The Student Room Group

Is Art really useful for the future?

You've probably heard before, "Art won't be of any use later on because of ----- (e.g., AI)" or perhaps in, which won't provide a stable path to success or security.
I really love Art and want to incorporate it in my future - yet people around me make me doubt about what I want for my future. So recently, I've been considering going down a more science/biological path for my education.
For my A-levels, I am choosing Art, Biology, and Chemistry (which is odd as Art stands out and doesn't match with the rest; However a good break from the heavy science information).
I'm planning to study Biology further in University and so forth - but I'm not sure if this is worth giving up my monsterous joy with Art.

Any advice on what I should do?
Have you thought about taking an Art & Design Foundation Diploma at a local college or university during a gap year before you start your degree?

Lots of people who love art will take a FAD to be challenged and experiment in new media/disciplines before they commit to studying art or a completely different subject at university. It’s a really good way to just try things out without eating into your university funding - plus you can build your portfolio and knowledge beyond A level and get a recognised qualification. It doesn’t commit you to studying creative subjects at university in any way.

There’s a FAD FAQ thread at the top of the art and design forum that explains more.
Have you thought about taking an Art & Design Foundation Diploma at a local college or university during a gap year before you start your degree?
Lots of people who love art will take a FAD to be challenged and experiment in new media/disciplines before they commit to studying art or a completely different subject at university. It’s a really good way to just try things out without eating into your university funding - plus you can build your portfolio and knowledge beyond A level and get a recognised qualification. It doesn’t commit you to studying creative subjects at university in any way.
There’s a FAD FAQ thread at the top of the art and design forum that explains more.

Okay, thank you! :biggrin:
Reply 3
Have you thought about taking an Art & Design Foundation Diploma at a local college or university during a gap year before you start your degree?
Lots of people who love art will take a FAD to be challenged and experiment in new media/disciplines before they commit to studying art or a completely different subject at university. It’s a really good way to just try things out without eating into your university funding - plus you can build your portfolio and knowledge beyond A level and get a recognised qualification. It doesn’t commit you to studying creative subjects at university in any way.
There’s a FAD FAQ thread at the top of the art and design forum that explains more.

that’s nice but there’s still a lingering huge question about AI - do u have any thoughts on that?
Original post by ckoo11414
that’s nice but there’s still a lingering huge question about AI - do u have any thoughts on that?


AI is a tool that might impact a huge range of different jobs. True creativity is not as vulnerable to AI as more monotonous and less creative roles.
Reply 5
hiiii i’m doing fine art, chemistry and maths so I totally understand! i’m planning on doing a FAD diploma in 2025 so I can experiment and decide what i want to specialise in - if i decide i hate art (unlikely) i’ll go back and do a chem/chemical engineering degree. art can be much more than just being an artist! make sure you pick the right place for you and you’ll be fine ❤️❤️❤️
Original post by jelllyfiiish
You've probably heard before, "Art won't be of any use later on because of ----- (e.g., AI)" or perhaps in, which won't provide a stable path to success or security.
I really love Art and want to incorporate it in my future - yet people around me make me doubt about what I want for my future. So recently, I've been considering going down a more science/biological path for my education.
For my A-levels, I am choosing Art, Biology, and Chemistry (which is odd as Art stands out and doesn't match with the rest; However a good break from the heavy science information).
I'm planning to study Biology further in University and so forth - but I'm not sure if this is worth giving up my monsterous joy with Art.
Any advice on what I should do?

As far as I'm concerned, if you're passionate enough about it, you will be more useful than any machine. AI 'taking over' industries is doomsday rhetoric, While it is not all sunshine and rainbows, the reality is that it will likely create an ever clearer divide between professional artists and those who pursue it below career level.

The best artists rely on a lot more than just artistic skill in terms of their toolbox - your other subjects work well with it, and at the very least provide a bit of a failsafe for you in case your joy with Art doesn't work out.

I was in a similar position once. My mother feared that pursuing Art would lead to a dead end career in an unstable, low-paid job - so I showed her stories of artists who had overcome those odds and had gone on to have massive careers in industry, but more importantly I'd showed her how I was going to follow their paths, strategically and schematically. And I'm doing just that, and no robot is me, so I should be alright.

I think you're being smart with your decisions, and because of that you needn't worry about being able to chase your artistic dreams - there will always be many people left to appreciate work you may do, and the latest round of AI innovation just reinforces what the industry has always been - reliant on networking, self-discipline and innovation. So wether it is Biology or Art you pursue (and you can do the other in your spare/part time, too!), simply just be smart about where you apply to and what you do to prepare for it, and you should be able to thrive anywhere.

