Careers with a studio arts degree
Studying Studio Art means exploring the ideas, materials and methods that shape contemporary visual culture. You’ll experiment across seven disciplines – from ceramics, fibres and material practices, to intermedia, painting and drawing, photography, print media, sculpture and installation – developing both your technical skill and personal artistic voice.
What can I do with my degree? Studio Art opens doors to careers in creative practice, design, production, community arts, galleries and beyond.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Understand the principles of visual composition, colour, form and space, and apply them creatively in your work.
Communication:
Explain complex artistic ideas clearly for diverse audiences, from peers to community.
Management and organization:
Lead long-term creative projects from initial concept to outcome, balancing experimentation and production.
Teamwork:
Collaborate with classmates and artists on exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects.
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Tackle creative challenges with curiosity, using experimentation to uncover new solutions.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Join the Fine Arts Student Alliance or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Learn more about the department’s studio art disciplines and check out previous students’ artwork and installations.
- Experiment with your art projects making use of the department’s professional fabrication shops, workshops and equipment depots.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Volunteer at the Concordia University Centre for Creative Reuse or for other causes you care about.
- Familiarize yourself with the Centre for Digital Arts for support to bring your audio-visual projects to life.
- Take part in Art Matters, the largest student-run festival in North America.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Help make campus greener at Concordia.
- Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
- Explore leadership opportunities in the Fine Arts Student Alliance.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group.
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
