Do you have an art degree but are unsure of what career path to take? Fear not! The creative industry is vast and has a place for everyone. In this blog, we have compiled a list of the top 10 creative careers that you can pursue with your art degree. From being a fine artist to an art conservator/restorer, we have covered it all. We believe that as an artist, there is no limit to what you can achieve, and the world is your canvas. So go on and explore these exciting career options!
What Jobs Can You Get With an Art Degree?
1. Fine Artist
Professionals pursuing an art degree can explore diverse career paths such as becoming a fine artist. These experts create artwork using different tools like paint or digital media and can choose to work in galleries, museums or go freelance. Success depends on not just having a strong artistic vision but also marketing the work effectively. To get ahead in this creative path requires building on skills continuously and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
2. Illustrator
Professionals in illustration make visual depictions of ideas, concepts, and stories for publishing, advertising, film, and more. An art degree is a beneficial starting point to pursue a career path in this area. Illustrators utilize various mediums like pen and ink, watercolors, digital tools to create their excellent pieces of artwork. To succeed as an illustrator extensive networking along with building an impressive portfolio is essential in this highly competitive industry. A wide range of employment opportunities is available for illustrators from working independently or for small businesses with varying salaries based on industry knowledge.
3. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is one of the top art careers that offer excellent pay and growth opportunities. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design can provide entry-level opportunities in advertising, publishing, public relations or web design industries. Graphic designers use their creative skills to produce visual content for various media like advertisements or social media that require functionality and usability. Along with traditional mediums such as print ads or brochures, they also work on digital marketing platforms like websites or video games that demand user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) expertise.
4. Animator
As a passionate animator, you’ll have the chance to bring your artistic talent to life by designing visual effects for various media platforms. From video games to advertisements to television shows – the possibilities are endless. A bachelor’s degree in art or animation is typically required for entry-level positions. Collaborating with graphic designers and illustrators is a part of daily work-life. With median salaries ranging from $65k-$70k per year (BLS), pursuing an art or animation degree can open up doors for high-paying jobs in UX, video editing or even making youtube videos.
5. Art Director
Art directors are vital to the success of any project in advertising, film, or television. They are responsible for creating a cohesive vision for the project by collaborating with designers, writers, and producers. Knowledge of design principles such as color theory and typography is crucial for art directors to succeed in their careers. If you’re interested in becoming an art director, consider pursuing an art degree such as graphic design or illustration. Other related career paths include fashion design and animation. In addition to having artistic talent and creativity, technical skills like user experience (UX) and functionality are also important. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve a high-paying job as an art director or related profession in the creative industry.
6. Art Teacher
Art teachers are essential individuals who teach students about the principles of art and assist them in developing their creativity and skills. To pursue this specific career path, a bachelor’s degree in art education or a related field is required, along with teaching certification. They can work in various settings such as elementary, middle, and high schools, community centers, or art galleries. Additionally, they are significant contributors to promoting arts in their communities and encouraging others to pursue creative careers.
7. Art Therapist
It involves using artistic talent to help people work through emotional or mental health issues. Art therapists must possess excellent communication skills so that they can establish a connection with their clients. They typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in art therapy, psychology, or counseling. Additionally, they can work in various settings like hospitals, schools, and mental health facilities. It is a job that requires technical skills and creativity to deal with different types of patients dealing with unique problems- hence making it an attractive career option for Art Graduates.
8. Museum Curator
Museum curators play a vital role in researching, acquiring, and managing collections of art and artifacts. Collaborating with artists, historians, and experts from different fields is essential in creating engaging exhibits that attract visitors with fashion design interests or those who admire industrial design or animation-making. Fundraising and budget management are other responsibilities that come along with this creative career path. To become a curator specializing in interior design or public spaces, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in museum studies or art history.
9. Art Critic/Writer
As an art critic or writer, your role involves analyzing and interpreting artwork in various mediums such as fine arts, fashion design, animation making, graphic design, video games, UX design, multimedia arts and crafts, illustration etc. You’ll be responsible for attending exhibitions showcasing sculptures and public spaces held by rare artists or renowned professionals like makeup artists who have worked on advertisements or television shows; writing reviews of their works; reporting on industry news related to the latest trends in publishing or public relations; documenting the functionality of accessories designed by industrial designers or the usability of interfaces designed by UI/UX designers; evaluating the technical skills of video editors; and assessing the creative direction taken by directors of photography in TV commercials and feature films. This career requires a solid understanding of art history and theory combined with excellent communication skills to effectively communicate your observations about artistic talent on social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
10. Art Conservator/Restorer
Preserving our cultural heritage for the coming generations is the crucial role played by art conservators and restorers. Various techniques and materials are used by them to repair and conserve art, making sure that it can last longer. For this profession, a degree in art conservation or restoration is required. One can find job opportunities in museums, galleries, or private collections. This career path offers excellent scope for artistic talent with strong technical skills. Art conservator/restorer jobs have a median annual wage of $48,400 (BLS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many creative careers for those with an art degree. From fine artist to art therapist, the possibilities are endless. Pursue your passion and find a career that aligns with your interests and talents. Remember, creativity is not limited to one path or profession. Explore different avenues and discover what works best for you. Whether you choose to become an art director or a museum curator, your art degree can open doors to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Want to explore more creative careers? Check out our blog on the top 10 creative careers for inspiration.
