Finding a job in the fields of art and design can be difficult. Competition is tough and positions often seem scarce and unattainable. However, there are ways to move ahead of the pack.
The following is a list of 85 job boards and resources for aspiring artists. Instead of perusing the same two Internet sites day in and day out, take a look at some of the less well-known options below. Not only will this expose you to a whole new set of jobs, but it will also give you a leg up against the hoards of artists that are also sending in applications. The list has been split up into different categories based on the type of job board.
New Media/Graphic Design
- Advertising Age
Advertising Age targets anybody in the fields of advertising, PR, writing, editing, digital media, television, film, and business development. The job board also features articles related to current employment issues, such as unemployment statistics and advice on job searches. This database includes all 50 states.
Strengths: All 50 states are included in this job board. Further, the site is well organized and easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: Some states seem to be not as well advertised and are lacking job postings.
- Ad Week
This site caters to advertising, journalism, and multimedia jobs. It features all 50 states, as well as Canada, England, and a few other countries. Beyond this, it also has sections for news, community outreach, videos, data statistics, special reports, and a job board.
Strengths: Ad Week is a very comprehensive and well put-together site.
Weaknesses: Some states are lacking job postings.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts - Boston
The American Institute of Graphic Design focuses on advertising, architecture, fashion, graphic design, industrial design, and web design. As the name suggests, it advertises for Boston and several other cities in Massachusetts.
Strengths: The site is incredibly easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: In order to use the site, you must register an account with the American Institute of Graphic Design. Before taking this step, your access to certain job postings is limited. On the plus side, membership is free.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts - Chicago
The American Institute of Graphic Arts for Chicago does not have a straight forward job board. Instead, you must check the community section frequently for posts advertising for jobs. The site also lists art events going on in the Chicago area which is an excellent source for networking.
Strengths: There is a very active community section on this site that can easily help you get in touch with local artists in Chicago.
Weaknesses: AIGA – Chicago does not have an official job board. Therefore, finding postings may be tricky.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts – Cincinnati
AIGA – Cincinnati features a tab in the bottom left hand corner of their homepage that will take you directly to a job board for artists. The site also has a volunteer section, a forum, and a publications tab. As with all AIGA sites, membership is necessary.
Strengths: AIGA – Cincinnati has an excellent job board for residents. Further, the volunteer section may be very helpful for artists still in school or artists simply looking to gain some experience to put on their resume.
Weaknesses: You must register with AIGA before actively using the site.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts - Cleveland
The American Institute of Graphic Arts has a section for resources, events, discussions, and jobs. The job board is easy to use, covering advertising, architecture, exhibit design, fashion, graphic design, industrial design, interaction design, and web design. You can also specify by job level from executive, freelance, intern, junior staff, mid-level staff, and senior staff.
Strengths: AIGA – Cleveland is easy to navigate. The job board is extensive and resourceful.
Weaknesses: You must sign up with AIGA before using the job board.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts - Minnesota
The American Institute of Graphic Arts – Minnesota focuses heavily on community events sponsored by AIGA. They also have a link to a reliable job board and an area where they show their latest members' portfolios.
Strengths: AIGA is nicely organized and easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: The community section is not as extensive as other AIGA sites and you must be a member to use the majority of the site.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts – National
The site focuses on 3D modeling, CAD, design education and management, product development, research and strategy, sales, marketing, advertising, architecture, graphic design, fashion, writing, and web design. It has a large job board and community section and frequently updates its site with news, events, and competitions.
Strengths: The site is very comprehensive. It provides a lot of fantastic resources for artists.
Weakness: You must join to use the site.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts – New York
This site caters mostly to graphic designers in the New York area. It offers events and workshops. Although it does not have a formal job board, its events page often lists potential job offers or events that would provide excellent networking opportunities.
Strengths: AIGA – New York offers excellent workshops for artists.
Weaknesses: There is no official job board on this site. In order to find it, you must click on the membership section where there will be a link to an outside job board.
- American Institute of Graphic Design - Portland
This is an excellent resource. It lists community events, has a section for discussion, features an easy to use job board, and provides its own series of publications. If you are a resident of Portland, this is one web site you definitely want to check out.
Strengths: The AIGA – Portland seems to feature a very active community. It is a good resource for those looking to connect with other artists, as well as find and post jobs.
Weaknesses: You must be a member to use this site.
- American Institute of Graphic Arts – Seattle
The American Institute of Graphic Arts allows members-only access to exclusive job opportunities. However, if you click on the "Find a Job" tab it will bring you to the main AIGI site. If, on the other hand, you click on the "Resources" tab, you will be taken to a job section on the site. AIGA – Seattle also offers a plethora of information on design schools and workshops in Seattle.
