A Career Guide for Studio Art Majors

The study of art encompasses the exploration of etc.) or a design support position. Some art a variety of media as a vehicle to express human students prepare to teach. It is not unusual for thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions and ideas. fine artists to experiment with different options for a Fine art is a complex field from a career standpoint few years. It is advisable for art students to prepare because the fine artist is his/her own employer for the job market by developing strong computer and promoter. Because it may take many years skills. Knowledge of business as it relates to one’s to develop a career as a successful artist, most career is helpful for any artist. graduates initially seek ways of earning a living other than from sales of their personal work. This The role of the artist in society is unique, and a takes determination and perseverance with no major in studio art can result in a rewarding career strictly defined career path. path. Artists are creative problem solvers, enjoy experimentation, are self-disciplined and are The choices are very individual. This might mean visually aware. a position in an arts organization (museum, gallery, Skills

Specific skills developed by artists depend to some formal elements such as color, line and space is degree on their creative interests. However, many important for an art teacher, museum curator, of the skills learned are transferable to a variety display designer or independent artist. of sectors and jobs. For example, understanding

Technical Communication Artistic Problem Solving Knowing the qualities and Criticizing, evaluating, and Seeing, drawing, and Pursuing innovative and limitations of each medium explaining works of art understanding form unconventional solutions Working with a variety of Collaborating with others Relating abstract ideas Taking multiple approach- media and visual forms es to problems Attaining a high level of Interpreting data or verbal Mastering the use of color, Work under pressure and craftsmanship instructions to produce art space and line meet deadlines work Good finger and manual Presenting and displaying Utlizing theories of com- Utilizing available re- dexterity work position sources Working independently Communicating visually Visualizing shapes and Adapting techniques spatial relationships

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of art-related careers in has more opportunities than the non-profit side. commercial, nonprofit and government settings. Non-profit organizations, museums and some Art teaching positions in the public schools are government agencies depend on appropriations available to those with teacher certification. and donations for funds, so they tend to hire fewer Digital media is a constantly expanding field people and have less to pay them. with opportunities for artists in gaming, film, web design, animation and interactive media Fine Arts for educational tools and advertising. There is Painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography, great demand for webpage designers. Students sculpture and drawing are all examples of the fine with knowledge of interactive media tools have arts. Of all artistic pursuits, fine arts can be the excellent employment potential in a variety of most isolating. Aspiring artists would do well to settings. In general, the commercial side of art connect with other artists by sharing studio space

Fine Arts Career Services • The University of Texas at Austin • DFA 1.103 • http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers [512] 232-7333 • [email protected] • twitter.com/utfacs • http://www.facebook.com/utfacs 1 A Career Guide for Studio Art Majors or joining an arts group. No matter how you do it, and sports cartoons. Some cartoonists work with finding a way to connect with others means that others who create the idea or story and write the you are not working in a vacuum. This strategy captions. Most cartoonists have comic, critical or will likely benefit both your emotional well-being dramatic talents in addition to drawing skills. and your art. Try to find opportunities to exhibit your work. Look for calls for submissions in Sketch artists create likenesses of subjects using publications, journals and newsletters. Also, look pencil, charcoal or pastels. Sketches are used for receptive restaurant owners, community arts in film for sketch rendering, by law enforcement centers, libraries, banks and other public spaces to agencies to assist in identifying suspects, by the show your work. news media to depict courtroom scenes and by individual patrons for their own enjoyment. Illustrators and photographers can often sell their art on a freelance basis to many types of Art Therapy organizations, including print publishers, stock The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) agencies and advertising firms. Staff positions defines art therapy as a mental health profession as an illustrator or photographer are rare, but that uses the creative process of art making to do exist in universities, hospitals and other large improve and enhance the physical, mental and organizations. Keep in mind that it usually takes emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. several years to develop the relationships and Research in the field confirms that the creative contacts that lead to enough freelance work to process involved in artistic self-expression helps support yourself as an artist. In graphic design, people to become more physically, mentally, illustration and photography, you will need a and emotionally healthy and functional, resolve portfolio containing samples of your art in order to conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal look for work. skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, handle life adjustments, and achieve insight. Graphic Arts Graphic arts or graphic design is the largest area The AATA sets educational, professional, of commercially sold art. A graphic designer uses and ethical standards for its members. The type and images (photographic or illustrative) to Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), an communicate. Graphic designers can work on independent organization, grants credentials. a freelance or contract basis or as an in-house Registration is granted upon completion of staff member for publishers, advertising agencies, graduate education and post-graduate supervised design firms, museums or at companies that experience. Board Certification is granted to have communications departments. In today’s Registered Art Therapists who pass a written workplace, graphic artists need to be comfortable examination and is maintained through continuing using various computer graphics programs and education. Some states regulate the practice of desktop publishing software. art therapy and in many states art therapists can become licensed as counselors or mental health Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing therapists. skills with knowledge of biological sciences. Medical illustrators draw illustrations of human Arts Administration anatomy and surgical procedures. Scientific Arts organizations, like most for profit companies, illustrators draw illustrations of animals and have a number of administrative, business or plants. These illustrations are used in medical management functions. These roles require people and scientific publications and in audiovisual with creativity and an understanding and passion presentations for teaching purposes. Medical for the arts, as well as skills in a range of areas from illustrators also work for lawyers, producing finance and marketing to education. exhibits for court cases. The specific positions available at an arts Cartoonists draw political, advertising, social organization will depend on what the organization

