When many people think of art careers, they think of drawing or painting. Art is actually a broad field that stretches across many types of careers and industries. There are literally hundreds of careers in the art field, each with different responsibilities, salaries, and required skills and education.
The film and media arts field is an emerging art field, especially with the popularity of 3-D graphics, high-definition television and film, and digital journalism. When students study film and media arts in school, they learn how media and film are used to tell stories and persuade audiences. They also learn writing, production, and post-production techniques and analyze how digital media is influencing the artistic and commercial aspects of visual media. The media arts field incorporates marketing, graphics, and computer design, including web site creation. Those who study film and media arts have many art careers available to them, including web site designer, broadcast producer, digital color specialist, advertising manager, graphic designer, marketing executive, interactive designer, public relations specialist, publications specialist, corporate communications specialist, and video or film producer.
Computer and technology art is another growing field due to high demand for realistic video games and special effects in films and television. Computer animation is needed for this, as well as for improvements in mobile phone technology and medical and scientific research. Careers in this field include multimedia artist, animator, production and graphic artists, 3-D artists and designers, video game designer, and art director. These positions are available at software companies, audio/video entertainment productions, advertising agencies, media management companies, movie industry companies, television broadcasters, visual effects companies, and toy/game industries. Many of these careers require a bachelor’s degree.
Due to technological advances, the fine art field is not as popular as it was in the 1800s. Fine artists specialize in one or two types of art, such as painting, illustrating, sculpting, printmaking, and restoring. Many artists usually sell their artwork either themselves or through private art galleries. Only the very successful artists are able to support themselves though their artwork. Most fine artists have other jobs to support their careers. Those interested in fine art can work as directors or curators of art galleries and museums. Some work as art critics, while others teach art classes and workshops. Although many fine artists get their training from art schools and colleges, many are self-taught through practice and research.
An interior designer is another type of artist. Interior designers not only need artistic skills, but business skills as well. They often need a wide range of skills in order to be successful, such as budgeting, client management, engineering, finance, and entrepreneurship. They draw up plans for clients, determine the clients’ needs, locate the designs and other items needed, and then arrange the area so it meets the client’s needs. College education is required for interior designers, with a bachelor’s degree recommended. Internships and apprenticeships are common. It is recommended that recent graduates obtain a certification or association membership in order to qualify for top jobs.
Another possibility for art careers is in the architectural design field. Architectural designers create and plan structures such as commercial buildings, bridges, and residences. They analyze the area where the structure will be built and determine how it will fit. Many work in architectural firms. In additional to a college degree in architecture, an architectural designer is required to obtain a license. A license is granted to those who have a degree in architecture, the required amount of experience, and a passing score on the Architect Registration Examination.