Do I Need to Study History? The Liberal Arts Edge for the Modern Artist

Why Liberal Arts Courses Make You a Better Artist

When you commit to a BFA, most of your courses are in the studio. But you will also dedicate a significant part of your curriculum to subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and science—the Liberal Arts.

We often get asked: “Why do I need to study history when I want to be a painter?” The answer is simple: to make your art relevant, impactful, and intelligent.

Art is Not Created in a Vacuum

Your ability to communicate visually is only as strong as your ability to communicate conceptually. Liberal arts classes provide:

1. Context and Meaning: Understanding art history, political history, and cultural studies allows you to place your work in a broader conversation. When you know why artists 100 years ago made a certain choice, you make more informed choices today.
2. Critical Thinking: These courses teach you to analyze complex texts, form persuasive arguments, and research effectively. This translates directly to your studio practice, helping you conceptualize projects, write artist statements, and respond to critiques.
3. Communication Skills: As a professional artist, you will spend time pitching ideas, writing proposals, and talking to clients or gallery owners. Strong writing and speaking skills learned in humanities classes are essential career tools.

The Montserrat Philosophy: Integrating Academics and Studio

At Montserrat, our Liberal Arts curriculum is designed to intersect with your studio work. For example:

• A student in Illustration taking a course on World Mythology might incorporate those archetypes into their character designs.
• A student in Graphic Design taking a course in Modern Art History gains a deeper understanding of visual movements that inform contemporary branding.

A college degree shouldn’t just train your hands; it should train your mind. We aim to graduate artists who are not only technically proficient but also articulate, engaged, and culturally aware.