Strengths: Offers an active mailing list and design related events.
Weaknesses: The site is still pretty Spartan. While good information is available, it is not nearly as built out as the other AIGA sites.
- Aquent
Aquent works with graphic designers, interactive designers, information technologists, marketers, broadcasters, online marketers, and other media professionals. Although it does not have an active job board, the video and audio demo offer information on how one can apply for jobs.
Strengths: Aquent has excellent video features.
Weaknesses: The site does not feature any job openings directly on its site and many of the tabs leads to errors. Further, you must create an account before you can even view the job center.
- Artists/Designers – Telecommuting Jobs
This site focuses specifically on telecommunicating jobs. This covers data entry and transcription, customer service, art, graphic design, photography, programming, engineering, information technology, web design, writers, and many other skills. The job board has a U.S. tab and a sub-tab for non-U.S. citizen, although this section is limited by comparison.
Strengths: On top of offering jobs in the U.S., U.S. citizens can also apply to telecommunicating jobs internationally.
Weaknesses: The site charges $15 per year to be enlisted as either a jobseeker or employer.
- Art Director's Club of Metropolitan Washington
The Art Director's Club of Metropolitan Washington provides a "job hotline" where design firms and organizations in the greater Washington area can place job ads. The site offers a free internship listing service to members.
Strengths: There is a heavy focus on internships. This is a great resource for anybody hoping to get their foot in the door. Looking at jobs is free.
Weaknesses: There is a fairly substantial membership fee for those hoping to post jobs.
- Artist Resource – San Francisco Bay Area
This is an excellent resource for any artists in the Bay area. It provides information on events and shows, hosts classes and lectures, has forums and news, and also a job board. You can subscribe to a weekly Art Jobs digest for frequent updates on job opportunities. This site also boasts a large section for writers, but also targets production artists, gallery coordinators, artists, designers, comic book artists, and creative directors.
Strengths: The site features many other job links and provides artists a lot of useful information on their careers.
Weaknesses: To participate in the job section, you have to commit to a specific period of time. The site also frequently requests web site donations for maintenance. Some images do not load correctly.
- Core 77
Core 77 is a great resource for anybody in advertising, designing, or writing. It is a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts. They provide design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibits. There job board is a link to Coroflot.com's job board which features several different countries.
Strengths: The site looks very professional and active. They offer an immense amount of information for designers.
Weaknesses: The site does not have its own job board.
- Coroflot
Coroflot targets the fields of 3D modeling, CAD, design education and management, product development, research and strategy, sales and marketing advertising, architecture, fashion, exhibit design, graphic design, interaction design, industrial design, and web design. It is the largest and most active site on the Internet that specifically helps designers and other creative professionals. It has over 35 states listed and numerous other countries around the world.
Strengths:The site is very comprehensive and easy to use. Many major companies, such as Microsoft and Nike, post jobs here.
Weaknesses: Only 35 states have job listings.
- Creative Central
Creative Central caters to anyone in advertising, writing, desktop publishing, Internet marketing, and graphics. The job board includes all 50 states. The site also has a section that generates a professional resume for you. Finally, there is a small section for events and resources.
Strengths: Creative Central is easy to navigate and the jobs board is comprehensive.
Weaknesses: Some of the site features appear to be under construction.
- Creative Hot List
Creative Hot List provides job posts for advertising, computer work, education, fashion, film, exhibit, industrial design, project management, marketing, communications, print, publishing, television, broadcast, video, and web and multimedia. The job board includes 51 states plus Canada and other international countries.
Strengths: Creative Hot List allows you to save jobs, contacts, companies, and organizations without an account, but only for a 24-hour period. It also has advanced search capabilities and a virtual filing system.
Weaknesses: Creative Hot List has service charges for using accounts.
- Design Jobs on the Wall
All jobs posted on this site are design related. Further, this site is regularly used by major design companies to seek out new talent, including Web Designer Magazine, Practical Web Design, and Computer Arts Project. If you are an aspiring designer, it is in your best interest to check back here regularly for new opportunities.
Strengths: The site is easy to use and navigate. Many professionals post on this site when looking for new hires.
Weaknesses: There is a fee for posting on Design Jobs on the Wall.
- Design: Related
Design: Related features jobs for graphic/web designers, architects, creative directors, web programmers, advertisers, and IT and media professionals. The site also allows you to add "friends" if you are a member which can make networking much easier.