Good luck!
Original post by thelilyopela
As far as I'm concerned, if you're passionate enough about it, you will be more useful than any machine. AI 'taking over' industries is doomsday rhetoric, While it is not all sunshine and rainbows, the reality is that it will likely create an ever clearer divide between professional artists and those who pursue it below career level.
The best artists rely on a lot more than just artistic skill in terms of their toolbox - your other subjects work well with it, and at the very least provide a bit of a failsafe for you in case your joy with Art doesn't work out.
I was in a similar position once. My mother feared that pursuing Art would lead to a dead end career in an unstable, low-paid job - so I showed her stories of artists who had overcome those odds and had gone on to have massive careers in industry, but more importantly I'd showed her how I was going to follow their paths, strategically and schematically. And I'm doing just that, and no robot is me, so I should be alright.
I think you're being smart with your decisions, and because of that you needn't worry about being able to chase your artistic dreams - there will always be many people left to appreciate work you may do, and the latest round of AI innovation just reinforces what the industry has always been - reliant on networking, self-discipline and innovation. So wether it is Biology or Art you pursue (and you can do the other in your spare/part time, too!), simply just be smart about where you apply to and what you do to prepare for it, and you should be able to thrive anywhere.
Good luck!

Thank you for the response and motivation!
I’m planning to try to continue in this path and work hard - seeing where I end up! :smile:

Hope you’re having a wonderful day.
Original post by ckoo11414
that’s nice but there’s still a lingering huge question about AI - do u have any thoughts on that?

interesting point, but regardless, original ideas cannot be replicated
Reply 9
Useful info page about the 1-year Art & Design Foundation Diploma here - Art & Design Foundation Diplomas (Art foundation) (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)
Original post by McGinger
Useful info page about the 1-year Art & Design Foundation Diploma here - Art & Design Foundation Diplomas (Art foundation) (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)

That article conflates FAD courses with BA courses with a foundation year (and gives inaccurate information on the funding and deadlines:frown: ).
Original post by jelllyfiiish
You've probably heard before, "Art won't be of any use later on because of ----- (e.g., AI)" or perhaps in, which won't provide a stable path to success or security.
I really love Art and want to incorporate it in my future - yet people around me make me doubt about what I want for my future. So recently, I've been considering going down a more science/biological path for my education.
For my A-levels, I am choosing Art, Biology, and Chemistry (which is odd as Art stands out and doesn't match with the rest; However a good break from the heavy science information).
I'm planning to study Biology further in University and so forth - but I'm not sure if this is worth giving up my monsterous joy with Art.
Any advice on what I should do?

Hey, Coventry University Student Ambassador here! 👋

What a tricky one 😔 I had similar thoughts myself before going to uni or even choosing my A-Levels. I'm an artist at heart, but as you know, it's often said that it's not a prospective career, so we gravitate towards STEM subjects. I'll be graduating next month in software engineering, and I already have a great passion for computers and all things tech, but I never gave up my passion for the arts. I took photography in A-Levels as well as computer science because I really enjoyed both but decided to take the software engineering route because 1) I love computers, 2) it's a great industry to go into, and 3) it's well-paying, so I have the time and money to indulge in my hobbies (art/photography). But that's just me!

The subjects you took are great and open doors to many courses, but before any of that, you need to make sure going down the biology path is something you know you'll enjoy not only studying but doing as a career for many, many years. While there is the standard Art degree, you could look into roles that incorporate art as a sub-feature. Roles like architect, UX/UI designer, animator/multimedia artist, or fashion merchandising. Or if you enjoy biology, you don't have to give up what you love. You can fit in some extra time doing art as a hobby or even a side business like the creators on Etsy selling paintings, charms, etc. In terms of AI, that's a tricky question. I personally doubt that these roles will disappear as 1) the public hasn't fully accepted AI and most companies are hesitant to replace an entire art department because of it, 2) AI can't function its best without the input of artists' works, and 3) alternative roles mentioned above are still in demand as well.

I personally recommend looking through the list of courses of your universities of interest and seeing what catches your eye. You might even find courses that you've never heard of, and then you can look into the potential career paths. Architect is a popular one I'm seeing nowadays as an artistic alternative. It's so important to do something you love and are good at; you can face tremendous burnout if you go down a path with no passion, so take your time researching!

I hope this helps, and best of luck!

Dorna | Coventry University Student Ambassador

Quick Reply