UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - 55 students graduated Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute Friday eager to enter the job market, one it seems they're not nervous about.

"I'm not worried at all, I'm ready," says graduate Bianca Abreu.

Students like Bianca thank the foundation they've gotten at the Institute and feel the work field is a blank slate for them.

Interim Dean Ken Marchione says there's probably not a better time to get into the arts.

"So much of what we look at whether it's on the ipod or ipad is driven by visual cues and the field just continues to grow," says Marchione.

From gaming design to fine arts, the two year program preparing artists from around the state and country, studying for a variety of fields, using a variety of forms.

"You have all the communication design students who make all the packaging, that's a whole area in itself .. making music posters, all the billboards that are flashing in your face, those are artists," says Dan Sabatini.

The graduates feeling even in a down economy they're ready for success.

"There's a stereotype of the whole starving artist thing and its not true in the least bit, artists are successful," says Abreu. "We just have to be in the right place at the right time and put yourself out there and market yourself."

A majority of MWPAI graduates will now continue on to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn for another 2 years of study, before heading into their careers.