Strengths: The site is very easy to use. You can, for instance, type in your state or desired job into the search bar and come up with a plethora of responses.
Weaknesses: While all 50 states are listed, not all of them have jobs posted.
- DICE
DICE is primarily a tech related job board. It focuses on information technology, software development, Java coding, and graphic design. It includes all 50 states in the job board database and has a section for Green jobs.
Strengths: DICE allows technology professionals to perform highly targeted job searches based on very specific criteria.
Weaknesses: The job board is limited to technology and engineering professionals, although this does allow for a more specified job board.
- Digital Chicago
Digital Chicago has a wide range of job field categories, including administration, accounting, designing, sales, and marketing. It is powered by the Monster job site and focuses purely on Chicago. It also has a classified section for homes, autos, and other ads.
Strengths: Digital Chicago boasts a huge range of job categories. It also has a detailed list of Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs to help narrow your job search.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately, the site does not have its own job board. It works through Monster.
- Global Art Jobs
Global Art Jobs focuses purely on art related careers. Job categories for the site include visual art jobs, music/vocal directors, set designers, graphic designers, academic jobs, gallery internships, and multimedia managers. The site is constantly updated and well-maintained. It includes all 50 states and parts of Europe and Australia in the database, although some states have few jobs listed.
Strengths: At any one time there are 400-1000 current art jobs listed on the database.
Weaknesses: There is a minimal subscription fee to have unlimited access to the extensive listings of art jobs. A non-subscriber will not be able to view further details on the job.
- How
How lists jobs in advertising, architecture, exhibit design, fashion/apparel, graphic design, industrial design, interaction design, interior design, service design, and web design. The site also provides business information, information on new technology in design, profiles of renowned and up-and-coming designers, and creative inspiration.
Strengths: Beyond providing extensive information for designers, How also has a job board for different companies within the U.S.A. and parts of Europe.
Weaknesses: The job board does not include all 50 states.
- MacTalent
MacTalent lists only Macintosh related jobs. These include positions in graphic design, web design, content management, and other related positions.
Strengths: MacTalent includes all 50 states in their database. Jobs in the Mac industry tend to be interesting and cutting edge.
Weaknesses: Not all states have jobs posted yet.
- New York Foundation of the Arts
New York Foundation of the Arts provides jobs and internships in the arts and culture industries nationwide. The site also has an "artist fund" that offers grants for artists, a great resource for any artists that need a start-up capital to get their work done.
Strengths:The site is very easy to navigate. It has information on events, work space availabilities, and an email list.
Weaknesses: The vast majority of the art jobs offered are located in New York City so if you are trying to work elsewhere, this may not be the best source for you.
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Photo/Film/Video
- 20th Century Fox Job Board
Want to work for one of the major production companies in the United States? It may be a long shot, but Fox's admittedly small job board can be the first step you take towards your dream job.
Strengths:You would get to work on the cutting-edge of film and television.
Weaknesses:Jobs are infrequent at best and will garner heavy competition.
- About the Image
About the Image allows you to search for jobs in a variety of subjects, including photography. While the job board may not be extensive, the jobs that are featured are high paying and intensive.
Strengths: The site is easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: About the Image does not cater exclusively to photographers and as a result, lacks many postings in the field.
- American Society of Media Photographers
While American Society of Media Photographers does not have a job board in the strictest sense, members of this organization will be featured to potential clients. The site also provides resources for aspiring photographers, including workshops, local events, and business resources.
Strengths: The site is easy to use and navigate. It has many useful resources for photographers.
Weaknesses: There is no official job board.
- B-Roll
B-Roll doesn't boast a huge job board, but it does have job postings for photographers, videographers, photojournalists, and apprenticeships. Those that wish to truly utilize the site should sign up as a member in order to be notified through email as soon as jobs are posted that meet their qualifications.
Strengths: The site features artist blogs and resources, as well as job postings.
Weaknesses: There is a fee for posting jobs.
- EntertainmentCareers.Net
EntertainmentCareers.Net provides jobs ranging from acting gigs, to crew jobs, to marketing and PR positions. You can easily search by category and most categories have a number of featured jobs.
Strengths: There are actually jobs on this entertainment site! While it may not be the prettiest website to look at, it will definitely provide you with some potential opportunities.
Weaknesses: Again, the site isn't very professional looking.
- EntertainmentCareers.Net
EntertainmentCareers.Net provides jobs ranging from acting gigs, to crew jobs, to marketing and PR positions. You can easily search by category and most categories have a number of featured jobs.
Strengths: There are actually jobs on this entertainment site! While it may not be the prettiest website to look at, it will definitely provide you with some potential opportunities.
