Obtainable Jobs for those with an Art Degree
Career News April 22, 2015Job opportunities for art majors are not restricted to fine artist positions. With an art degree, graduates can also seek entry-level careers in schools, galleries, advertising agencies, and museums.
Careers for Art Majors
Art majors can seek career positions such as art director, graphic artist, photographer, commercial artist, teacher, illustrator, cartoonist, and sign painter. They may work in diverse environments, including museums, greeting card companies, newspapers, schools, art galleries, marketing and design firms, and advertising agencies.
Job Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rate of 3% have been predicted for art directors and craft and fine artists (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). During the same time period, professionals working in multimedia art could see a 6% growth in jobs. Graphic designers have been predicted to witness a 7% increase in job opportunities.
Wage Outlook
Various factors determine the wage levels of art professionals; these include duties and job titles. In 2012, art directors brought in an average annual wage of $80,880, while graphic designers and fine artists (including illustrators) earned respective average annual wages of $44,150 and $44,380 (BLS).
Preparation
Art majors can seek various jobs depending on the level and type of training they undergo. A certificate may suffice for some positions, while an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree may be mandatory for others.
For instance, an advanced degree would be needed by art majors who want to become postsecondary-level teachers. Certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in fine arts and multimedia are obtainable by graduates of independent art schools.
Courses in color theory, illustration, drawing, art history, and studio art are taken by students. The type of training received determines the nature of coursework. Training in computer techniques and applications is available to students seeking education in computer graphics.
Several majors in art also include a portfolio creation course. Apart from art classes, a teaching certificate is also required by individuals interested in teaching high school, middle school, and elementary school students.