Fine Arts Career Services • The University of Texas at Austin • DFA 1.103 • http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers [512] 232-7333 • [email protected] • twitter.com/utfacs • http://www.facebook.com/utfacs 2 A Career Guide for Studio Art Majors does and how large its budget and staff are. Since Digital Art arts managers are needed in virtually every arts Rapid technological advances have provided organization, from theatre companies to museums, many intersections with art. Computer graphics, many opportunities exist in this field. For example, animation, CAD (computer aided design), a museum is likely to have staff members in simulation, image processing, systems design and education that work with school groups to introduce scientific visualization all draw from both art and children to the exhibits. An opera company, concert technology. hall, or theatre needs box-office and front of the house workers to manage ticket sales, write press Digital media artists and animators work primarily releases, market the productions in the community, in the video, advertising, gaming and motion and create visibility. Some theatre companies picture and television industries. They draw by need general managers to schedule tours, monitor hand and use computers to create the large series union agreements, and run the business side of of pictures that form the animated images or performances. special effects seen in movies, television programs and computer games. Some draw storyboards Over the last decade, arts management has become for television commercials, movies and animated a growing field with increasing specialization and features. Storyboards present television training. A number of new graduate training and commercials in a series of scenes similar to a certification programs have emerged. These comic strip and allow an advertising agency to programs may be useful, depending on your interests evaluate proposed commercials with the company and goals. Some arts managers, for example, doing the advertising. Storyboards also serve suggest eventually pursuing a business degree with as guides for placing actors, cameras, and other a specialization in nonprofit management. Almost details during the production of commercials. without exception, however, arts managers advise getting work-related experience first and considering Art and the Environment graduate study later on. If you decide to investigate Art can intersect with the built environment in a graduate study, begin by asking professionals what number of ways. Architectural firms often employ programs they think are valuable and respected in graphic designers to collaborate with architects the field. to develop sign systems. Environmental graphics can include banners, sign systems or exhibits for Art Education commercial, industrial or educational purposes Arts education is an intersection of two fields that (i.e., trade shows, hospitals, schools, museums, includes the traditional teaching of art and the use or other institutions). Industrial and product design of art as an educational tool. If you are uncertified is another area in which artists can look for work. to teach in a public school, look for after-school, As in graphic design, some training is essential. extracurricular or summer programs as ways to Remember that in each of these fields where get experience before considering certification. products are created, production jobs with vendors There is typically no certification requirement exist as well. to teach in private schools, but many require advanced degress. The second major intersection Museum Technicians of arts and education involves human service Museum technicians, commonly known as work and uses art as an educational tool. For registrars, help curators by preparing and taking example, educators working with youths living in care of museum items. Registrars also may high-risk environments often use art as a method answer questions from the public and help to change behavior and a vehicle for personal curators and outside scholars use the collections. expression. There are many ways to explore this Registrars usually need a bachelor’s degree kind of work. Volunteering at a community agency related to the museum’s specialty, training in or community service program is an opportunity to museum studies, or previous experience working get experience and see if this use of art appeals to in museums, particularly in designing exhibits. you.

