

Animators work in film, television, gaming, advertising and education, creating everything from motion graphics and character animation to visual effects and simulations. Their work combines art and technology and often involves close collaboration with writers, designers and developers.

Is a B.F.A. in studio art and design worth it?

If you already know how to draw, design or create art, you might question whether you really need a bachelor’s degree to turn that skill into a career. In today’s creative fields, you do. Artistic talent and passion are a great start, but a B.F.A. in studio art and design doesn’t replace your talent — it builds on it.  

As a studio art and design major, you’ll learn how to plan and complete complex projects, talk about your work with confidence and apply your ideas in real environments — skills that only come from a professional degree program. Additionally, a studio art and design degree helps you meet industry standards and stand out in a competitive field with:

• Structured mentorship from expert faculty who are practicing artists and designers.
• Hands-on studio courses and access to professional tools, technology and facilities.  
• Portfolio-building experiences that highlight your creative range and career readiness.
• Opportunities to exhibit and present your work and complete internship placements working on real projects.
• Collaboration and community that connects you with a strong professional network that lasts beyond graduation.
• Constructive feedback that accelerates your creative growth.

Why choose University of Idaho’s B.F.A. in studio art and design degree?

University of Idaho’s B.F.A. in studio art and design degree program stands out because it’s designed like a professional studio environment, where critique, collaboration and experiential learning are part of every course. You’ll build technical skills through hands-on studio work while applying design thinking across disciplines. The program’s flexible structure allows you to experiment with different mediums, explore new tools and understand how creative ideas translate into professional work.

In U of I’s studio art and design program, you’ll benefit from:

• Hands-on learning: Apply course concepts through studio projects and real-world design work in small classes where you’ll get to know your professors and classmates.
• Personalized instruction and mentorship: Work closely with faculty who are expert artists and designers. Our small class sizes mean you’ll have almost daily interaction with faculty who know your work and support your growth.
• Interdisciplinary coursework and electives: Explore different mediums, such as painting, graphic design, sculpture, printmaking, UI or UX design, ceramics or drawing, and take electives that complement your focus area.
• Professional preparation: Gain the experience and portfolio needed to pursue graduate study or launch a successful career in art, design or related industries.
• Senior capstone: Complete a year-long studio experience that culminates in a public exhibition of your work.
• Internships: Participate in internship opportunities and client-based projects that build your experience and connect you with a professional network before you graduate.
• Involvement opportunities: Join student organizations specifically for art and design majors.  
• Scholarships: Apply for art and design scholarships offered by CAA.  

Discover where a B.F.A. in studio art and design can take you

Whether you picture yourself sketching a business logo, curating a gallery show, illustrating the next best animation or developing digital experiences, it’s possible with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art and design from University of Idaho. Request information to learn more or begin your application today!