|
see State Job Trends
for regional occupational outlook information
Training and Qualifications: Art directors, Fine Artists, Craft Artists and Multi-media Artists
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or
other postsecondary training in art or design. Although formal schooling is not
strictly required for craft and fine artists, it is very difficult to become
skilled enough to make a living without some training. Art directors usually
have years of work experience and generally need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Due to the level of technical expertise demanded, multimedia artists and
animators generally also need a bachelor’s degree.
Education and training. Many colleges and universities offer
programs leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts. Courses
usually include core subjects such as English, social science, and natural
science, in addition to art history and studio art. Independent schools of art
and design also offer postsecondary studio training in the craft, fine, and
multi-media arts leading to certificates in the specialties or to an associate
or bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Typically, these programs focus more
intensively on studio work than do the academic programs in a university
setting. In 2007 the National Association of Schools of Art and Design
accredited 282 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most
of these schools award a degree in art.
Many educational programs in art also provide training in computer
techniques. Computers are used widely in the visual arts, and knowledge and
training in computer graphics and other visual display software are critical
elements of many jobs in these fields.
Medical illustrators must have both a demonstrated artistic ability and a
detailed knowledge of living organisms, surgical and medical procedures, and
human and animal anatomy. A bachelor’s degree combining art and premedical
courses usually is required. However, most medical illustrators also choose to
pursue a master’s degree in medical illustration. This degree is offered in four
accredited schools in the United States.
Art directors usually begin as entry-level artists in advertising,
publishing, design, and motion picture production firms. Artists are promoted to
art director after demonstrating artistic and leadership abilities. Some art
schools offer coursework in art direction as part of their curricula. Depending
on the scope of their responsibilities, some art directors also may pursue a
degree in art administration, which teaches non-artistic skills such as project
management and finance.
Those who want to teach fine arts at public elementary or secondary schools
usually must have a teaching certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree. An
advanced degree in fine arts or arts administration is usually necessary for
management or administrative positions in government or in foundations or for
teaching in colleges and universities.
Other qualifications. Evidence of appropriate talent and skill,
displayed in an artist’s portfolio, is an important factor used by art
directors, clients, and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or
contract for their work. A portfolio is a collection of handmade,
computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the artist’s best work.
Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed through
postsecondary training in art or visual communications. Internships also provide
excellent opportunities for artists to develop and enhance their portfolios.
Advancement. Artists hired by firms often start with relatively
routine work. While doing this work, however, they may observe other artists and
practice their own skills.
Craft and fine artists advance professionally as their work circulates and as
they establish a reputation for a particular style. Many of the most successful
artists continually develop new ideas, and their work often evolves over time.
Many artists freelance part-time while continuing to hold a full-time job
until they are established. Others freelance part time while still in school, to
develop experience and to build a portfolio of published work.
Freelance artists try to develop a set of clients who regularly contract for
work. Some freelance artists are widely recognized for their skill in
specialties such as cartooning or children’s book illustration. These artists
may earn high incomes and can choose the type of work they do.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
Find related resources below:
Artist Job
Outlook
Artist Income
|