Jobs in Art
I'm impressed by the quality of work that scientific illustrators create, I'm not sure that I'd have the patience to do that sort of detail day-in and day-out. Issues like personality and aptitude - your levels of patience, eye for detail, preference for solitude or teamwork - are worth thinking about when you're looking at jobs that use your creative talents. School 'work experience' programs (or even arranging to spend a day in a studio yourself, if you've left school) are great ways to get a taste of the daily life of an artist. For some ideas on ways to make a living out of your art, read this article on choosing an art career. If you want to be a freelance artist, here's the steps to take to become one. (Most of the steps are relevant for all the other jobs, too - you just replace 'find a gallery' with 'find an employer').
Links on Art Careers:
Job Profile: Scientific Illustration
Job Profile: Forensic Artist
Before You Choose an Art Career article and blog entry
Interview with cartoonist Steve Barr
Interview with Colored Pencil Artist Bet Borgeson
Kick Start Your Art Career 10-Point Plan
Comments
I am glad to see industrial design included in your art careers. To many people think art and industry do not mix, while nothing could be further from the true.
Artist are ideal to think in three dimensions, to visualize a pleasing design for a product.
In the renaissance, artist were also the engineers of the time. These two fields are naturals together, you just have to get over the fear.
I often think of the advertisement industry in awe. What if dad sent me to art school instead of my brother.
Now its just for the joy and relaxation. thanks
Starr, I often wonder what I might have done if I’d had any idea of the possibilities that existed – architecture, I suspect… maybe furniture design. I love beautifully designed products, too. At least I got into art, not the ’secretarial work’ that the careers councillor suggested!
Rick, I’m sorry you didn’t get to go to art school. At least now you have the enjoyment of your art. I think we often think we have to work at something for it to be meaningful, but that isn’t true. Amateurs often do things that are more exciting and original than professionals, because they don’t have to worry about selling it.
Thank you so much for the uplifting article … keeping the dream alive.
Although I studied and was registered in radiological technology, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine some of my happiest days were when the doctors would ask me to do medical illustrations for their lectures at the University of Colorado medical school. I was lucky in that the radiologists and my supervisors would allow me to do the drawings often in the radiology department for the students to study and, many times, critique. It was a wonderful mix of art and science! Helen in North Carolina
Well I use to hate art but now I do like drawing but I would never want a job doing art, and if so it would always have to be free handed!! Hit me up at
http://www.myspace.com/alwayspimpette