大多數的人總是認為學藝術沒有前途, 但事實上可能並非如此, 不過以現今的科技發展, 學藝術者是必須懂得科技, 更必須了解及結合其它產業, 否則前面的說法就可能成真.

"視覺藝術"是較傳統的說法, 而"視覺傳播"是較新的名詞, 但兩者還是有些許不同, 前者多半重視"藝術"的課程-如陶藝, 雕刻, 設計, 印刷, 攝影及影片製作等, 而後者則重視各種藝術表現所傳達出的想法或訊息以解決某專業問題, 也就是說, 後者較注重"創意"及"問題解決"的能力.

傳統的視覺藝術多分為兩類組: 商業設計及藝術設計, 但視覺傳播則嘗試去結合各類產業的設計工作(廣告, 建築, 藝術, 服裝, 紡織, 攝影, 雕刻, 影片, 戲劇, 藝術文化及歷史).

視覺藝術或視覺傳播的可能出路如下:

Advertising Artist	Cinematographer	Jewelry Designer
Animator	Corporate Curator	Landscape Architect
Appraiser	Costume Designer	Layout Artist
Architecture Model Builder	Courtroom Sketcher	Muralist
Archivist	Curatorial Assistant	Non-Profit Administrator
Art Teacher	Display/Set Designer	Photo Journalist
Art Therapist	Drafter	Product Designer
Arts Administrator	Engraver	Production Assistant
Arts Conservator	Exhibit Designer	Public Relations Coordinator
Arts Critic	Fashion Coordinator	Publications Assistant
Book Illustrator	Filmmaker	Restorer
Buyer	Freelance Artist	Retail Store Art Director
Calligrapher	Graphic Artist	Sales Assistant
Cartoonist	Illustrator	Store Manager
Ceramic Artist	Interior Designer	Textile Designer