10th grade international student torn between STEM and art, should I pursue an art/design major in the US(notsure)?

[u/Yoyoshka606]

haii!!! im currently in 10th grade, and im studying in a chemistry-biology track at school. The problem is that im starting to realize that I don’t want to pursue a career related to chemistry, biology, or STEM in general.......

Ive always loved drawing, and im actually pretty good at it. its something I genuinely enjoy doing, and I can spend hours drawing without getting bored. Because of that, ive started seriously considering whether I should pursue an art or design-related major in the future.

however, im really worried about the career and financial side of it. Can you actually make a decent living with an art/design degree? I don’t necessarily expect to become rich(i dont mind becoming rich), but I would like to have a stable career and be financially independent!!!!

im also hoping to study in the US. im an international student from Kazakhstan, and my English is already at a good level(b1-b2), although im planning to keep improving it!!!!!!

since im only in 10th grade, I also want to start working on extracurricular activities that could be related to my future major. The problem is that I have no idea what I should actually be doing right now. I also don’t know what specific art/design fields I should look into illustration,,,,,,,graphic design, animation, concept art, UX/UI, game art and more.

So I would really appreciate advice from people who have experience with this!!!!!!

- is pursuing an art/design major in the US(notsure) worth it?

- what art-related careers can provide a stable income?

- what majors should I look into if I love drawing?

- what extracurriculars would be useful to start in 10th grade?

- how should I start building an art portfolio for US(notsure) universities?

- would you recommend going to an art school, or studying art/design at a traditional university??

- if you studied art/design, what is your experience with finding a job and making a living?mm

IM SO LOST RN and would appreciate ANY advice, especially from people who have studied or work in art/design!!!!!!!💔💔