Which major to choose?

[SpookyFish]

I'm a 17 year old high school student in my junior year. I'm currently looking at art schools and am thinking about CCAD or Artcenter. My problem is that I'm not completely sure about what I should major in. I would really love to do illustration because drawing is my passion, but after doing some research, I've come to realize how hard it is to find work with a degree in illustration. I don't want to work myself to death in college and rack up huge bills in student loans just to end up being unable to find a job.
Then I started thinking that I should maybe pursue graphic design or industrial design since I would have a better chance of finding a career in those fields. I'm really unsure of what to do. Any kind of guidance would be much appreciated.

Also, for anyone who's graduated college with a degree in illustration, is it really as difficult to find a job as people say?

[supermark]

Well even if you do choose a major, its not uncommon to change fields during the game. Finding a job in any field is tough just not illustration. That is why you have to pour your heart in your work. You wont work yourself to death either, if anything you'll find working hard is a excellent feeling; it becomes part of you. If you believe that you wont find a job, well than your writing up a plan for disaster. Think positive and work like there is not tommorow, than when you have developed a great portfolio you'll have no time to worry about not getting a job.
You could always go to a local school knock out some classes for cheap and then head to whatever art college.
Work hard for scholarships, if you want those bills lowered. But sometimes we have to pay a certain price to reach a goal. We have to sacrifice in order to attain our dreams and goals.

[supermark]

and remeber....

I will persist until I succeed. I was not delivered into this world into defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by a shepherd. I am a lion and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with sheep. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny. I will persist until I succeed-Og Mandino

I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.
-Og Mandino

[SpookyFish]

It's not that I don't want to work hard, it's just that I'm worried that I'll be unable to find a stable job.

Thanks for the quotes though.

[supermark]

Okay I can understand that, but what I mean to say was; that as long as your work your hardest and you produce great work that you shouldn't have to worry. :). But if you think about it, if you were going to another field or career the same question could still be brought up. My cousin is at ku right now for architecture, he knows that there are tons of others out there but he still goes forth. I'm working to be a graphic designer and illustrator, yea I know theres a million others out there and even more working to be the same, but as long as you are doing what you love it shouldnt matter.

If art is your passion than you should not allow the fear of finding a job hold you back. We only live once, so you might as well go out doing what you love. right? :)

[evildisco]

Go to community college for a little while. That helps you figure out what you want without wasting exhorbitant amounts of money.

[Seedling]

Do what motivates you to work the hardest. If you go into graphic design for the money but have no motivation to work, then those who went into graphic design for the love of it will mop the floor with you.

The skills you get from illustration are applicable to many fields, both as a freelancer and as a full-time employee. (For example, I am an illustration major and I now make levels for computer games, and I'm exploring the possibilities of getting into fine arts sales, teaching, and the writing and illustrating of children's books.)

[Storyboard Dave]

It's not that I don't want to work hard, it's just that I'm worried that I'll be unable to find a stable job.

Job stability huh?

I think that's all false anyway. To me the only job with any sort of security and stability is a mortician! A job is as stable as you want to make it in my mind. I work as a freelancer and in essence I have no security but I also look around me and see steady 9 to 5 folks getting let go from their positions and being devastated. I guess I technically can't be devasted because I'm my own boss.

My strong suggestion is to do something you feel passionate about. People who are passionate about things barely consider what they do to make money a job. I get paid to do my hobby. And I'd also like to think that once you attain some skill, get into the work force and still have some passion you'll be nimble enough to move around and stay one step ahead of the game.