Business of Art & Design
Innovative careers call for creative leadership, and Ringling College Business of Art & Design majors are up to the task. Students in our BOAD program become collaborative leaders, blue-sky thinkers, and creative problem solvers. They are connectors—serving at the intersection of art, design, and the people needed to bring a creative vision to life. As a Ringling College Business of Art and Design student, you will master traditional business skills while also being immersed in studio courses that will allow you to explore and understand the creative process. You will explore the essentials of business, including: strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, accounting, production management, and economics, among others. You will work across disciplines to learn how to manage and collaborate with artists and designers. And you will graduate ready to put your business skills to work in a wide range of creative industries. Today, more than 4.7 million Americans alone work in art-related businesses, and a staggering 97% of employers list creativity as an integral asset to their team. Learn how to put your talents and skills to work in a number of industries where creativity and business intersect. More About Our Program Course Descriptions
Not your typical business school.
BA Program
Awards & Accolades
A Business of Art and Design student was awarded first place prize for her essay, "Remarkable Stories of Holocaust Rescuers and How to Combat Anti-Semitism Today," by the Tampa Bay Consular Corps.
A Business of Art and Design student was awarded first place prize for her essay, "Remarkable Stories of Holocaust Rescuers and How to Combat Anti-Semitism Today," by the Tampa Bay Consular Corps.
Turning Passion Into Profession
Where are they now?
Our graduates waste no time. Check out some of the amazing places our alumni have landed!
Sarah Kambara '14
Production Coordinator
Pixar
“This program offers many opportunities to discover and advance your career. And it’s different from other business schools—you learn the hard skills and become business minded, but you learn in way that is molded toward the creative mind.”
Sarah transferred to the Business of Art and Design program to work with artists. Here, she fell in love with animation, and her internship and thesis experience only deepened her desire to work in the industry. Knowing that creative giants such as Walt Disney Animation Studios also need business-minded managers, she applied for a position and was accepted. Now with Pixar, Sarah is excited to take her career to the next level.
Keith Nielsen '15
Creative Freelancer
Film & TV
“More and more I see the need for business thinkers in the creative world. We serve as connectors because we know the creative language and workflow, as well as what is needed to run a department.”
Since graduating in 2015, Keith has worked in the costume department on two seasons of Mozart in the Jungle and costume designed actor Justin Long’s web series. The Business of Art and Design program taught him how to work as a creative thinker and manager, concepting ideas, presenting them, and supporting them with research and analysis.
These valuable skills empower Keith to work in many different creative fields—which he continues to do as a Creative Freelancer.
Wendy Oliva '15
Marketing Coordinator
Juki America, Inc.
“The Business of Art and Design program taught me how the worlds of business and design create symphony. Now everything is coming together—my passion for sewing, my shop on Etsy, and my marketing experience and education.”
Wendy has run an Etsy shop since 2010, even dedicating her senior thesis project to building a business plan for her hand-sewn craft business. At Ringling, Wendy used her business and design acumen to successfully brand and build her company, which led her into the field of marketing and opened up the door to a dream job offer—working with international sewing giant, Juki America, Inc.
Andrew Angstadt ’14
Pyper Young | Account Coordinator
Hanna Persson ’14
Manatee Performing Arts Center | Dir. of Outreach
Bryan Pierle ’14
WINK-TV News | Production Assistant
Ayu Saraswati ’14
ShopperTrak | Jr Production Manager
Alexandra Tibbe ’14
Freelance | Assistant Art Director
Siouxsie Connor ’13
Sun Hydraulics | Graphic Arts Marketing
Aseel Kreishan ’13
Wonders Gate Events and Entertainment | Planning & Coordinating Manager
Evan McDermott ’13
American Custom Yachts | Dept Coordinator
Lisa Szaraz ’13
The Zebra | Office & Cultural Manager
Kathryn Wilson ’13
Marina Jack's | Assoc Manager of Public Services & Yacht Services
Marilyn Garman ’12
Ringling College of Art and Design | Business of Art and Design Program Coordinator and Faculty
Sarita Rene Guillory ’12
Freelance | Fine Artist
Devin Lee Ostertag ’12
David Houle & Associates | Dir. of Communications
Taylor Reed ’12
SteelHouse | Account Manager
Kathleen Sobr ’12
The Studio | Senior Producer
Sadie Stetson ’12
Freelance | Illustrator and Designer
See more career opportunities on our career support page.
Opportunities for Business of Art and Design students
Business of Art and Design has invited high-level executives and creative professionals from top companies and nonprofit organizations to visit Ringling College and lead interactive presentations and discussions for Business of Art and Design students and students from all of the majors on campus. These professionals share their work experiences and current projects, as well as give advice and information about their industries. In addition, many of the Visiting Creative Leaders work hands-on with students on various projects. Past speakers include leaders from Disney, Cirque de Soleil, MTV, DreamWorks, and many more.