An Exploration of Motivations of Fine Art Students in Relation to Mental and Physical Well-Being

Abstract

College art students are an overlooked minority population whose culture, career motivations, and mental health risks have not been studied, and there has been little to no specialized outreach to this population. This article describes the stereotypes associated with fine art students and the data available that confirms or refutes those stereotypes. It then reports an initial investigation of fine artists that assesses their mental and physical health as well as their career motivations. The discussion focuses on the implications for college counseling centers.

KEYWORDS:

• art students
• experimental and conceptual innovator
• health
• visionary