Weaknesses: Again, the site isn't very professional looking.
- Hollywood Entertainment Jobs
Hollywood Entertainment Jobs boasts the largest entertainment job board on the web. They feature jobs in music, television, and film. Unfortunately, you have to sign up for their site in order to find out if any of these claims are true.
Strengths: The site is appealing and convincing. The jobs they list seem high profile and important. There is a free 4-day trial to see if you like the site.
Weaknesses: The membership fee for this site is not cheap.
- Photographers' News Network
Unfortunately, you have to sign up with the site to see many of its boasted features, but for those that are interested, the site is a comprehensive resource for photographers. It has a forum, news archive, and a place where potential clients can go search for a photographer.
Strengths: This can be an excellent source for aspiring photographers in search of networking opportunities and a job.
Weaknesses: Some links seem to be outdated and are not working properly.
- Variety
Variety's job website allows you to search by sector, upload your resume, register for job alerts, and search for companies by name. Jobs featured here can be found in industries such as broadcast, film, gaming, music, publishing, and television.
Strengths: The site is well-organized, easy to use, and offers a lot of good information.
Weaknesses: Currently, not many jobs are featured on the job board.
- Walt Disney Company Job Board
The Walt Disney Company Job Board doesn't have a plethora of job listings, but for anybody who's dreamed of working for this extraordinary company since they were a child, it is a job board you will definitely want to take a second look at.
Strengths: It's Walt Disney! You could be working on the next Pixar film before you know it!
Weaknesses: Few jobs are offered at one time. Competition will be tough.
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Print
- Print Jobs
Print Jobs is a placement and recruiting firm that works within the framework of the printing and graphic arts industries. They work with a wide variety of companies, including Fortune 500 companies, small printing houses, and marketing businesses. Categories for jobs include everything from "Gluing" to "Screen Printing."
Strengths: Print Jobs works with a wide variety of companies. Jobs vary by type and duration, but all relate in some way to the print industry.
Weaknesses: There is a fee to view and post on the site.
- Print Link
This is not the traditional job board. Print Link serves as a bridge between employers and employees, working with both parties throughout the hiring process to make sure that everything goes smoothly and both the company and the new hire are happy with the situation. Beyond this, they offer comprehensive resources on the printing industry.
Strengths: The personal attention provided by Print Link can exponentially ease the stress surrounding a job search. All jobs relate to the printing industry.
Weaknesses: Jobseekers must wait for an email notification with matching jobs as they cannot apply directly from the website.
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Teaching/Institutional/Museum/Architecture
- Academic Employment Network
Here you can search for teaching jobs in schools, universities, community colleges, and special education. While these jobs may not be catered exactly for art students, there are many opportunities to teach art classes in schools. If this sounds appealing to you, this site is definitely worth a look.
Strengths: The site boasts a free resume evaluation, tips to improve your resume, a career test, and an easy to use job board.
Weaknesses: The jobs do not focus solely on art so you will have to sift through some less desirable positions.
- Architecture Crossing
Architecture Crossing offers a global job board. It has more than one million jobs to date. The site does not consider itself a job site, but instead a research service for people who want to know about what jobs are available in the current economic climate. As a result, there are many good resources featured on the site for architects.
Strengths: Architecture Crossing has many good resources, is catered especially to architects, and is easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: You must sign up with the site in order to use its job board.
- College Arts Association
This site has a job board for individuals hoping to teach in the arts. Categories include studio art, art history, editor, museum educator, film and video, and many others. You can also narrow your search by the academic level you hope to teach, the state, and whether you want a full-time, part-time, or internship/fellowship.
Strengths: The site is very professional looking and is easy to use. It also offers resources for aspiring art professionals.
Weaknesses: Although all 50 states are featured, many states lack job postings.
- Museum Employment – Chicago Art Institute
The Chicago Art Institute doesn't have a ton of jobs to choose from on its website, but it consistently updates the ones it does have. For anybody who is interested in working in a museum, the Chicago Art Institute's website features jobs for curators, art directors, and program coordinators.
Strengths: The job descriptions are very detailed. The site is well organized, separating jobs by salaried positions, hourly positions, internships, and volunteer positions.
Weaknesses: Although the jobs that are offered are good jobs in the art field, the employment opportunities are limited to the Chicago Art Institute. There is no bigger job board.
- Museum Resource Board
This is a fantastic resource for anybody looking for a job at a museum. Not only does it feature "Museum Yellow Pages" with contact information for over 7500 museums, but it also has a job database with museum-related job postings. You can search by type, institution, city, and date posted. There is also an internship database.
