Art
Goshen College Alumni
Here is a sampling of current positions held by GC art alumni:
- Architect
- Bookbinder, Framer, Retailer
- Costumer
- Elementary Visual Art Teacher
- Advocacy Coordinator
- Foundry Technician/ Pattern Maker
- Hot Rod and Custom Car Oil Painter
- Jeweler
- Organic Farmer
- Painter – Caricaturist
- Photographer
- Physician
- Production Manager
- Professor of Theater Design
- Publications Coordinator
- Flight Medic
- Senior Graphic Designer
What Can I Do with this Major?
Overview
A definition of “art” provided by Merriam-Webster is, “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.” However, the definition of art, and especially what constitutes as art, often varies by culture and time period. The field of visual arts contains many different subfields, including graphic design, sculpture, painting, photojournalism, and art therapy, among others.
Today information is increasingly communicated with images. Through the media, over the Internet, hanging on walls, sitting on pedestals. Artists shape the way we understand our world. Having strong, capable artists at work is a vital need for business, for the church and for our communities. The Goshen College art department’s mission is to help equip you to fill those roles.
About the Coursework
At GC you will receive the individualized attention you need from professors to develop your strengths. You will learn from faculty who produce, exhibit and sell their artwork. You will develop your own ability to communicate effectively in the medium you choose.
The art department has concentrations in several different areas: graphic design, production crafts, studio art, visual arts education (K-12), pre-architecture, art therapy, and curatorial studies.
Possible courses for art majors include:
- Design
- Aesthetics
- Senior Exhibit
- Jewelry
- History of Art
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Photo Communication
- Arts in London
For a full list of courses and requirement, see the course catalog.
Teacher certification is available in visual arts. See the education department’s web page for more information.
Possible Career Paths
The possible career choices are broad for every major. Art graduates are currently working as elementary and secondary school art teachers, architects, graphic designers, designers in industry and business, art therapists, free-lance artists, college teachers, fashion designers, interior designers, museum curators, photojournalists and production crafts persons and fine artists.
The list below will provide you with several career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.
- Animator
- Art Agent
- Art Instructor
- Audio-Visual Specialist
- Billboard Artist
- Book Designer
- CD/Record Cover Designer
- Children’s Book Illustrator
- Comic Strip Artist
- Consultant
- Corporate Designer
- Curator
- Custom Decorator
- Elementary Art Teacher
- Exhibit Designer
- Flatware Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Greeting Card Artist
- Illustrator
- Interior Designer
- Magazine Designer
- Medical Illustrator
- Package Designer
- Photographer
- Printing Crafts Worker
- Printing Store Manager/Owner
- Production Artist
- Professor of Art/Art History
- Studio Artist
- Technical Illustrator
- Textile Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
Additional Resources

Art department page
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From the Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Graphic Design: A Career Guide
from the American Institute of Graphic Arts

Getting Started in Photojournalism
from the National Press Photographers Association

About Art Therapy
from the American Art Therapy Association, Inc