Top 10 Most Popular Art Careers

1. Animator

Animators are the people who create special effects for video applications like movies, games, and TV shows. With the seemingly endless capabilities and near omnipresence of 3D computer animation, this is a field that is poised for huge growth. However, salaries for animators vary widely depending on where they work.

2. Art Educator

Art educators spread their love of art to the next generation in the classroom. They can teach in primary or secondary education, as well as throughout the ranks of collegiate and post-graduate academia. Most people who want to be art educators will seek an advanced degree in fine arts. Although good employment is regionally limited, the field of art education is expected to grow faster than average through 2016. Compensation in art education varies depending on education and experience.

3. Art Therapist

Art therapists use the creative process to help clients heal their emotional wounds. They can work in a wide variety of settings, from a school counseling office to a private practice. Those entering the field usually make around $32,000 a year, and those with experience can make as much as $120 an hour. For those who like to help people out and work with others, art therapy might be the right career.

4. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers turn ideas and concepts into images for companies, non-profit and government organizations, and individuals. Most have a bachelor’s degree. Graphic designers earned a median of $39,000 annually in 2006, with the highest earners making more than $69,730 a year. For those who enjoy turning creative concepts into real images, graphic design may be a fulfilling career

5. Illustrator

Illustrators create images for print and electronic media. They work in a wide variety of fields, from advertising to medical services. Although formal schooling isn’t necessary, it is recommended to maximize your earning potential. More than 62 percent of illustrators are self-employed, so it is difficult to determine an average salary. Those that work in niche industries such as medical or scientific illustration usually make more as illustrators.

6. Interior Designer

Interior designers work with clients to improve the look and feel of their living spaces. More people than ever before are using the services of interior designers, and the field is expected to grow faster than average through 2016. In 2006, interior designers made a median salary of $42,260. Those who enjoy making spaces more livable and beautiful may enjoy a career as an interior designer.

7. Museum Curator

Museum curators maintain the smooth functioning of their museum and work to preserve records and artifacts properly. They direct the operations of the museum, including acquisition, storage conditions, and choice of exhibitions. Earning $46,300 annually, museum curators can generally make a comfortable living in a field that is expected to grow faster than average. It may be the perfect career for someone who is detail-oriented and has a great love of art.

8. Photographer

Photographers work in a variety of settings to document events, take artistic pictures, and tell stories through photography. Formal training is essential for success for anyone looking to make a living as a photographer. Although photographers reported median annual wages were $26,170, many photographers are self-employed and their wages are not included. People who love combining artistic sensibility with technical skill might be interested in a career as a photographer.

9. Writer

Writers produce written material for a huge variety of clients and businesses, from technical manuals to novels. Most writers will have a degree and a portfolio if they are seeking freelance or salaried work. In 2006, writers earned a median of $48,640 in 2006, with the top earners making more than $97,700. Although writers will usually be most fulfilled when working on a project that appeals to them, technical writing can be challenging and lucrative.

10. Fine Artist

Fine artists create works that express emotional, cultural, or political ideas and concepts for patrons or the general public. Formal schooling is not required, only talent and an ability to execute artistic techniques. There were only 30,000 fine artists in the United States in 2006, earning a median of $41,970 annually. The field is also expected to grow faster than other fields through 2016. Although work as a fine artist can be fulfilling and meaningful, it can be difficult to compete in the cutthroat art world.

Article Resources:

Top Art Jobs
Freelancer Jobs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics