Pursuing art with irrelevant degree?

Savven

Hello! So I'm currently a business major but I was originally pursuing an art degree

(put me in like 20k debt) So I left because I could no longer afford it. So although I am

working towards a business degree I am also working on my portfolio so that I could

some day pursue my passion working in the game art field. Would an art related degree

me necessary? I noticed for some graphic design jobs they require a degree but with a good

portfolio could that be bypassed? I'm going to at least try to get an associates in graphic designs. 

Brian "Panda" Choi

No.  Portfolio is all that matters.

marks

Dude I don't even HAVE a degree.

Zack Maxwell

All degrees are irrelevant to art.
Unless you plan to teach it at a university

JEmerson

@Savven: Your degree will not help you initially in your career if game art is what you really want to do. The portfolio will come first, then the resume. However, what it can help you with is prepare for post-artist positions (e.g., management) or help you set-up in the meantime before you get in-industry. Just something to think hard on. @Gav hit pretty hard on what recruiters actually care about here. Secondly, networking can be difficult if you are in a locale that does not have a strong game art (or related) industry. Networking is where an education in art can come in handy - but it is not a guarantee (and you can network on forums like this one).

Anecdotally, I took a similar career path (Graphic Design for 1.5 years -> Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice -> Master's of Public Administration) and am just now returning fully to developing my art for a future (activity wise, not returning to school). While I may be later at pursuing my dream then others, I learned a great deal about myself and my interests along the way outside of game art. It wasn't perfect, but I wouldn't trade the experiences or knowledge I received.

Just some food for thought.

pior

Your business major will probably be a fantastic asset anyways, since it will help you navigate taxes, issues related to freelancer status, and so on. All this is pretty much vital and as far as I am aware is not taught at art schools.

ambelamba

C'mon. When I was a university freshman back in '94, my major was LAW.