Strengths: Beyond having an extensive job board, the site also offers a resume posting section where people can search for you. Further, it has information on local museum events, conferences, and education.
Weaknesses: This site is under construction on many of its main pages.
- Nation Job
Nation Job has a fantastic education section that can be a great place for you to start looking for that perfect art position. If you are interested in teaching art at any level, this is a fantastic place to check back with on a daily basis.
Strengths: The site is updated frequently and gets a fair amount of job postings.
Weaknesses: The site does not cater exclusively to art jobs.
- Teacher Jobs
With Teacher Jobs you can search by state and teaching category. The art category has a breakdown of positions in ceramic/sculpture art, graphic art, and photography. You can also post your resume and apply directly to schools from the website. Teacher Jobs was designed by educational recruiters with over 35 years of experience.
Strengths: The site has a specific category just for art instructors. Jobs are frequently updated on the site.
Weaknesses: Many states lack job postings.
- Top School Jobs
At Top School Jobs you can search jobs in a variety of categories, including school administration jobs, school superintendent jobs, education director jobs, and teaching jobs. After you select your category, you can narrow your job search by typing in "art" into the keyword search.
Strengths: Top School Jobs is easy to search and use. It also offers job resources and alerts.
Weaknesses: There are not many jobs in the art category.
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Art and Design Employment Agencies
- Big Creative
Big Creative has creative staffing for studios, advertising agencies, design firms, and corporations ranging from small boutique clients to Fortune 500 companies.
Strengths: The site has a list of other job boards, as well as their own staffing resources, consultations, and creative recruitment.
Weaknesses: Only Los Angeles jobs are featured.
- The Creative Group
The Creative Group focuses on production, advertising, marketing, web, multimedia, and public relations jobs. The group consists of a division of specialized staffing that is trained to place individuals in highly creative settings. The Creative Group has offices in major markets across the United States and Canada. The site also boasts free access to their online training program upon registration.
Strengths: There is a free online training program. The company works with many good agencies.
Weaknesses: Only 17 states are listed in the database.
- Graphic Arts Employment Specialists, Inc.
Graphic Arts Employment Specialists, Inc. is a recruiting and placement operation that focuses on the printing, publishing, and graphic arts industries. They work in a variety of different fields, including sales, production management, estimation, and customer service. They also have available jobs listed on their website.
Strengths: The positions are mostly for print publication.
Weaknesses: There is a $35 a month membership fee. Only a handful of states are included, and most jobs tend to be in California.
- Graphic Resources and Associates, Inc.
Graphic Resources and Associates in a national recruitment firm that specializes in the printing and packaging industry. They offer positions in managing, packaging, bindery operation, and many others. Their site also has interviewing tips, a statement of ethics, and a search engine.
Strengths: You pay no initial fees. Instead, your employer pays the company after you have been successfully placed.
Weaknesses: You must, for obvious reasons, sign up for the recruitment service. The site looks dated.
- i Creatives
This site works with anybody in advertising, architecture, branding, communication, consumer products, entertainment, fashion, media, photography, publishing, retail, technology, and television. It also has a staffing agency that works specifically with design and advertising firms. The website is very clean and neat. The company focuses on the cities of Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami (Palm Beach), New Jersey (Northern), New York City, San Francisco, and Toronto.
Strengths: They have competitive prices and recruits that are based on individual client needs.
Weaknesses: Their listings seem to reflect the very limited number of opportunities currently available.
- Roz GoldFarb Associates
Roz GoldFarb Associates works with individuals in the fields of advertising, architecture, creative services, international design, marketing, media and technology, print design, and public relations. They also have additional services, such as consulting and article resources.
Strengths: There are many different fields of art related jobs offered on this site.
Weaknesses: There are only a few job postings and the site does not include all 50 states. You need to register and upload your resume to apply for any jobs listed.
- Wert & Company
Wert & Company places people with companies as art directors, creative directors, graphic designers, production artists, illustrators, copywriters, web designers, web programmers, web production artists, multimedia artists, studio managers, and traffic managers.
Strengths: The site has a list of other job boards, as well as their own staffing resources, consultations, and creative recruitment.
Weaknesses: There were no job postings under the executive search.
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General Art Job Boards
- 37signals Job Board
The site is for tech and design related jobs. 37signals Job Board is an RSS feed that is updated regularly. It is not limited to one city, although locations that offer more creative jobs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are featured more heavily. The site also features internships for individuals that are just starting out.
