Art Careers : Careers in Art Field

Craft artists:

Craft artists make or replicate handmade items for sale and exhibition. They prepare different objects most of which are made by hand made objects. These objects are sold at retail shops, their own studios or at arts-and-crafts shows or exhibition. Craft artists also present their works in art galleries and museums. Usually craft artists make objects with various materials including textiles, metal, ceramics, wood, glass and paper. Techniques such as sketching, printing and painting are used to give finishing touch to their art.

Fine artists:

In fine artists category there are sculptors, painters and illustrators. They are responsible for doing creative artwork, using a various medium and methods.

Their work in fine arts is exhibited in museums, business art galleries, corporate houses or private house. Sometimes artwork may be ordered however most of the times artist sell the items on their own or make seal with art galleries or dealers to sell their works

There are many forms of fine arts including illustrators, sketching, painters, cartoonists, sculpting and print making. Generally illustrators draw sketches for books, publication, journals, and commercial products such as wrapping paper, textiles, stationery, calendars and greeting cards. Now days, most illustrators are using computer for their work. This field creates many opportunities for illustrators to work with animators as well as broadcast media.

There are also medical and scientific illustrators. Medical illustrators draw images of human anatomy and surgical procedures while scientific illustrators make drawings of plant life, animal life, planetary formations, geologic formation and molecular structures using the knowledge of biology and related sciences. Illustrators also work with lawyers to produce exhibits for legal cases.

Cartoonists prepare various types of cartoons including political, advertising, social, and sports. Some cartoonists develop idea or story and write down captions for others Sketch artists work with pencil, pastels and charcoal. Such sketches are used in identifying suspects.

Sculptors prepares 3 dimensional model or art work using materials like glass, wire, plastic, clay, fabric, plaster, stone or wood. Printmakers make metaphors from designs cut or etched into stone, wood and metal. While painting restorers are responsible for conserving and reinstating dented and discolored paintings using solvents and cleaning materials.

Animators or Multimedia Artists:

They generate special effects, animation, or other visual images on film and video. To do this they take help of computers as well as other electronic media. Animators and multimedia artists work film and video industries, advertising, and design services. They draw pictures by hand and using computers they make the series of pictures to form animated images or special effects in films, television and video.

In art career, artists mostly work in office buildings, lofts and warehouses. While some people work in their private studios.

Eligibility and Qualification for Art Careers:

There are many bachelors and masters degree program in fine arts. Various colleges and universities offer these programs in fine arts. These courses usually include English, natural science and social science as main subjects along with studio art and art history. Courses like associate degree in fine arts and post secondary studio training fine art, craft art and multimedia art is also offered by private schools. Many art courses also give computer training for art techniques. Training in graphics and visual display is essential for many job positions.

Job Prospects in Art Careers : Opportunities in Art Field

There is stiff competition in the art field as there are more qualified people than available jobs. So employers in this have to choose candidate among the most qualified candidates. Even though competition is keen, candidates with exceptional talent, creativity and style get the jobs in the studios, galleries, and individual clients. So talented craft and fine artists have better job prospects in the industry.

Among all artists, animators and multimedia artists have better job prospects. While art directors have to face keen competition to get a good job. Also computer graphics software and web site development process make it easier to create own illustrations. It increases job opportunities in this sector.

Remuneration in Art Careers:

Remuneration in art careers vary according to type of art. It also depends on the experience that you have in the particular field. Self employed artists' earnings also vary.

Average annual salary for art directors is $69,700. It ranges between $51,900 and $95,600. While average salary for people working in advertising and related services is $72,630. At the same time craft artists get $25,800 per annum. Annual salary for craft artist ranges from $19,800 to 36,700. Average annual salary for fine artist is $43,000 per annum. Multi-media artists and animators draw $52,650 per annum.