Careers in Art

Prospective students often underestimate the versatility of an art degree. Art schools typically offer degrees in everything from art instruction to filmmaking. Graduates of art programs typically wish to enter careers in visual arts, performing arts, education, or writing. Specific examples of art-related careers include interior decorating, photojournalism, and art therapy. Although many careers in the arts require a bachelor's-level education or higher, students may also choose from many lucrative careers that require only an associate's in art or a professional certification in an art-related field. An overview of art as a career field follows.

About the Field

Art is a vast field that encompasses many careers. For example, careers in the visual arts may include photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, graphic design, and many more. Visual artists typically complete an educational program that prepares them for their specific professional interest, such as a degree in filmmaking. Those who wish to enter the performing arts may also attend art schools. Performing artists include actors, dancers, musicians, vocalists, etc. Some students interested in art decide to pursue a career in art instruction. Students who major in art education usually go on to be art teachers or art appreciation instructors at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary levels. Lastly, design-related careers are a major subspecialty of the art field as a whole. Graphic design and interior design are two examples of careers that require arts-related degrees.

Career Possibilities

Because the career possibilities in the arts are innumerable, it's difficult to specify a single career track for graduates in art-related fields. Generally, graduates of art schools tend to choose one of four career paths: studio work, visual communication/graphic design, performance art, or art instruction. Examples of careers in studio work include sculpting, painting, and photography. Those who enter the field of visual communication may obtain positions as web designers, computer animation specialists, video game designers, etc. Performance art careers use the stage as a medium rather than the studio. Recording musicians and dancers both qualify as performing arts careers. Lastly, a career in art education may involve teaching art in a junior high, high school, or college.

Education and Credentialing

The requisite education and credentials for an art career will depend entirely on your chosen professional. Most careers in the arts require at least a bachelor's degree. Usually, art schools come in two different forms. The first type is a school of art affiliated with a four-year college or university. This type of program can offer bachelor's, master's, and possible doctoral degrees in the arts. The second type is a specialized art school that typically offers two-year degrees and certifications in fields like graphic design and visual communication. With regard to credentials, most art careers do not require specific certifications or licensures. Two exceptions are art instruction, which requires traditional teaching certification and licensure, and art therapy, which also requires professional certification.

Additional Info

One of the strongest appeals of an art education is the staggering number of career choices it can offer. However, if you can't find a career or degree in the arts that interests you, you have many other options. Consult the rest of our career field articles to learn about additional educational and professional possibilities.

You may also be interested in...