Strengths: Along with several states, the site features jobs in Canada and Ireland. Further, 37signals Job Board has many tools and resources to help your job search in these fields.
Weaknesses: There is a posting fee for jobs and internships.
- Authentic Jobs
Authentic Jobs is a targeted destination for web and creative professionals in the fields of web designing and developing and product designing to find work at a number of leading companies. You can follow this job board on Twitter and through your email.
Strengths: The job board is updated often. The site is professional looking and easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: There is a fee for posting jobs. Not all 50 states are included and there are no advanced search features.
- Behance Network
Behance Network works with creative thinkers to help organize their careers. By offerings products, events, article updates, and an active job boards, it is the goal of Behance Network to help creative individuals land their dream jobs. The job board has jobs across the United States in a variety of professions.
Strengths: The website is nice and professional looking. It is easy to navigate and includes numerous places around the world.
Weaknesses: The site lacks job postings.
- Creative Circle
Creative Circle is a simple job board site that is fantastically done. Not only does the site email you frequent updates from its job boards with jobs that specifically fit your job search criteria, but the site has a very easy to use job board. Most jobs advertised are for web producers, content managers, and project managers and many are time sensitive, but if you are an aspiring creative professional, you should definitely sign up for Creative Circle.
Strengths: The site looks very professionals. The email updates are frequent and save users a significant amount of time.
Weaknesses: Creative Circle only features the cities Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
- Creative Hot List
The Creative Hot List has job listings for people in the industries of advertising, education, IT, fashion, fine arts, marketing, print, publishing, television/broadcast, video, and web. The site also includes all 50 states and parts of Canada and Europe in their database.
Strengths: The Creative Hot List is easy for both jobseekers and companies to navigate.
Weaknesses: Some states do not have enough – or any – job postings.
- Creative Job Central
The Creative Hot List has job listings for people in the industries of advertising, education, IT, fashion, fine arts, marketing, print, publishing, television/broadcast, video, and web. The site also includes all 50 states and parts of Canada and Europe in their database.
Strengths: Many different industries are featured on this site, some more heavily than others.
Weaknesses: There is limited access for those that do not wish to pay a member fee. The fee, however, gives you unlimited access to all job boards in every industry. Some states to lack job postings.
- Elance
Elance has jobs in web programming, design and multimedia, writing and translation, sales and marketing, and many other art related and non-art related jobs. Like O*Desk, companies can advertise for jobs and get professionals to apply for freelance work directly from the site.
Strengths: Employers can browse the site by searching for specific skills, such as HTML, Java, and CSS programming, or SEO and social networking.
Weaknesses: There is a fee for unlimited access.
- Freelance Switch
Freelance Switch features jobs in design, development, writing, illustration, multimedia, and many other art related fields. The job board looks more like a news feed than a traditional board, but it is updated frequently and has many excellent positions advertised.
Strengths: The site is very easy to use and navigate. There is also a frequently asked questions section and articles on the jobs and the state of the economy.
Weaknesses: You must be a member of the site to apply to jobs.
- GetACoder.com
GetACoder.com allows you to search for jobs in interaction design, graphic design, development, mobile, and management. You can search for full-time or freelance positions by location, company, and job description. The site also provides a step-by-step guide book on how to use job services and succeed completely for free. The book is applicable to everyone, no matter what the industry.
Strengths: The site works with over 200 countries. Buyers and providers can register at GetACoder.com for free.
Weaknesses: There is a fee to become a premium member which gives you access to more features on the site.
- Krop
At Krop, individuals can post their resumes, browse the frequently updated job board, and explore the industry through the site blog. The site is widely used by many creative employers and The New York Times says of it, "We use Krop to find innovative thinkers."
Strengths: The job board concentrates on cities which have a greater demand for creative individuals such as Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Seattle.
Weaknesses: There is a job posting fee. Not all states are included and there are no international postings.
- Media Bistro
Media Bistro is for anybody working in the content/creative industry, including editors, writers, producers, graphic designers, book publishers, and other professionals in the fields of magazine publishing, television, film, radio, newspaper, book publishing, online media, advertising, public relations, and design. The site also features helpful employment tips. It is partnered with AvantGuild, the guild for new guard in media.
Strengths: There are many jobs listed in the job board. The site makes it easy to narrow your search.
Weaknesses: There is a fee for posting a job. Not all 50 states are included in the job board.
- O*Desk
O*Desk provides a place for businesses to advertise for a service in web development, writing and translation, customer service, software development, administrative support, sales and marketing, networking and information systems, design and multimedia, and business services. After the advertisement is placed, freelance workers can place bids on the job. From here, the advertiser can choose a worker. The site is BBB accredited. Both the buyer (the employer) and the provider (the employee) have to be payment certified before they are able to start working together.
