PROBLEM STATEMENT
Art and design are often downplayed as if they are not viable, sustainable, or stable career options. Perspective, creative students are often told they should not or can not pursue an art career. The result is fewer students majoring in the arts and pursuing a career in which they have no interest.
This Thesis will attempt to overcome the stigma of the "starving artist" through research highlighting how and where the misleading moniker is implemented and statistical data on where the art and design industry now stands. The target audience for information includes prospective artists at the high school and collegiate level, educators at the high school and college level, and prospective artists' parents. The aim is to provide a ready resource of factual information that could ultimately help prospective artists make their career decisions. This resource would also be a resource for their parents and any associated educators as they are often the influencers in such decisions for students.