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Careers to Consider: Studio Art

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Female student drawing in the art studio.

This article is part of a series spotlighting HFC academic and workforce programs leading to great careers. To view all HFC programs, visit this link.

HFC’s studio art program gives you one of the most comprehensive community college art degrees in Michigan.

Our associate of fine arts degree is the same as the first two years of many bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts (BFA degrees) at 4-year colleges and universities across the country. The program includes a core set of classes that will give you an understanding of visual and design principles. These principles are important to what is called “visual literacy.” This includes observational literacy, spatial literacy, and expressive literacy. (Don't worry, you will learn what these terms mean and why they matter!)

Classes and career options

Classes include design, drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, digital media, and art history. These classes will help you develop an understanding of important visual and design principles.

Craftsmanship, dedication, and skills are stressed throughout the program. Learning how to look at, understand, and communicate about art in a written and oral context is emphasized. You will participate in an on-campus Exit Exhibition before you graduate.

The Studio Art program is designed as a transfer bridge to a BFA program. Some of your career options are:

  • Studio Artist
  • Commercial Artist
  • P-12 Art Teacher
  • College Professor (with an MFA or Ph.D. )
  • Museum or Gallery Work (with a BFA or higher)

How should you set up your class schedule?

The first class in HFC’s studio art program is ART 101: Two-Dimensional Art, followed by ART 102: Drawing I.

Here is the recommended sequence of courses for studio art program.

HFC Faculty Chair of Fine and Performing Arts Steve Glazer recommends ART 101 and any Gen Ed classes for your first semester.

We always recommend you talk to one of our friendly, expert advisors to make sure you are on the right track.

What you will learn

After graduating from this program, you should be able to:

  • Communicate artistic concepts in a variety of media through understanding the visual elements and principles of design
  • Create a body of two-dimensional artwork that demonstrates an understanding of the visual elements and principles of design
  • Create a body of three-dimensional artwork that demonstrates and understanding of the visual elements and principles of design
  • Understand basic history in the visual arts and the impact on your own art
  • Creation ongoing artistic work

Transfer agreements with several universities

HFC has many official agreements with 4-year institutions that make transferring easy. Some of these programs are:

  • Wayne State University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Oakland University
  • College for Creative Studies

Glazer is currently working on agreements with many more universities. You can transfer to any university after graduating from our program.

For questions or more information, contact Glazer at 313-845-6485 or sglazer@hfcc.edu.