Strengths: Because of a very detailed rating system, it is easy to find good workers on O*Desk.
Weaknesses: Due to the large number of people from around the world working on O*Desk many jobs seem to be underpaid and it can be hard to secure a position.
- Programmer Meet Designer
Programmers Meet Designer is for programmers, web developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and writers to get in contact with each other in order to produce websites that are functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. You can search by a variety of subjects, including Web 2.0, Java, iPhone, and e-commerce. Job listings are updated frequently.
Strengths: Programmer Meet Designer is easy to navigate. The site also features a frequently asked questions section and a blog.
Weaknesses: There is no search bar at the top. You must search by tags.
- Renderosity Art Community
The Renderosity community is made-up of members who have a passion for helping others learn, share, and grow in digital art. The site is one of the largest and most diverse marketplaces on the web for digital content. Professionals can buy and sell 2D and 3D content with other CG artists from around the world. The job board is powered by CreativeHeads.net.
Strengths: The site has a lot of extra features that may help artists network and find a job. The search for the job board is very advanced and specific. You can also follow the job board on Twitter.
Weaknesses: Some states lack jobs.
- Smashing Jobs
Smashing Jobs – beyond having a really cool name – features jobs in design, programming, advertising, and content management. The site also features innovative information for web designers and developers. Further, job applicants can apply directly to the companies through the postings.
Strengths: The site caters to professionals around the world. Smashing Jobs is also respected by employers and has been written up on top blogs.
Weaknesses: There is a job posting fee at Smashing Jobs. Some states and countries lack job postings.
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General Job Boards with Art Categories
- American Jobs
American Jobs features jobs in just about every industry, but it has a special section for art related jobs. If you go to the bottom of the page and search by category, you will find categories such as "Art/Culture Jobs," "Computer Jobs," and "Media/Publishing Jobs." Jobs can also be organized by city and through a keyword search.
Strengths: The site design makes it very easy to search. Because of the extensive category breakdown, you might find a job field you were unaware of that meets your needs.
Weaknesses: Due to the fact that this is a large job board, some categories may be more populated than others and unfortunately, art categories fall into the latter category.
- Career Builder
Career Builder is The United States' largest job site. It features all 50 states and many international countries. It also features career advice. You can search by category, including "Media – Journalism – Newspaper." Using the keyword search can also prove useful by typing in words like "creative," "art," and "print." Since this is such a large site, results can often be overwhelming so be sure to narrow your search.
Strengths: There are a lot of jobs featured on this site. With some dedication, you can find what you're looking for.
Weaknesses: The site can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes the loading time is a bit longer because Career Builders has so many search results to generate.
- Career Path
Like Monster.com, this site does not specifically target artists, but its job board is extensive and easy to sort. Simply type in the job you are looking for under "keywords," the location you hope to work, and select a job category, the Career Path will pull up a comprehensive database of jobs in your field.
Strengths: The site is widely used. Because of this, the job listings are more comprehensive than other art job boards.
Weaknesses: The site relies heavily on advertisements which can get a bit tedious at times.
- Craigslist
Craigslist, although still relatively new, is now used by most employers. Here you can easily search jobs by city and country and then within your chosen location, you can search a variety of categories. For those interested in art, Craigslist features categories for "Writing/Editing," "TV/Film/Video," "Web/Info Design," and "Art/Media/Design." Individuals can also check under the "Gigs" section of craigslist where a lot of freelance opportunities are available for creative individuals.
Strengths: Craigslist is very easy to use and it is updated very frequently.
Weaknesses: Since Craigslist is so large, job seekers must sometimes sift through a great deal of bizarre postings. Competition for posted jobs can also be incredibly tough.
- First Steps in the Hunt
First Steps in the Hunt allows you to search for jobs in categories such as "Fashion/Modeling" and "Advertising/Media." You can also search by city, state, or keyword. Further, the site also has a blog, resources, and information on job trends.
Strengths: The site features many jobs and is easy to navigate.
Weaknesses:First Steps in the Hunt does not have a very professional feel.
- Guru
Guru is a site designed for freelancers. Like O*Desk, employers can post projects and freelancers can offer their services through the website. In the creative fields, jobs are often advertised in the fields of graphic design and multimedia, writing, editing, translation, illustration and art, photography and videography, fashion and interior designs, and broadcasting.
Strengths: The site includes jobs from around the world. Further, for those posting it has a budget indicator for specific projects.
