BFA vs BVA: Understanding the Differences and Career Opportunities

Feature

BFA 

BVA 

Full Form

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Visual Arts

Focus Area

Traditional and classical modes of expression include painting, sculpture and printmaking.

Broad spectrum of visual media, including digital art, animation, photography, and design

Purpose

Aesthetic and expressive creation of art

Applied and contemporary visual communication

Curriculum

Heavily studio-based with theory in art history and aesthetics

Combines studio practice with design, media, and communication studies

Career Paths

• Professional Artist
• Art Teacher/Lecturer
• Art Director
• Illustrator
• Art Conservator
• Gallery Curator
• Set Designer
• Animator
• Tattoo Artist
• Freelance Designer

• Graphic Designer
• Visual Artist
• Photographer
• Multimedia Artist & Animator
• Creative Director
• UI/UX Designer
• Art Educator
• 3D Artist
• Brand Identity Designer
• Freelance Designer

Entrance Exams

PUBDET, SET, CUET, BHU UET, etc.

KCET, CUET, WUDAT, etc.

Top Colleges/Universities

• Banaras Hindu University
• Rabindra Bharati University
• Amity University, Noida
• College of Arts, University of Delhi
• Visva Bharati University
• Jamia Millia Islamia

• Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda 
• Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University
• NIMS University 
• IIFA Multimedia 
• Sri Sri University

• 10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board
• Minimum of 45 - 50% aggregate or as mentioned by the institute 

Career Option

Description

Professional Artist (Painter, Sculptor, Printmaker)

• Create and sell original artworks
• Exhibit in galleries or work on commissions
• Can work independently or with art studios

Illustrator or Cartoonist

• Make drawings for books, magazines, or digital media
• Create cartoons for newspapers, comics, or animation
• Use both hand-drawing and digital tools

Art Teacher / Lecturer

• Teach art in schools or colleges (needs B.Ed. or MFA for higher roles)
• Helping students to draw, paint, and take art theories
• Work in public or private institutions

Gallery Curator / Art Manager

• Organise and manage art exhibitions
• Work with artists and handle artwork collections
• Writing Display Notes, Managing the Visitor Experience

Set Designer / Stage Artist

• Design stage or film sets based on scripts
• Work in theatre, film, TV, or events
• Requires creativity, a sense of space, and visuals

Animator / Multimedia Artist

• Create animations for movies, games, or advertisements
• Use computer software and digital tools
• Work in studios, agencies, or freelance

Art Conservator / Restorer

• Restore and protect old or damaged artworks
• Work in museums or heritage institutions
• Needs knowledge of materials and art history

Applied Arts Designer

• Create murals, product designs, or interior artworks
• Combine art with functional design
• Work with design firms or independently

Tattoo Artist

• Design and apply tattoos using artistic skills
• Requires practical training and a license
• Work in tattoo studios or freelance

Freelance Creative Professional

• Offer creative services on a project basis
• Work with clients in advertising, publishing, or online

• 10+2 (any stream) from a recognised board
• Minimum of 45 - 50% aggregate or as required by the institute 

Career Option

Description

Graphic and UI/UX Designer

• Create logos, posters, and digital graphics for brands or websites
• Design user-friendly layouts for apps and websites
• Work with software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.

Digital Illustrator

• Make digital artwork for books, games, websites, or social media
• Create characters, backgrounds, or visual stories using tablets and design tools
• Collaborate with animation studios, publishers, or freelancers

Visual Communication Designer

• Use visuals to share messages through print, digital, or motion design
• Work on brochures, packaging, presentations, and branding material. 
• Usually employed by design firms, ad agencies, or media companies

Photographer / Videographer

• Take professional photos or shoot videos for events, brands, or media.
• Specialise in areas like fashion, wildlife, products, or documentaries.
• Can work in studios, agencies, or as a freelancer.

Advertising and Branding Designer

• Develop creative content for ads, brand campaigns, and marketing visuals.
• Create brand identity designs like logos, packaging, and visual themes.
• Work in advertising agencies, marketing firms, or start-ups.

Animator / Multimedia Artist

• Design animated videos, characters, or motion graphics.
• Work in gaming, films, YouTube content creation, or e-learning platforms.
• Use software like After Effects, Blender, or Maya.

Exhibition and Display Designer

• Design layout and visual setup for exhibitions, museums, or trade shows.
• Use 3D models and graphics to enhance the viewer experience.
• Work with event companies, cultural spaces, or independently.