Careers in Art
One of the fast rising careers in art pertains to Multimedia, it is now listed in the top 50 jobs in the US.:
Multimedia artists can help us envision worlds that are beyond our imagination: galaxies far, far away; trips to the future and the past; even a glimpse of our world through someone else's eyes. As a multimedia artist, you may work in film, video game design, advertising, Web development, or animation. Multimedia artists use computers to create characters, landscapes, and special effects for much of the media we consume today. You may also be responsible for drawing storyboards of scenes and plotlines for producers to evaluate. Multimedia artists work with programmers to bring their creations to life. The title of multimedia artist can also apply to fine artists who utilize film and computers in their creative projects.
The outlook:
Multimedia art offers the best outlook among artist occupations, according to the Labor Department. Employment in the multimedia arts, whether in film, advertising, or Web development, is expected to rise by 11,200 jobs, or more than 14 percent, between 2008 and 2018, boosted in part by the growth in mobile technology and in the production of 3-D animated movies. But competition will be steep, reflecting an increasing interest in the field.
Money:
Multimedia artists pulled in median annual earnings of $58,250 in 2009. Starting pay was about $32,000 a year, and the top 10 percent of multimedia artists and animators make more than $99,000 annually. Salaries differ by industry: In the motion picture business, average annual earnings are around $72,000; in advertising, they're about $58,000. For freelancers, income varies based on reputation, experience, and the strength of the artist's portfolio. As in many artistic fields, it can be tough getting started—so it helps if you love the work.
Upward mobility:
Artists may begin with basic duties at a design or production firm and, as they learn from other artists, will gain increased responsibilities. Freelance artists can charge more for their work as they complete higher-profile projects and gain wider recognition.
Activity level:
Moderate. Multimedia artists spend many hours in front of a computer screen and thus may experience eyestrain, as well as wrist or back pain.
Stress level:
Average. Many multimedia artists work flexible hours, but those employed by a company may work extra hours during big projects.
Education and preparation:
A bachelor's degree is generally required to become a multimedia artist, because of the technical expertise required in this position. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JQuery, and other programming tools is essential, along with expertise in Photoshop. Your portfolio is even more important than your resume, since that's the best way to showcase your talents. It helps to have experience at a design or advertising firm or a film production company. Those who freelance must be adept networkers and self-promoters.
CAREERS BY MAJOR
This list of careers is `SMALL LIST/ A BEGINNING, and only from the Tyler School of Art.
ART EDUCATION
Elementary, Secondary, Post-Secondary Education; Community, Art, Cultural Centers;
Art Galleries, nursing/drug/daycare centers; weekend programs
Art Critic/Writer
Art Teacher
Artist-in-Residence/Artist-in-the-Schools
Arts Administrator
Free-lance Instructor
Postsecondary Instructor
Recreation Specialist
Teacher/Instructor - Overseas
Teacher of Art and Recreation
ART HISTORY
Museums, galleries, industry
Archivist
Art Gallery and Auction House Assistant
Art Historian, Art Law Specialist
Art Critic/Writer
Arts Organization Consultant/Administrator
Corporate, Museum, University Curator
Curatorial Consultant
Fine Arts Appraiser
Researcher
Restorer, Conservator
Publishing proofreader
Visual Resources Curator (Education & Industry)
Teacher/Administrator, Art Lecturer
CRAFTS: CERAMICS, FIBERS/WEAVING, GLASS,
METALS/JEWELRY/CAD-CAM
Museums, galleries, industry, schools
Administrator, Industry Consultant
Artist-in-Residence/Artist in Schools
Free-lance, Commissioned, self Employed Craftsperson
CAD designer, Jewelry Designer
Glass Designer, Stained Glass Designer
Ceramicist
Fabric Designer, Textile Designer
Historical Master Craftsperson, Consultant, Apprentice
Industrial Designer
Museum Craftsperson, Restorer, Conservator
Special F/X, Model Maker, Mold Maker
Tabletop Designer, Toy Designer
Wood & Metal Shop Supervisor/Technician
FINE ARTS: DRAWING, PAINTING, PRINTMAKING, SCULPTURE
Museums, galleries, industry, schools
Art Writer/Critic
Artist-in-Residence/Artist-in-Schools
Commercial Serigrapher/Silkscreener
Costume Designer, Court Artist
Digital Imaging
Foundry Owner/Operator
Gallery Owner/Administrator
Master Printer/Print Studio Owner
Model Maker, Muralist
Painter, Sculptor, Printmaker (free-lance, commission)
Portrait Painter/Sculptor, Set Designer
Scientific Illustration, Technical Illustration
Teacher/Administrator
GRAPHIC DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION, PHOTOGRAPHY
Advertising, Television/Film, Corporate, Mass-Media
Art Director
Book Illustrator, Technical/Production Illustrator
Exhibitions Designer
Free-lance Photographer
Video game Designer
Font Designer
Graphic Designer-Advertising, Corporate, Publishing,
TV/Film, Entertainment
Multi-media specialist
Package Designer, Product Designer
Special Effects Designer
Photo/Computer/Digital Lab Technician
Urban Graphics Designer-(display, signs, billboards)
Web Designer, Webmaster
MUSEUM STUDIES, ARTS ADMINISTRATION, CONSERVATION/RESTORATION
(Usually requires MFA, MA or PhD)
Social, cultural agencies; Education
Art Director
Art Lecturer/Visiting Scholar
Art Supervisor
Arts Administrator
Arts Management
Career Development Counselor
Cataloger
Conservator/Restorer
Development/Grant Writer
Director
Director of Visual Arts Program
Exhibitions Coordinator
Fine Arts Appraiser
Gallery Director
Museum Educator/Researcher
Photography Lab Technician
Registrar
ARCHITECTURE
Architect
Interior Architect
Architectural Photographer
Land Planner
Architectural Writer/Critic
Public Architect
Architecture Educator
Sustainable Design Specialist
Building Pathologist
Urban Designer
CAD Specialist
Urban Planner
Construction Manager
Corporate Architect
Exhibit Designer
Facility Managers Architects
Industrial Designer
APPLIED ARTS
(All Studio Disciplines)
Arts Administrator, Art Dealer
Art Consultant
Carpet Designer
Curator, Writer, Critic
Exhibit Designer
Fabric and Textile Designer
Furniture Designer
Gallery Director
Greeting Card Designer
Resilient Flooring Designer
Stylist
Tableware Designer, Toy Manufacture and Designer
Wallcovering Designer
