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What types of careers need artistic ability?
I am currently a sophomore in high school and I have no idea what I want to do in the future. Preferably, I would like to work in a field that is art related but I am intimidated by that idea because I've been told that this type of career is risky and the pay isn't very high. However, I heard that careers that combine science and art is much better than art alone. I keep on debating what types of careers and majors I would like to do, such as marketing, graphic design, possibly teaching, engineering, etc.
#art #artist #engineer #engineering #science #design #graphic-design
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Kristan’s Answer
Cindy, I think it is great that you are considering your future at this time and would encourage you to try different classes and workshops in a variety of disciplines. At this point I would suggest focusing on exploring the subjects and experiences where you find yourself really engaged and engrossed. These will be important bits of information as time goes on. I have a background in fine art and geography, eventually I found designing landscapes and other spaces for clients. Now I work with other creative business owners to build their businesses. Although at times my journey has not been obviously, it has helped that I continue to learn new skills and check in with myself. For you there is a good chance that you could find a position that does not even exist today. Enjoy the exploration!
Thank you so much! I haven’t thought much about narrowing down what I truly love to do. Your advice is very much appreciated! At the moment, my school does not provide much options and opportunities for me to explore in terms of classes and/or workshops. However, I am currently taking AP Studio Art and I’ve touched on photography, ceramics, graphic design, textiles, a bit of interior design, etc in the past. I will do my best to explore and widen my perspective and options. Again, thank you so much for the feedback!
Cindy
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
Well, great question. You can be a fine artist (painter, sculptor, installation artist), graphic designer, Illustrator, animator (working on commercials and movies), an industrial designer (working on products from cars to spaceships and everything in between), a furniture designer, an architect, a user experience, user interface or visual designer working on software products.
Be mindful that it’s not about making the most money, although if you work doing something you love and earn lots of money that the best situation you could find. Best of luck. I’m happy to provide resources if you stay in touch.
Be mindful that it’s not about making the most money, although if you work doing something you love and earn lots of money that the best situation you could find. Best of luck. I’m happy to provide resources if you stay in touch.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to answer my question! I will try my best to broaden my horizon and research more career types. A clarifying question: What types of meetups and events feature creators? If possible, could you list a few? Additionally, how and what should I study in order to get ahead?
Cindy
Meetup.org has an app that you can download. Search for groups in your geographic location and point of interest - join, attend with the intent on actively participating. Creative Mornings (https://creativemornings.com/) is a website promoting talks on a variety of design disciplines in major cities across the US and abroad. If you are interested in UI/UX (User Interface and User Experience Design) UXPA is a national organization with local chapters where you can learn about the field of human/computer interaction and meet people actively involved in it. All are free. I can give you more but start with these and see if you like them and if they help you get where you want to be. Good luck.
Alwyn Velásquez
Thank you so much for the helpful advice and resources! I greatly appreciate it!
Cindy
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Hi Cindy,
Working as a professional artist can be very rewarding but it can also be very volatile. Many artists work from project to project but there are also many opportunities for more stable employment as well. For example, if you work on a movie production you might just be employed for that one feature.
Working for an art production company might provide more employment stability but then you would need to be prepared to work on a wide variety of different projects with different styles. Many video game companies have in-house art talent though there is a of work that gets outsourced to other companies.
I've been fortunate to have worked for EA for 4 years and now at Zynga for more than 7. It all depends on what you want to do but there are all kinds of opportunities for stable employment in the arts.
Arts and technology can definitely be a good combination for gainful employment. Having a technical background can allow you to have more flexibility in your skill set and be more employable.
I hope that this information helps.
Working as a professional artist can be very rewarding but it can also be very volatile. Many artists work from project to project but there are also many opportunities for more stable employment as well. For example, if you work on a movie production you might just be employed for that one feature.
Working for an art production company might provide more employment stability but then you would need to be prepared to work on a wide variety of different projects with different styles. Many video game companies have in-house art talent though there is a of work that gets outsourced to other companies.
I've been fortunate to have worked for EA for 4 years and now at Zynga for more than 7. It all depends on what you want to do but there are all kinds of opportunities for stable employment in the arts.
Arts and technology can definitely be a good combination for gainful employment. Having a technical background can allow you to have more flexibility in your skill set and be more employable.
I hope that this information helps.
Thank you so much! I’ve actually considered a career related to art and technology in the past, but the only con is that I am not a fan of coding, which is usually the root of technology, especially in video games, etc. In that field, I would prefer designing characters, be on the more artistic side, instead of the more deeper, complicated side. However, I will do my best to keep my arms open to new experiences. Thank you so much for your valuable advice!
Cindy
Updated
Ron’s Answer
Dear Cindy,
Besides the technical and industry opportunities, you might also explore options in the service or health care industry. Art therapist, art teacher, fashion designer, furniture maker are but a few areas you might explore. Thinking about what type of mediums you find fulfilling or enjoyable are also important. Do you like to paint, draw, use the computer, etc? Is there a particular subject matter you focus on or is important to you? All of these questions might be answered the more you expose yourself to the information you discover through research. Visit galleries and museums to see what excites you. Talk to people involved in these organizations: curators, teachers, designers. As you get older you may find the opportunity to volunteer at a location that will give you a feel for theat type of work and the routine and environment you would be working in.
Good luck. I have used my passion for art and skill set in many different capacities: display manager in the retail environment, creating wall murals in homes and businesses, teaching painting and drawing in long-term care settings/nursing homes and as a free lance artist exhibiting my work in galleries and outdoor art fairs.
Good luck, if you have a creative soul, find ways to express it and you will have a happier and fulfilling life.
Besides the technical and industry opportunities, you might also explore options in the service or health care industry. Art therapist, art teacher, fashion designer, furniture maker are but a few areas you might explore. Thinking about what type of mediums you find fulfilling or enjoyable are also important. Do you like to paint, draw, use the computer, etc? Is there a particular subject matter you focus on or is important to you? All of these questions might be answered the more you expose yourself to the information you discover through research. Visit galleries and museums to see what excites you. Talk to people involved in these organizations: curators, teachers, designers. As you get older you may find the opportunity to volunteer at a location that will give you a feel for theat type of work and the routine and environment you would be working in.
Good luck. I have used my passion for art and skill set in many different capacities: display manager in the retail environment, creating wall murals in homes and businesses, teaching painting and drawing in long-term care settings/nursing homes and as a free lance artist exhibiting my work in galleries and outdoor art fairs.
Good luck, if you have a creative soul, find ways to express it and you will have a happier and fulfilling life.
Thank you so much for the advice! I personally enjoy doing a variety of things and keep myself open to different, known and unknown, career types. I recently visited various museums and from time to time, I consult with my art teacher about different types of art-related careers. As for me, since I don't have a specific career in mind, I would love to expand my creative soul by using my passion to do a variety of things, just like you. I think that it is wonderful that you can use your creativity and passion for a variety of things. I will do my best to research and explore more industries that integrate art! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to respond to my question!
Cindy