When you attend a vocational art program, you can either complete an arts program at a local community college, or at a formal art school. While both program options prepare students for vocational art careers, formal art schools emphasize studio work, whereas community colleges focus on the liberal arts angle of art. Some students may find that they prefer to attend the art program at a local community college because it is likely to cost less and can be completed closer to home than a formal art school.
A benefit of earning an associate's degree at a vocational school is the ability for students to earn higher-level degrees in art. Various art schools offer bachelor's or master's degree programs in the field. These degrees are useful for those students who want to pursue careers in teaching and art leadership. For example, students attending the Art Institute of California, San Francisco can earn associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields. Those students are also required to complete general education courses.
The earning potential and employment prospects for vocational art school graduates varies. As of 2004, the median salary for art directors was $64,000 per year, while the median salary for craft artists was $23,520. Fine artists such as painters and sculptors made median annual salaries of $38,000. Many art school graduates are self employed. However, those graduates who studied visual arts, such a digital media, are in increasing demand thanks to the increased use of visual communications.
If you choose to attend an art program at a community college, you can save money on your education expenses. Community colleges are often more affordable to attend, compared to other programs. Additionally, you can transfer the credits earned at a community college to a four-year college or university. After you transfer the credits, you only need to complete an additional two years at the college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.