What to study?

[flamaist]

I'm going to keep it short:

I have 2 options:

Painting or Design

The problem: Studying painting means higher chance of unemployment, but I really like it. Design is cool as well, but I have no idea if I'd really be content with it.

What I want: I really love sketching and painting, but I also want to get a job with a solid income. So design suites me better? If yes, is there a form of design that combines elements from both sides?

Would Visual Communications or Graphic Design satisfy my needs? Or is there even something better out there?

Background: I'm mainly focused on art education in Germany. Studying abroad isn't an option yet, but money is no issue.

Waiting for some decent comments :D Thanks in advance!

[SugaCrcl]

By design, do you mean graphic design? I think you should study painting, because you like it more than design. Though you need money to eat and live, it shouldn't be an issue when it comes to doing what you love most. You can check out the salary guide for (insert industry you are interested in here) and see if a particular job position fits well into your lifestyle.

[flamaist]

Hey thanks SugarCrcl for your opinion! I really appreciate this! :D

You can check out the salary guide for (insert industry you are interested in here) and see if a particular job position fits well into your lifestyle.

Could you explain to me how I should do this? I'm not pretty sure what you mean...^^*

[Rocketshark]

Well, does your school allow extra studio credits for you to get some experience in graphic design while you paint? Study painting, if you love it so much, and take a few classes in graphic design so you at least have some understanding of the programs - use your understanding of painting/color to help you in graphic design and vice versa. A lot of illustrators and painters do graphic design as a day job or a way to pay the bills while looking for jobs/the next book deal/commissions.