Weaknesses: Competition for freelance jobs can be intense.
- Hot Jobs
Hot Jobs is powered by Yahoo. Through the site, you can upload your resume, save jobs to your profile that interest you, and browse through an extensive job board. Categories include "Advertising Jobs & PR Jobs" and "Arts Jobs, Entertainment Jobs, and Publishing Jobs." You can also search by title, zip code, city, or state.
Strengths: The site has a lot of great resources. It is easy to navigate. There is also a salary generator that may help you decide on a profession.
Weaknesses: Like most job sites, expect to see cities and countries that do not have any job listings.
- Jobs.com - Artist
The artist section of Jobs.com is updated frequently, has a variety of job listings, and an excellent search tool. While most jobs offered tend to be in retail and computers, those interested in breaking into the art industry should check back with this site regularly.
Strengths: Jobs.com is updated on a very regularly basis. It is used by many companies.
Weaknesses: Most creative firms tend to use other job boards to advertise positions.
- Monster
Monster deserves its name. This job site is one of the biggest on the Internet. You can set up a profile and resume, use one of their many career tools, get advice, and post in forums. For those interested in the creative fields, Monster.com has categories in "Broadcasting/Music/Film," "Clothing and Textile Manufacturing," and "Entertainment Venues and Theaters."
Strengths: Monster offers a highly advanced job search, career advice, and resume tips. It has all 50 states in the database and a handful of international countries.
Weaknesses: This site is huge and it can become overwhelming. Make sure to narrow your search as much as possible.
- Nation Job
While Nation Job does not cater exclusively to art related jobs, it is definitely worth a look. Nation Job has over 20 years in the job board industry. They provide a "PJ Scout" that will send you regular updates on jobs that fit your criteria as soon as they are posted. The site is also very easy to use and navigate.
Strengths: Nation Job includes all 50 states, is easy to navigate, and has a strong history of use and success.
Weaknesses: The site does not cater exclusively to art related jobs.
- Net-Temps
Need to gain some experience? Net-Temps is a great place to start. The jobs posted here are all temp, contract, and temp-to-hire jobs. For those that do not have extensive job histories yet, getting temp jobs can really help pad their resumes. The site is not specifically for artists, but it has an Internet and new media section and a marketing and creative section.
Strengths: Net-Temps allows you to create and store up to three resumes and cover letters. It guarantees complete privacy control. It also enables you to choose from three methods to post your resume. Through Net-Temps, your resume has the potential to reach over 5,000 recruiters.
Weaknesses: The search bar can be a bit confusing.
- Simply Hired
Simply Hired has job categories for "Art/Graphic Design/Media," "Marketing/PR/Advertising," and "Writing/Freelance." Further, you can search by keyword and keywords such as "creative" and "art" yield numerous results. Currently, the site has over two million jobs advertised and it is updated every single day. If you are searching for a job, this site should be one of your bookmarks.
Strengths: The site is easy to use. It looks professional and is clearly monitored daily.
Weaknesses: The art categories don't garner as many results as other categories.
- Solo Gig
Solo Gig has a category entitled "Creative and Design" and a keyword search. You can also set up a profile and Solo Gig will recommend jobs for you.
Strengths: The site is clean looking, professional, and user friendly. All 50 states are in the database.
Weaknesses: Members of the site get more privileges. You must pay to post on the site. Many cities have no job postings under the art category.
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International Art Job Boards
- Agency Central
Agency Central is The United Kingdom's leading recruitment agency and job site. It has a directory for both job seekers and employers in a variety of industries. Through their job boards, you can search in the categories of "Art," "Creative/Design," "Fashion," "Media/Events," "Printing/Publishing," and "Journalism."
Strengths: In addition to a job board that is updated frequently, the site features advice from professionals.
Weaknesses: The site is exclusively for UK jobs.
- Jobsite UK
Jobsite UK has extensive search options, career tools, CV advice, a personal career test, and a free, live CV check. For those interested, it also has a top ten recruitment agency based entirely on feedback from job hunters. For those based out of the UK and interested in an art job, this is definitely a good place to start looking.
Strengths: The site has some excellent resources for job seekers, in addition to the job board.
Weaknesses: Some industries are lacking positions.
- Monster International
Powered through Monster, this site allows you to select the country you are interested in and locate jobs in that location. The site extends its reaches from the U.S. to Europe to South America to the Middle East and finally to Asia and the Pacific Rim. After selecting a location, you can search by keyword or category.
Strengths: The site is easy to use and almost all areas of the world are included.
Weaknesses: For some, the sheer size of this site might prove overwhelming.
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