Art Jobs / Art Careers / Design Jobs / Design Careers

Career Guide to Art Careers

Perhaps you are trying to figure out what kind of career is best for you in the future, or maybe you even are looking for a career change in your life. If so, one very fun and stimulating field to consider is the arts. A career in the arts can be very exciting and there are many different career choices to consider within the field. If you find yourself enjoying and excelling in artistic pursuits such as painting, drawing, or even photography, then it may be time to explore what this career field can offer you. Before you make a career decision, it is usually a great idea to take a closer look at the field you are considering, so make sure that you fully explore what a career in the arts has to offer you. Exciting Careers (painter, illustrator, photography, animation, art historian, art director)

Within the field of the arts, there are many different careers that you can consider, depending on where your interests and abilities lie. If you are interested in this field and you enjoy history, you may want to consider a career as an art historian. This is a great career for those who love the arts but are not interested in actually producing the artwork themselves. Art historians have many different options available, including teaching and research.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then a career in Art or Design might be for you!

Perhaps you are trying to figure out what kind of career is best for you in the future, or maybe you even are looking for a career change in your life. If so, one very fun and stimulating field to consider is the arts. A career in the arts can be very exciting and there are many different career choices to consider within the field. If you find yourself enjoying and excelling in artistic pursuits such as painting, drawing, or even photography, then it may be time to explore what this career field can offer you. Before you make a career decision, it is usually a great idea to take a closer look at the field you are considering, so make sure that you fully explore what a career in the arts has to offer you. Exciting Careers (painter, illustrator, photography, animation, art historian, art director)

Within the field of the arts, there are many different careers that you can consider, depending on where your interests and abilities lie. If you are interested in this field and you enjoy history, you may want to consider a career as an art historian. This is a great career for those who love the arts but are not interested in actually producing the artwork themselves. Art historians have many different options available, including teaching and research.

Working conditions and places of employment vary. Graphic designers employed by large advertising, publishing, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms and those who freelance generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments.

Designers may work in their own offices or studios or in clients’ offices. Designers who are paid by the assignment are under pressure to please existing clients and to find new ones to maintain a steady income. All designers sometimes face frustration when their designs are rejected or when their work is not as creative as they wish. Graphic designers may work evenings or weekends to meet production schedules, especially in the printing and publishing industries where deadlines are shorter and more frequent.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:

Art Jobs / Art Careers / Design Jobs / Design Careers

A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions; although some entry-level technical positions may only require an associate degree. Bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts or graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. Most curriculums include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively.

Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design also are available from 2-year and 3-year professional schools. These programs usually focus on the technical aspects of graphic design and include few liberal arts courses. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions requiring technical skills only. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in graphic design—and who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field—can complete a 2-year or 3-year program in graphic design to learn the technical requirements.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in graphic design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor’s degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Current & Future Job Outlook for:                                                               
Art Jobs / Art Careers / Design Jobs / Design Careers

Employment of graphic designers is expected grow about as fast as average. Keen competition for jobs is expected; individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

Graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

Graphic designers with a broad liberal arts education and experience in marketing and business management will be best suited for positions developing communication strategies.

Employment change. Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 10 percent, about as fast as average for all occupations from 2006 to 2016, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Some of this increase is expected to stem from the expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets.

In recent years, some computer, printing, and publishing firms have outsourced basic layout and design work to design firms overseas. This trend is expected to continue and may have a negative impact on employment growth for low-level, technical graphic design workers. However, most high-level graphic design jobs will remain in the U.S. Strategic design, the work of developing communication strategies for clients and firms to help them to gain competitive advantages in the market, requires close proximity to the consumer in order to identify and target their needs and interests.