Artist Careers Information
For centuries, artists have been valued for their ability to create aesthetically pleasing images and communicate meaningful messages. Although there are many types of artist careers, they typically fall into four categories: art directors, craft artists, fine artists, and multimedia artists.
Artist Careers & Degrees
- American Intercontinental University: Online
International Academy of Design and Technology: Online
Art Institute of Pittsburgh: Online
- Associate of Science in Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion & Retail Management
- Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design
- Bachelor of Science in Photography
Art directors develop materials that appear in publications like magazines, newspapers, or digital media. Craft artists hand-make items that are sold in venues like small retailers, studios, or arts & crafts shows. Fine artists design objects that are showcased in museums, art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes.
Painters, illustrators, sculptors, cartoonists, and sketch artists can all fall into this category. Multimedia artists work in industries like advertising and film to create images like animation and special effects .
Artist Careers Path
Formal training provides artists with the necessary skills to be successful. Four year and two year schools offer Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and Certifications in fine arts and arts.
Artist Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, able to think outside-the-box, curious, patient, focused, independent, innovative, daring
Artist Interview
For a day in the life of an Artist, Read More from a Professional Artist…
Artist Careers Salary Expectations
It should be noted that 63% of artists are self-employed and many are not able to make a sufficient income from their artistic services alone. Earnings will vary depending on the type of work the artist completes. Following are the median annual incomes for the four main categories:
- Art Directors: $76,980, with the middle 50% earning between $54,490 and $108,090
- Craft Artists $29,080, with the middle 50% earning between $20,730 and $39,120
- Fine Artists: $42,650, with the middle 50% earning between $29,230 and $60,650
- Multimedia Artists: $56,330, with the middle 50% earning between $41,710 and $77,010
Artist Careers Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are expected to grow by 12% through 2018. Due to the increasingly large pool of talented individuals, competition will stiffen for both salaried and freelance positions. However, the growth will be slightly higher for multimedia artists.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Architect
- Graphic Designer
- Photographer
- Advertising Executive
- Interior Designer
- Illustrator
- Museum Curator
- Fashion Designer
- Woodworker
- Teacher
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm (visited November 3, 2011).