Job Titles

These job titles are examples of some of the ways in which Art majors have applied their skills and abilities. In general, an advanced degree is required for those occupations marked with an asterisk (*) on the following list:

Billboard Artist/Sign Painter *Art Therapist *Historical Preservation Gallery Owner/Operator Community Arts Center Director Coordinator Artist-In-Residence Greeting Card Artist Photographer Museum Publications Director Auctioneer Art Appraiser Cartoonist Museum Education Coordinator Art Critic/Reporter Web Page Designer *Conservator/Restorer Exhibit Designer Art Teacher *Medical Illustrator Scenic Artist (Film/Theatre) Arts Fundraiser Visual Merchandiser Corporate Art Consultant Book/Cd Cover Designer Grants Specialist Mural Artist Art Director *Museum Curator Arts & Humanities Council *Art Librarian Police/Courtroom Artist Director Arts Council Director Layout Artist Printmaker Illustrator Audio-Visual Specialist *Arts Lawyer Picture Framer

Employers of Art Majors

Advertising Agencies Amusement Parks Colleges, Universities, Schools Retail Stores Sign Shops Film Industry Art Galleries Greeting Card Companies Libraries Auction Houses Art Supply Stores Recreation Departments Public Relations Firms Corporate Communication Departments Magazines And Newspapers Photo Agencies Printing Firms Camps Publishing Companies Restoration Firms Museums Media Production Companies Textile Industry

First Jobs Held by Recent UT Graduates

Web Design Coordinator Assistant To Project Coordinator Decorator’s Assistant Administrative Assistant Photographer’s Assistant Freelance Artist Sign Designer Computer Animator Sales Associate Architectural Intern Carpenter Installation Expert Preparator Computer Support Coordinator Decorative Painter Museum Technical Staff Graphic Designer

Earnings

Craft and fine artists held about 56,900 jobs in than $33,840, and the top 10 percent earned more 2010. Most craft and fine artists are self-employed, than $99,830. while others are employed in various private sector industries and by government. Fine artists are of- Multimedia artists and animators often work long ten employed by newspaper, periodical, book, and hours; it is not unusual for them to work 50-hour directory publishers; colleges and universities; and weeks. When deadlines are approaching, they may software publishers. Other types of artists and re- work nights and weekends. lated workers work for the federal government, motion picture and video production companies, and Photographers held about 139,500 jobs in May advertising and public relations firms. 2010, and 63 percent were self-employed. The median hourly wage of photographers was $14.00 in The median hourly wage of craft and fine artists was May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which $20.90 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage half the workers in an occupation earned more than at which half the workers in an occupation earned that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 more than that amount and half earned less. The percent earned less than $8.34, and the top 10 per- lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.10, and the cent earned more than $30.48. top 10 percent earned more than $44.04. Self-enrichment teachers held about 252,800 jobs Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. in 2010, and about 14 percent were self-employed. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain ex- Others worked for community educational pro- perience and build a reputation for their work. Oth- grams, religious organizations, or elementary and ers, such as well-established freelance fine artists secondary schools. and illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Many, however, find it difficult to rely solely on in- The median hourly wage of self-enrichment teach- come earned from selling paintings or other works ers was $17.47 in May 2010. The median wage is of art. the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned Part-time and variable work schedules are common less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.03 for artists. Many also hold another job in addition and the top 10 percent earned more than $33.92. to their work as an artist. During busy periods, artists may work overtime to meet deadlines. Self-em- It is common for teachers to have a full-time job in ployed artists can set their own hours. another occupation, but some have several part- time teaching assignments. Part-time instructors Multimedia artists and animators held 66,500 jobs are usually paid for each class that they teach and in 2010. In 2010, 59 percent of workers were self- receive few benefits. employed. They often work from home. Some work for motion picture or video game studios. They fre- From: Occupational Outlook Handbook at http:// quently work in offices. www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine- artists.htm, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and- The median annual wage of multimedia artists and design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm, and animators was $58,510 in May 2010. The median http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/ wage is the wage at which half the workers in an photographers.htm. occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less

Graduate School Options

For a thorough explanation of the different to teach at the college level. Some schools offer a degrees related to studio art, see the College Art low-residency program. Low-residency programs Association’s Graduate Programs in the Visual Arts consist of periods of residency at the institution directory available in Fine Arts Career Services. combined with independent study.

