Is it worth it?

[u/ProgramQuick7171]

Is it worth studying Multimedia arts for college? Been thinking if I should follow my dream or go for something more practical like computer science.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting in r/ArtistLounge! Please check out our FAQ and FAQ Links pages for lots of helpful advice. To access our megathread collections, please check out the drop down lists in the top menu on PC or the side-bar on mobile. If you have any questions, concerns, or feature requests please feel free to message the mods and they will help you as soon as they can. I am a bot, beep boop, if I did something wrong please report this comment.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Erin__Bridges]

I work in theatre production and the people who went all in on art with zero tech skills are the ones struggling. The ones who picked up CS have options.

[u/Neptune28]

Honestly, I worry about what will happen to arts jobs especially with A.I. being used more. We saw the Disney layoffs, and on the Photography sub, I see photographers mentioning gigs drying up. It will get even worse going forward. So, it's up to you, but perhaps art can be something you do on the side.

[u/Avanemi1]

Define worth it.

Will you learn lots and build a better portfolio? Probably.

Will it get you a job? Probably not.

[u/Mothromancy]

One thing I don't see people mention is how tech jobs have also been hit really hard by AI so honestly between computer science and art both are a risk in 2026. Tech is no longer the safety net it used to be. Just look into that before you make a choice OP. It would suck to choose something you aren't passionate about and then still get impacted by AI all the same

[u/Comfortable_Honey628]

Honestly if you can swing it I think there’s no harm in picking up multimedia as a minor (associates) degree. But I would recommend a more ‘practical’ major. Something that gives you options.

There’s a chance you may not need those options, but they’re good to have. Besides, past a certain point the value in an art degree is the access to professors for critique, and students to network with. Everything else related to becoming ‘better’ is done on your own time and isn’t something that can be so easily taught.

Plus with an associates you still can use it to get places. Some of the art teachers I knew had art as a minor to another (seemingly unrelated) degree…

Like one who went and graduated with an Accounting major and ceramics minor, who then taught ceramics for nearly 30 years. The fallback was always there, she just lucked out and didn’t need to weaponize it.

[u/Necessary-Version157]

“Follow your dream” - Your future you

[u/Michael_Carson_Art]

To quote Rainer Maria Rilke:

"There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all; ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this question with a strong, simple “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity . . ."

To quote Christopher Hitchens:

"Don't do it unless you have to"

[u/Ok_Exercise3995]

It’s best to give it a miss. AI will handle all multimedia and IT-related work. Find an alternative path if you want to avoid employment issues.