Studio art is one of the most aggressive majors an art and design school can offer. Students have the opportunity to take some of the same courses featured in a general art degree program, with several noted differences. One of the biggest differences is studio art majors will spend a significant amount of time working in a studio setting rather than a classroom. They may also select one or more focus areas such as painting + drawing, illustration, ceramics, glass blowing, fiber, or photography. Some studio art programs also offer focus areas such as digital art, graphic design, and interior design.
No matter which focus area(s) you choose, you can count on receiving a large amount of hands-on training in the studio and additional training through an art internship. Besides experience, studio art students will graduate with a final project or portfolio of work that can be used to secure a position in just about any creative field. Just a few career options for studio art graduates include art director, printing designer, graphic designer, airbrush artist, cartoonist, ceramic artist, medical illustrator, glass blower, graphic arts technician, mural artists, textile designer, graphic designer, art critic, display artist, digital artist, art buyer, and art consultant.
Programs for aspiring artists are plentiful in the State of Utah. Colleges such as Brigham Young University (BYU Provo) offer art programs from A-Z. While most Utah schools offer art and design programs, three top schools offer solid programs for aspiring studio artists. Continue reading to find out which Utah schools offer the best programs for aspiring studio artists and where to find them.
Utah Studio Art Schools
According to the most recent report by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the state of Utah is home to 41 Title IV degree-granting institutions. More than 18,000 students attend, with more than 100 enrolled in Utah’s top art schools alone. Browse through the list below to find out which Utah schools are tops for aspiring studio artists and what they have to offer.
Cedar City
Southern Utah University (SUU) - Degrees Offered: B.A. Studio Art with Graphic Design, Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Printmaking, Photography Focus; B. F. A. Studio Art Graphic Design, Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Printmaking, Photography Focus
Provo
Brigham Young University (BYU) - Degrees Offered: B.A. Media Arts with Film Emphasis, Visual Arts (also Minor); B. F. A. Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Photography, Studio Arts
Salt Lake City
The University of Utah – Degrees Offered: B.A. Film and Media Arts, Animation, Entertainment Arts and Engineering Emphasis, B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Emphasis; B. F. A. Art Studio, Art with Painting/Drawing, Photography/Digital Imaging Emphasis; M.F.A. Art, Film Production, Entertainment Arts and Engineering; Screendance Certificat
More Utah Studio Art related programs to consider:
- Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong, France, and Online via SCAD eLearning
- Animation – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Film and television – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Motion media design – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Illustration – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Interactive design and game development – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Sequential art – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Visual effects – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#7) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#15) - 2019
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#6) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#13) - 2019
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#27) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#24) - 2019
- Top 10 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2019
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#21) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#28) - 2019
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#40) - 2019
- Online
- Introduction to 3D Animation - 6 months
- Introduction to 3D Modeling - 6 Months
- Introduction to Concept Art - 6 Months
- Foundations for VFX & Game Design - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Animation Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Modeling Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Concept Art Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Illustration Diploma - 10 Months
Employment and Salary Trends for Utah Studio Artists
According to the latest report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (March 29, 2012) Utah is home to 15,770 salaried artists and designers, up from 13,800 in 2002. They average $42,690 per year, up from $34,700 in 2002. The “artists and designers” group consists of fine artists (illustrators, painters, sculptors), art directors, photographers, craft artists, animators, and more. This means, average salaries may vary greatly based on specialty area as well as other factors such as education and experience, company, geographic location, and more.
The following information will give you an idea of what the employment and salary growth picture looks like for several popular fields for studio artists.
Art Director: Utah-based art directors average $70,990 per year, up from $61,240 in 2002. In 2002, Utah was home to 140 salaried art directors. Today, the state is home to 170.
Craft Artists: Utah was home to 60 salaried craft artists in 2002. Today, the population is around 90. Salaries are up from $26,940 in 2002 to $31,530 today.
Fine Artists (Illustrators, Painters, Sculptors): Utah had a population of 140 fine artists in 2006. Today, the state is home to 220. While salaries dipped during the last six years, fine artists here still earn more than the national average for all occupations. In 2006, Utah-based fine artists averaged $48,240. Today, the average salary is $43,640.
Graphic Designer: In 2002, Utah was home to 1,160 salaried graphic designers averaging $35,420 per year. Today, the state is home to 2,070 salaried graphic designers averaging $41,810 per year.
Photographers: Utah was home to a whopping 420 salaried photographers in 2002. Today the state is home to 600. Salaries are on the rise as well. In 2002, Utah-based photographers averaged $32,420. Today, the average salary is $33,080 per year.
The U.S. is home to more than 1.7 million salaried artists and designers, up from around 1.5 million in 2002. Salaries are on the rise as well. The mean annual wage for salaried artists and designers nationwide is $53,850, up from $41,660 in 2002.
Although studio artists can find employment anywhere in the state, some of the best opportunities can be found in major cities. The state’s top four largest cities are Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Other cities worth looking into include Orem, Sandy, Ogden, St. George, and Layton.
