Print Art

Print Artist Career Overview

Artists who use multimedia and computer technologies to design print advertisements, brochures, and billboards for companies are known as print artists. Although they typically work as self-employed freelancers, these creative professionals can also work on staff for advertising agencies, newspapers, or magazines.

Unlike more traditional artists, print artists work primarily with multimedia technologies to create their designs. To be successful in this emerging field, you should have a great understanding of typography design, multimedia art programs, including Photoshop. Illustrator, and InDesign. You must also be able to integrate text, photos, and illustrations together to make cohesive, eye catching pieces for clients.

Print Artist Career Training & Education

Much of a print artist's work focuses on the creation of advertisements and brochures, and those hoping to work in the industry should have a great understanding of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding, web design, and motion graphics. These skills are most often taught during undergraduate courses at accredited art universities, where the majority of aspiring print artists choose to obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree before entering the field.

In addition, an increasing number of college graduates are going back to school for a master's of fine arts in graphic art or print design as a way to learn more about conceptual design and to master emerging multimedia technologies. Thus, these MFA graduates are increasing their desirability to potential employers by boosting their print art skills.

It is imperative that any aspiring print artist create a top notch portfolio, which they can use to showcase their work for potential employers and clients. The portfolio should focus primarily on print designs since those will be most pertinent to any clients looking to hire someone to design their company advertisements or brochures.

Print Artist Career & Salary Outlook

While the majority of print artists work from home as self-employed freelancers, others may choose to work in the art departments of large advertising agencies or for graphic design firms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of salaried multimedia artists was $51,350, as of May 2006, not including the earnings of self-employed freelance artists. Among those who were just starting out in the field, the same BLS report found that entry-level print designers and artists earned an average of $35,000 a year.

Job outlook for print artists is very favorable because companies have been increasing their use of marketing and advertising, both in print media and the web. According to the BLS, the employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow by 16 percent through the year 2016. Despite this positive outlook, competition for employment is expected to be fierce as an increasing number of qualified applicants begin entering the creative fields.

Characteristics of Successful Print Artists

Print artists should be self-directed workers who thrive under pressure. Because many have no set schedules or daily routine, it is imperative that anyone hoping to work as a professional print artist have extreme self-discipline. They should also be able to communicate effectively with oftentimes picky clients. The majority of the designs a print artist creates will be based primarily on a client's specifications, which is why he or she should be able to separate their own aesthetics from the wishes of a client when designing advertisements and brochures. Furthermore, print artists should handle criticism well, and be willing to update or change their designs if they do not fall in line with what the client had in mind. Because the work itself can oftentimes be time consuming and tedious, those hoping for jobs within the industry should be prepared to work long hours. Print artists who are planning to be self-employed should also have excellent business and money management skills.

Article Resources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Art Job Online
Academy of Art
AIGA
New York Foundation for the Arts
Education-Portal