Graduates of the Studio Art – Graphic Design program possess knowledge, experience, and unique skills that are highly desirable and transferable, enabling them to seek employment in career fields both within and outside of the fine arts. Art degrees can lead to future work opportunities in a gallery, non-profit cultural organization, or museum.

Studio Art majors develop careers as an independent artist or designer, can work in galleries, arts organizations, and museums, pursue graduate work and/or university teaching. Below is a list of possible career opportunities for Studio Art majors:

• Freelance artist/ entrepreneur
• Ceramist
• Jewelry designer
• Metalsmith/goldsmith
• Painter (portrait artist)/ mural artist
• Printmaker/screen printer
• Sculptor/ digital 3D modeler
• Graphic Designer
• Logo & Branding Designer
• Freelance illustrator
• Time-based artist
• Gallery owner/assistant/ director/ curator
• Exhibition planner/ coordinator
• Prop designer/ fabricator
• Window Display Designer
• Pattern Designer (wallpapers, carpets, etc.)
• Concept Artist
• User Interface Designer
• Web Designer
• Layout Designer
• Cartoonist/ graphic novelist
• Community-based artist

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Services at Grand Valley State University provides students with resources to choose their individual career path. They also offer frequent workshops and programs to help majors in all fields to prepare for life after graduation. Visit Career Services

Our alumni go on to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. From community focused organizations, to building their own business, to taking positions in art direction, design, manufacturing, and art production. 

• Nicholas Ciliak, Interactive Designer, RealHouse, Chicago, IL
• Zachary Freeland, Graphic Designer, Concept A, Spring Lake, MI
• Amanda Northrop, Graphic Designer, Vox Media, Washington, DC
• Kyle DeGroff, Creative Director, Barfly Grand Rapids, MI
• Ryan Fitzgibbon, Hello Mr., Brooklyn, NY
• Kuu Hubbard, Product Designer at Matchup.io, Chicago, IL
• Jesse Hora, Make and Co. Chicago, IL
• Kelsey Kolokowski, Graphic Designer, Full Circle Marketing & Advertising, Grand Rapids, MI
• Ian Macnider, Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA
• Lissa Marques, Art Director, The Image Shoppe, Grand Rapids, MI
• Grant Mortenson, Graphic Designer, Periscope, Minneapolis, MN
• Corey Price, Hook, Minneapolis, MN
• David Schofield, Senior User Experience Designer, Visualhero Design Co., Grand Rapids, MI
• David Shankin, Graphic Designer, Daniel Brian Advertising, Washington, MI
• Julie Sheeran, Creative Director, 834 Marketing & Design, Grand Rapids, MI
• Amber Stout, Designer at Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA
• Breanna and Ross Tanner, Principal Designers, Studio_Us, Grand Rapids, MI
• Ashley Van Dyke, Graphic Designer, ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI
• Andy Van Solkema, Visualhero Design Co. Grand Rapids, MI
• Eliza Von Hagen, Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA
• Valerie Waldbauer, True Fabrications, Seattle, WA
• Jordinn West, Graphic Designer, The Highland Group, Grand Rapids, MI