One of the most important tools as a working artist is your portfolio containing samples of your artwork. Early in your career, be open and creative in developing contacts and freelance opportunities that serve your portfolio as well as your income.
Fine Art
Fine arts include painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, weaving, ceramics and drawing. Because fine artists spend much of their time working alone in their studio, it’s important stay connected with other artists by sharing studio space or joining an arts group. Opportunities to exhibit your artwork are in every neighborhood. Make contacts with restaurant owners, community art centers, libraries, banks and other public spaces to show your work.
Graphic Design
The graphic arts or graphic design uses type and images to communicate in commercially sold art. Today’s work environment uses photographs and illustrations to provide work for design firms, museums, adverting agencies, company’s promotional departments and publishing companies. Graphic designers must often use computer programs and desktop publishing software in their duties.
Animators
Animators and multi-media artists work primarily in computer, advertising, data processing and the motion picture and television industries. Animated images seen in movies, television programs, and computer games and animated features.
Arts Management
Arts organizations have positions in administration, business and management that require enthusiasm for the arts as well as skills in finance, marketing and education. It is advised that get work-related experience in museums, galleries and other community art organizations before specialization or graduate studies in this growing field of employment.
Art and Health
Current therapies combining dance, drama, music, literature and the visual arts with mental health practices. Therapies are used in hospitals, mental health centers, educational and human services settings.
Art and Education
Arts education includes traditional art instruction and art as an educational tool. Human service work gives art educators a chance to use art as a vehicle for expression, especially with high risk groups who will benefit from creative experience.
Art and Computers
The rapid technological advances in computer graphics, animation, CAD (computer aided design), simulation, image process, systems design and scientific visualization bridge technology with art.
Art and the Environment:
Environmental graphics may include product design, signs, and banners for commercial, industrial or educational purposes like trade shows, hospitals, schools, museums, or other institutions. Architectural firms may hire graphic designers to collaborate and develop sign systems.
Suggestions for your Career in Art
Fine Arts
Participate in juried shows
Learn to network and make contact
Commercial Art
Gain computer and technical skills
Find a graphic design internship
Work on campus publications in design or layout
Get summer or part-time experience at book, magazine or news publishers
Education
Certification for public school teaching
Volunteer in after-school programs or as a tutor, camp counselor
Media
Participate in freelance jobs or obtain an internship
Gain knowledge of variety of technical equipment and develop computer skills.
Work on student publications
Serve as audio-visual aide for campus films and lectures
Photography
Assist a freelance photographer
Act as photographer for campus events
Be a staff photographer for yearbook, campus newspaper or website