The Business of Art

   Since beginning college in 2006, there is one thing I have said over and over: art majors should be required to take business classes. Too many times a talented artist finds themselves struggling because they have absolutely no idea how to handle their affairs in the world of business. That's what art is, it is a business like any other. Rather than selling a functional product, you are selling a non-functional product. My own thoughts direct me often towards getting an MBA in the upcoming years. Yet so often, fellow artists say they are considering an MFA.
   Why an MFA? "I want to work in a museum," "I want to own my own studio and have more expertise," "I want to teach." An MFA really gives a leg up in one of these areas: teaching. When I worked in an art museum, I was profoundly aware of the number of higher degrees that had nothing to do with art. No one wants a person who doesn't have a head for business running their museum. That makes no sense. Someone with an MBA and an interest in the arts will always have the leg up on the MFA. 
    Recently, the Etsy Storque included an interesting article regarding this very topic. While the article is good, what is truly fascinating are the comments people have left about it. So many artists express how important they feel business really is, how grateful they are that a program is finally being created somewhere tailored to that need, and also regrets that they never had the training in business they realize now is so vital. 
   The real thing for art majors is to not pigeon hole yourself. Focus on art, but minor in something useful. Yes, that sounds a bit harsh on the arts, but honestly, an employer will take you more seriously if you have a more marketable skill as well. Not only do you have that skill, but they can see that bright little you were able to reason that having another skill is important.
    The new program is at the Maryland Institute College of Art and is called the Business of Art and Design Masters Program. Should we move to Maryland, perhaps?