According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, artists held about 149,000 jobs in 2002. While more than half were self-employed, the remaining artists found employment in such industries as advertising, journalism, publishing, computer software and gaming, motion pictures and videos, and graphic and Web design.
With a degree or certificate in art, you're not only opening the door to a lucrative career, but one that can be fun as well. If working in a cubicle isn't exactly what you had in mind, a career in art is just the ticket to satisfy your craving for entertainment.
Art as a Career
Not everyone is cut out to work in an office from 9-5, five days a week. For those who need more fun from their career, an education from an art school or college art program can lead to careers in fashion, animation & film, graphic design, and Web design. Let's take a look as some "fun" careers and what these professionals do.
Fashion Forward
Fashion and clothing designers work in a variety of media from textiles to illustration to create the "look" millions of people wear everyday. Within the fashion industry, designers can specialize in clothing for men, women, or children. They can also further specialize in outerwear, swimwear, casual, formal or business dress. It is an art career in which creativity is valued and imagination revered. While it is an incredibly competitive industry, the best designers will always find the challenge and excitement of creating new lines as rewarding as the lucrative salaries.
That's Entertainment
The entertainment industry makes billions of dollars annually and lately animation is bringing in its fair share. Animated films such as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles rely on talented animators to bring characters to life on screen. Animation combines graphic design, illustration, computers, and film into one discipline whose sole purpose is creating the visuals you see in the finished film.
Film at Eleven
Art is also an essential part of traditional filmmaking. Visual artists can find work on film sets as art directors, set directors, or costume designers. These are mixed media careers that require skills in illustration, graphic design, architecture, and even engineering in order to be successful. As an art director for a film, you're responsible for creating the sets, costumes, and the props used in the film. Some art directors are even responsible for choosing locations.
TV or Not TV
Television is a billion dollar a year industry that is constantly seeking fresh minds with an understanding of art. With a degree in multimedia, a designer can work with television stations or the networks in a variety of roles. This career combines knowledge of art with the use of technology to communicate ideas and stories. You can work with videotape, film, computer graphics, titles, or special effects. The environment is one of choreographed chaos and can be as fun or as challenging as you wish it to be.
Success by Design
Graphic designers and Web designers can work for an organization or on a freelance basis. Graphic designers tend to work primarily with printed materials, but can also find themselves producing art for Websites, television, or film. Web designers focus their skills primarily toward Web-based graphics and site design. Both careers can overlap one another depending on the clients needs.
Art of the Deal
A career as an artist isn't all fun and games. You are still responsible for providing a service or product. The fun comes when you love what you do and can find the entertainment value of your chosen profession. Artists are usually passionate people, and when that passion is constantly being fed, fun comes naturally. If you're looking for a career that is both fun and fulfilling, a degree in art or training as an artist is something you should explore.
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