Villa’s integrated arts program blends multiple creative disciplines, including visual arts, media, design, and digital technologies, into a single degree. Students develop both artistic skill and technical knowledge, preparing for a wide variety of creative careers. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, offering students experience in digital and physical mediums, and builds transferable skills such as creativity, problem-solving, project management, and collaboration. Graduates leave ready to succeed in traditional workplaces like studios, galleries, and media companies, as well as in freelance or entrepreneurial ventures.
Illustrator
Illustrators create artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, digital media, and video games. They develop sketches, digital illustrations, or finished pieces based on client briefs or creative concepts, often collaborating with writers, designers, or art directors to visually communicate ideas. Illustrators may specialize in editorial, commercial, fashion, or digital projects, and their work can appear in magazines, advertisements, product packaging, or digital media. Through an integrated arts program, students gain strong drawing skills, visual storytelling techniques, and proficiency in both traditional and digital illustration tools necessary to thrive in this role.
Storyboard Artist
Storyboard artists translate scripts or concepts into visual sequences for films, commercials, animations, and video games. They illustrate action, camera angles, and character positioning to map out scenes, working closely with directors, animators, and production teams. Storyboards are a vital step in pre-production because they help teams visualize and refine stories before filming or animation begins. An integrated art degree allows students to develop crucial skills in sequential art, composition, character design, and narrative storytelling.
Art/Creative Director
Art and creative directors lead the visual direction of projects across advertising, media, design, and exhibitions. They oversee creative teams to ensure projects meet aesthetic and conceptual goals, develop visual styles and brand identities, and make decisions on budgets, timelines, and final approvals. Directors may also present ideas to clients or stakeholders, guiding the execution of cohesive and compelling creative projects. Integrated arts fosters multidisciplinary experience, collaboration skills, and conceptual thinking, which are essential for leading creative teams successfully.
Curator, Gallery Director, or Museum Administrator
Curators, gallery directors, and museum administrators organize exhibitions, select artwork, and manage collections for galleries and museums. They plan public programming, educational events, and special exhibitions, while overseeing operations, staffing, and preservation policies. These roles require an understanding of art history and trends, as well as interaction with artists, collectors, and the public to make art accessible and engaging. An integrated arts degree provides students with knowledge in art history along with the ability to critically analyze and manage works of art.
Art Conservator
Art conservators restore and preserve artworks, artifacts, and cultural objects. They examine materials and techniques to determine the best conservation methods, repair damage, and apply protective treatments to ensure long-term preservation. This career demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of various artistic mediums. Studying integrated arts builds the necessary technical knowledge and artistic techniques to work in this specialized field. It also prepares students for graduate programs and specialized training needed to take on this position.
Film/Video Animator
Film and video animators create motion graphics, character animations, and visual effects for films, TV, commercials, and video games. They develop storyboards, animatics, and final animations, collaborating with directors, producers, and other creatives to bring projects to life. Animators may specialize in 2D, 3D, or motion graphics work and often work in studios, production companies, or as freelancers. Through elective classes, integrated arts students can learn animation principles, digital tools, and narrative techniques to prepare themselves for these roles.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers craft visual content for print and digital media, including branding materials, advertisements, websites, and publications. They choose typography, colors, layouts, and imagery to effectively communicate messages and collaborate with clients, marketers, or creative teams. Designers may specialize in areas like branding, packaging, or digital design. Students taking graphic design classes in an integrated arts program understand the design principles and industry-standard software key to success in in-house, agency, and freelance positions.
Freelance Artist
Freelance artists offer creative services to multiple clients, including digital content, marketing materials, and commissioned work. Opportunities include public art projects, licensing artwork, and digital design for social media, animation, or interactive media. Some graduates launch their own art studios, creative agencies, or online services, blending artistic practice with entrepreneurship. Success in freelance work relies on portfolio development, networking, and managing multiple projects independently, all skills cultivated through Villa Maria’s hands-on learning approach.
The Value of Networking in the Arts
In the art world, who you meet can be just as important as what you create. Building connections early can open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and professional opportunities long after graduation.
“You have to get out there and get engaged,” says Mike Taheri, a retired lawyer and former law professor taking integrated art classes at Villa. “Visit museums, meet directors and curators, take tours. I can’t encourage enough for students to be curious, talk to people, and be present.”
Villa’s integrated arts program helps students develop that mindset from day one. Through small classes, group projects, visiting artist events, and faculty mentorship, students learn that art doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Those connections often lead to new perspectives, professional insight, and lifelong creative partnerships.
Mike knows this firsthand. When he began taking art classes after a long career in law, he embraced being a beginner again.
“When you retire, the challenge is not to grow old. I have always said you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says.
While taking classes, Mike realized students didn’t often get to meet or learn directly from working artists. Believing that kind of firsthand experience was essential, he decided to see if he could help make it happen.
That idea became the foundation of the Catalyst Visiting Artist Series, which Taheri now sponsors with his wife, Josette. The program brings world-renowned contemporary artists to campus for talks, workshops, and portfolio reviews, giving students rare access to the professional art world.
“I reached out to a few artists, names I received from Professor Kyle Buter, and invited them to come to Villa,” he explains. “My wife and I decided to sponsor the series, and in doing so, Villa gets to host working contemporary artists that meet students, lead workshops, and review student portfolios, all in an intimate setting. That’s not something available at most other art programs in the country,” he says.
Unleash Your Inner Artist at Villa
At Villa Maria College, integrated arts students don’t just take classes; they create, experiment, and collaborate in professional-grade studios across campus. Whether they’re working in animation, graphic design, fashion, fine arts, or photography, students have access to industry-standard tools and technology to bring their ideas to life. Reach out today to learn more about the program or apply!
