Artists enjoy stimulating, creative careers that allow them to make a living doing something they love. The arts are segmented into various categories, and artists often find a niche that interests and inspires them. Working in visual arts can span multiple industries, including entertainment, fashion and marketing. In this article, we discuss what visual art is, where visual artists might work, visual art careers, how to get a job in visual arts and the skills needed for a career in visual arts.
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What is visual art?
Visual art is art that relies on a visual experience of it. Examples of visual art include:
Painting
Drawing
Sculpture
Photography
Architecture
Design
Crafts
Films
The category of visual arts also includes applied arts, such as:
Industrial design
Graphic design
Fashion design
Other forms of art can incorporate visual arts. For example, the costume designs of a play are works of visual arts included in a performing arts piece.
Where can visual artists find work?
Visual artists can find work in a number of creative and progressive environments, including:
Art galleries
Museums
Government agencies
Freelance jobs
Marketing agencies
Interior design firms
Fashion brands
Social media companies
Schools and universities
Photography studios
Architecture firms
Art studios
Theaters
Production companies
Auction houses
Libraries
Visual arts careers
Here are a range of careers in visual arts:
Graphic designer
Photographer
Photography assistant
Sculptor
Interior designer
Design assistant
Fashion designer
Set designer
Costume designer
Makeup artist
Architect
Art director
Painter
Animation artist
Illustrator
Museum or gallery curator
Art instructor
Art consultant
Brand manager
Marketing director
Creative director
Book designer
Videographer
Camera operator
Video editor
Filmmaker
Production assistant
Freelance artist
Greeting card designer
Industrial designer
Jewelry designer
Photojournalist
Tattoo artist
Exhibit designer
Art writer or critic
Film restoration specialist
Art preservation specialist
Art historian
Art appraiser
Antique dealer
Museum or gallery docent
Art therapist
Package designer
UX specialist
Landscape architect
Landscape designer
Urban designer
Art dealer
Court artist
Sketch artist
Fabric and textile designer
Furniture designer
Gallery owner
Gallery director
Printer
Muralist
Stylist
How to get a job in visual arts
Here the steps you can take to begin a career in visual arts:
1. Earn a degree
Consider earning a bachelor’s degree in art, such as a Bachelor of Fine Art, a to learn about color, art history, theories, composition and form. A formal degree program should also include training on industry technology and software, like computer-aided design programs. Typical bachelor programs include courses such as:
2D and 3D design
Advanced visual field reporting
Contemporary drawing
Digital media animation
Life drawing
Modern art history
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Screen printing
Sculpture
Ceramics
Visual storytelling
2. Build a portfolio
Compile your pieces into a comprehensive portfolio. You can host your profile online or create a physical packet to share with interviewers and program directors.
3. Create a bold cover letter and resume
As an artist, you can use your cover letter and resume to display your talent. Consider creating a resume that stands out, such as an interactive resume or video resume.
4. Check job boards
Look for jobs on digital job boards and job search sites. You can also check neighborhood message boards for single projects.
5. Consult with a career center
Your school or community center may have a career placement division that can help you find open positions, prepare for interviews, create your resume and network.
6. Seek commissioned work
Look online for companies or individuals seeking artists for commissioned works, such as public art, murals, sculptures and portraits. Often, government organizations seek artists to create pieces for parks, recreation centers and government-funded museums.
6. Advertise your services
Create profiles on job search sites, upload your resume and list the types of jobs you’re interested in. You can also reach out to friends, family members and your social media contacts to let them know you’re available for work.
7. Contact companies directly
Consider calling or emailing companies that interest you to discuss possible openings. Even if no positions are immediately available, you might be able to schedule an informational interview to learn more about the company and help managers remember you if a job opens up.
8. Increase exposure to your work
Ask to put your art in local businesses, like coffee shops, boutiques and libraries. Store owners may let you include your contact information for customers.
9. Freelance
Before you find a permanent position, consider freelancing in areas like graphic design, fashion styling and interior design. The contacts you make could lead to a regular position or help you launch your own business.
Skills for a career in visual arts
To have a successful career in visual arts, here some skills you should develop:
Software program skills: You should have an in-depth of the computer programs used in your industry.
Communication skills: Artists often communicate to colleagues, supervisors and the public about their work. You should be able to express your ideas and inspiration clearly and effectively.
Ability to collaborate: Artists work with other professionals, like art directors, and other artists in many phases of a project.
Marketing and business skills: Many artists work on a freelance or commission basis, so it’s important to market your skills and learn the basic of owning a business, like budgeting and invoicing.
Creativity: A career in visual arts requires you to be creative and innovative and sustain this progressive mentality throughout the course of your career.
Interpersonal skills: Working well with others is an important part of recruiting new freelance clients, doing well in interviews, working on group projects and managing challenging situations.
Mechanical skills: If your medium involves tools or equipment, you should understand how to operate these tools safely and effectively.
Artistic skills: You should hone your specific artistic skills, whether your focus is painting, illustrating or designing costumes. Be willing to learn and grow by attending workshops, following industry trends and completing continuing education courses.
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