Artist - myFootpath

The Basics of an Artist Career
For centuries, artists have been valued for their ability to create aesthetically pleasing images and communicate meaningful messages. Although there are many types of careers for artists, they typically fall into four categories: art directors, craft artists, fine artists, and multimedia artists.

Art directors develop materials that appear in publications like magazines, newspapers, or digital media. Craft artists hand-make items that are sold in venues like small retailers, studios, or arts & crafts shows. Fine artists design objects that are showcased in museums, art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes.

Painters, illustrators, sculptors, cartoonists, and sketch artists can all fall into this category. Multimedia artists work in industries like advertising and film to create images like animation and special effects.

How to get an Art Degree
Formal training provides artists with the necessary skills to be successful. Four year and two year schools offer Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and Certifications in fine arts and arts.

Featured School for Art Degrees:

• The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division – Request Information
• The Art Institutes – Request Information
  
• International Academy of Design & Technology – Request Information
  
• Stevens Henager Online – Request Information
• Westwood College – Request Information

Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, able to think outside-the-box, curious, patient, focused, independent, innovative, daring

Interview with a Professional Artist
For a day in the life of an Artist, Read More…

Salary Expectations for Artists
It should be noted that 63% of artists are self-employed and many are not able to make a sufficient income from their artistic services alone. Earnings will vary depending on the type of work the artist completes. Following are the median annual incomes for the four main categories:

• Art Directors: $64,000, with the middle 50% earning between $48,000 and $89,000
• Craft Artists $24,000 with the middle 50% earning between $18,000 and $33,000
• Fine Artists: $39,000, with the middle 50% earning between $26,000 and $52,000
• Multimedia Artists: $51,000, with the middle 50% earning between $38,000 and $71,000

Job Outlook for Artists
Employment opportunities are expected to grow 9 – 17 % through 2014. Due to the increasingly large pool of talented individuals, competition will stiffen for both salaried and freelance positions.

Slightly off the Footpath
Architect
Art Education
Graphic Designer
Photographer
Advertising Executive
Interior Designer
Illustrator
Museum Curator
Fashion Designer
Woodworker
Teacher