Applied Arts

Innate talent, artistic flair and a knack to imply the vivid imagination through creativeness, applied art is craft which can be taken up as a profession.  The sole aim of ‘applied arts’ is to provide a visual treat solely using the diverse and vast imagination. Applied Art is often mistaken as ‘fine arts’ but there is a thin line of difference between the two terms. ‘Fine Arts’ gives expression to the creative talent of the artist which may not have any practical utility, while the ‘applied arts’ makes the things in our surroundings and everyday usage look beautiful and soothing to the eyes. Therefore, ‘applied arts’ involves graphic designing, interior designing, fashion designing, architecture, advertising and visual communication. It also includes functional art, basket weaving, pottery, jewellery making etc. 

It is said that man possesses an innate talent of drawing and painting. But to some people, it is a passion. If a person wants to excel as an artist, he/she has to undergo training to acquire knowledge to grasp the nuances of ‘applied art’. Shiksha provides a detailed theory on the Applied Arts and how a student can pursue the course.

Eligibility Criteria to pursue Applied Arts

Being a vocational course, applied arts lays emphasis on theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on training. The aspirants acquire knowledge about the history of art and design as well as spend hours in training on designing on the basis of concepts and ideas. In India, BFA  (Bachelor in Fine Arts) in Applied Arts can be pursued after passing 10+2 Board examination. The candidate must have secured a minimum 50% marks (45% marks for reserved category) in aggregate to pursue a BFA in Applied Arts. It is, however, an undergraduate degree programme, aiming to impart knowledge on ‘applied arts’ along with expanding the cultural, aesthetic, emotional, moral values of the students.

Skills required to excel in Applied Arts

Students who are interested to pursue a course in Applied Arts should have a knack for creativeness and innovation. They must have a basic knowledge of drawing and painting. However, the candidate should possess immense patience and enjoy working for hours. In the table below, we have listed down the skills candidates need to acquire to study and pursue a course in applied arts:

Admission Procedure and Fee

In India, there are a handful of institutes which offer admission in B.FA in Applied Arts for 3 years or 4 years. The entire curriculum has been divided into semesters. Candidates can apply for this course after their class 12 board examination. Some institutes conduct entrance test to admit students. So, the students have to sit for that entrance test and qualify. Some of the entrance examinations are:

• Banaras Hindu University Entrance Examination

• Delhi University Entrance Exam

• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) Entrance Exam

• Rabindra Bharati University Entrance Examination

Applied Arts Course Structure and Curriculum

BFA in Applied Arts consists of 6 semesters in a 3-year course. The aspirants acquire theoretical knowledge along with practical skill. The student has to spend long hours in painting, designing, decorating to hone their skills. The entire course has been designed to provide the students with ample opportunities to participate in practical classes. Students can go through the curriculum in different semesters: 

Job and Career Scope in Applied Arts 

Students who are interested in pursuing a course in applied arts have a very bright and promising career ahead. After the completion of the course, students can either go on to enhance and further gain in-depth knowledge by pursuing a Master in Fine Arts or can start working where career based opportutnities are provided such as an art director, advertising layout artist, art instructor, animator, graphic designer, multimedia artist, jewellery designer, ceramic pot designers etc. Those who have done their specialization in animation or web-designing, find themselves placed in the electronic and digital print media. At the beginning of the career, they may earn Rs. 3 lakhs-4 lakhs annually. With years, they accumulate experience in the industry and simultaneously their salary increases. Again, they may work as a freelancer and set up their own designing business. In the table below, we have charted down the annual salary of these professionals:

Important FAQs related to Applied Arts

Q. Is applied arts a good career?

Q. What are the subjects in Applied Arts?

Q. Is there scope for Applied Arts?

Q. What are the skills required to pursue Applied Arts course?

Q. What are the popular entrance exams for Applied Arts courses?

Q. What can I do after Applied Art?

Q. What is difference between fine arts and applied art?

Q. What is the eligibility criteria to pursue BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) in Applied Arts?

Q. What is BFA Applied Arts?

Q. What after BFA Applied Arts?

Q. What are examples of Applied Arts?