Art

Major/Career Profile

General Description

Artists express their thoughts, ideas, and impressions in a variety of visual forms, such as painting, sculpting, photography, design, illustrations, crafts, etc. The field of art can be broken into six major areas: teaching, art history, design, fine arts, crafts and arts support. Some artists are self-employed and complete their artwork on a contract basis. Some operate studios from which their artwork is sold. Others are employed by organizations such as art museums, galleries, and centers as full-time commercial artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, instructors and staff members. A high degree of creativity and skill are the most important qualifications beyond any formalized training or education. Production artwork requires the ability to work under pressure of deadlines. Additionally, the ability to work both as a team member and independently is required. Success and notoriety in the art field may take years of work before rewards are achieved. A teaching credential is required for secondary teaching positions, which takes approximately one year beyond the bachelor's degree.

Career Options

Artists have a wide variety of career possibilities depending on one's experiences and abilities. Art Director; Museum/Gallery Director, Manager, Technician; Art Appraiser; Art Critic; Fashion Artists; Commercial/Fine Art Photographer; Art Therapist; Recreation Leader; Commercial Artist; Retail Display Artist; Teacher, Art Historian; Art Librarian; Landscape/Real Estate Artist; Greeting Card Artist, Color Expert, Cartoonist; Caricaturist; and Animator. Designer in the following areas: graphic, interior, industrial, floral, mural, book or CD/record covers, store/window display, props, stage set, exhibit; or Illustrator in technical, medical or architectural areas. Other possibilities are: Retail Store Buyer, Import/Export Specialist, Map Maker, Textile Designer, Theatre Scenery Painter, Picture Framer, Police Artist, CAD Designer, Audio-Visual Specialist, and Billboard Artist. Some of these careers require additional education or experience. Various entry-level trainee positions in business and industry are available for graduates regardless of academic discipline.

Typical Employers

Colleges and universities, public and private schools, government agencies, art galleries, museums, advertising agencies, public relations firm, publishing and recording companies, recreation departments, amusement parks and film industry.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Pay varies and depends on the number of hours required to create a work. Many artists are hired on a commission basis to complete a particular project. Income is not usually important to those who want to consider art. Many work part-time or full-time at other jobs. National pay varies widely for the self-employed. Entry pay may range from $1,000 to over $2000 per month. Pay for experienced workers may range from $1550 to over $2955 per month. Artists earn national average pay of $1935 per month. Top pay can range from $2000 to over $3880 per month. Both salary and outlook varies within the different art occupations. Consult the Career Development Center for additional salary information and the future employment outlook.

For further information, contact