As you read this, I’m in Berlin, Germany (less than 24 hours after leaving China) speaking thrice at the Berlin fashion Film Festival. It’s times like this (and running into students from my alma mater in Italia) while speaking abroad that I don’t regret getting a degree in fashion and art.  

Bonjour mes amies et habibi! As the first person in my immediate family to graduate college, when I declared my major, the most common response I heard was “You don’t want to consider being a nurse.” I eventually went back to university for two science degrees (Public Health and Safety with a minor in Epidemiology and a Mortuary Science degree with a concentration in Pathology.) I know firsthand how hard those in the medical field work and are needed and for that I can understand my families reluctance at the thought of me majoring in Art.  

For many minority families, the path to success is often seen as one that leads through traditional fields like medicine, engineering, or business. Naturally because these careers are associated with stability, financial security, and respect, values that resonate deeply within communities of service and who have faced systemic barriers to success. In many households, the conversation about college is centered around fields with clear-cut job prospects, often leaving art, design, and the creative fields not an option.

As the world changes, so too does the definition of success. The rise of creative industries, the expansion of digital platforms, and the importance of innovation in every sector have made the arts more relevant than ever. 

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the lines between art and technology are becoming increasingly blurred. Majoring in “Art” isn’t wholly what it used to be. Game design, virtual reality, digital animation, and multimedia production are just a few examples of industries where artistic skills are highly valued.  As the tech world works to become more realistic and life begins to imitate art—designers, animators, and creative thinkers who can turn ideas into engaging, immersive experiences are needed. It’s a little known fact but creative professionals are often at the forefront of technological innovation, designing products that are both functional and visually appealing.

For minority students, this intersection of art and technology can provide exciting opportunities in industries that didn’t even exist a decade ago. With the right mindset and beaucoup flexibility art majors can find themselves on the cutting edge of fields that fuse creativity with technology, such as interactive media, fashion tech, and digital arts.

Contrary to popular belief, pursuing a degree in the arts does not mean sacrificing financial stability. The creative industries are among the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized content creation, enabling art students who may not have typically had an audience or access to art spaces to monetize their creative talents and build their personal brands. With the rise of social media, many minority creators are able to make a living through art, reaching global audiences, and establishing sustainable careers.

Art isn’t just a career path—it’s a way of thinking. The problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills that are fostered through an arts education are transferable to a wide variety of fields. I am a prime example of how an artist can maneuver many careers.  International Marketing Advisor, Federal Grants Writer, Marketing Analyst, International Business Developer, and Mortuary, are just a snippet of my previous careers (I didn’t include my art related careers.) I as with many  business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs credit their creative backgrounds for their success. The ability to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, think outside the box, and communicate ideas effectively are all skills honed in the arts.

There is no denying the emotional intelligence and confidence, I obtained studying the arts. Art education, art history, creative thinking, amongst other required art classes encouraged me to take risks, fail, learn from my and my fellow classmate’s mistakes, all while growing through the process. Sadly for many minority students “failure” isn’t an option. 

This self-confidence extends beyond the classroom. As a young designer and artist, I remember sharing my work with others, whether through exhibitions, or performances, which inadvertently gave me the courage to take up space in digital platforms while advocating for my ideas and engaging with the world in meaningful ways.

While it’s understandable for parents to want their children to have stable, secure futures, it’s also important to recognize that success comes in many forms. The arts are not just about creating beautiful things—they’re about expressing individuality, challenging norms, and making an impact on the world. 

I don’t know who needed to hear this but: let your child study the arts. While their talents may not be needed in your country, the world is “wide”.

Ciao for now 💋