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.): The M.F.A. is the Master of Arts (M.A.): This is typically a one to terminal degree in studio art. The majority of the two year academic degree that is course and/or program is devoted to an area of concentration: research based and often requires a thesis. Studio painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, art majors may want to consider graduate study in ceramics, etc. The rest of the program focuses on art history, conservation, art education, museum art history and criticism, a master’s report and a studies or arts administration. Generally, an M.A. is master’s exhibition. The M.F.A. is usually necessary not awarded in Studio Art.

FACS Resources for Art Majors

Fine Arts Career Services keeps a small library of arts career and job search related books, many of which are not available at other University of Texas libraries. Students may come by the office (DFA 1.103) to browse books during our regular hours.

Art and Art History Fellowship Opportunities Game Art Art Dealer’s Field Guide Gardner’s Guide to Internships in New Media Art Marketing 101 The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Art That Pays: The Emerging Artist’s Guide to Estimating and Budgeting Making a Living How to Start a Home-Based Photography Artists & Writers Colonies: Retreats, Residencies, Business and Respites for the Creative Mind Opportunities in Animation and Cartooning Beginner’s Guide to Community-Based Arts Careers Breaking into the Art World Selling Art Without Galleries Building Design Portfolios Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Careers in Art Graphic Designer Careers in Computer Graphics and Animation Studio Art, Design, & VAS Resumes & Curriculum Copyright and the Visual Artist Vitae Corporate Art Consulting

* For a complete list of FACS Resources visit http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers/career-information * Visit http://www.lib.utexas.edu/fal/collections/current_periodicals/index.php for a complete listing of art journals available in the Fine Arts Library

Online Resources for Art Majors

Fine Arts Career Services Fine Arts Works https://finearts-utexas-csm.symplicity.com HireUTexas Fine Arts Career Services’ database of art-related http://recruit.utexas.edu/hireutexas/ opportunities. Fine Arts students can post a UT’s online job and internship database which posts resume and view job postings and upcoming career professional opportunities for all majors. events.

Job Listings postings in many industries.

Alliance of Artist Communities Greenlights http://www.artistcommunities.org/ www.greenlights.org The Alliance of Artists Communities is the service Greenlights is a provider of nonprofit strengthening organization for the field of artists’ communities and support services including professional and residencies. They maintain artist residency development events, workshops, and a job board listings, advocate for artist residency programs and containing hundreds of postings by member communities, and offer professional development organizations. for artists. Their website includes job postings. Idealist Americans for the Arts http://www.idealist.org/ http://jobbank.artsusa.org Idealist.org connects people with job, volunteer and This advocacy organization supports the arts in action opportunities posted by 90,000 organizations many ways. Their job bank is the premier electronic around the world. recruitment resource for the industry and includes national job listings for all of the fine arts. It includes New York Foundation for the Arts postings in academia, arts administration and http://www.nyfa.org/ management. Check out the rest of their site for This website provides a number of services for other helpful arts resources. artists including job and internship postings, funding opportunities, arts advocacy and services for artists. Art Job They also maintain an online newsletter covering https://www.artjob.org/ current issues affecting artists. Comprehensive, up-to-date national listings of jobs, internships, fellowships and other employment USA Jobs opportunities in the arts. Contact Fine Arts Career https://www.usajobs.gov/ Services for the username and password. USAJOBS is the U.S. Government’s official system/program for Federal jobs and employment Artists Register information. They offer an excellent page dedicated https://artistsregister.com/ to students and recent graduates seeking Federal An afforadable marketing tool for artists, this site jobs. also offers information on artist opportunities and jobs, as well as professional development articles. Overseas Job Opportunities

ArtSearch Going Global http://www.tcg.org/artsearch/ http://www.goinglobal.com/ The publication from the Theatre Communication Search for job openings and internship opportunities Group for full-time, part-time, seasonal, year-round in countries around the world. Listings are and internship opportunities in the performing arts. updated daily! Additionally, Going Global career Contact FACS for the username and password. and employment resources include more than 10,000 pages of constantly-updated content on Art Source topics such as: job search sources, work permit/ http://www.smfa.edu/artsource visa regulations, resume writing guidelines and This site has links to internships, freelance work, examples, employment trends, salary ranges, grants, fellowships, residencies, exhibitions, networking groups and cultural/interviewing competitions and public art commissions. advice.

Creative Hotlist http://www.creativehotlist.com/index.asp A career site for creative professionals with job

US/Japan Creative Artists Program Texas Commission on the Arts jusfc.gov/faqs/creative-artists-programs http://www.arts.texas.gov The Japan U.S. Friendship Commission offers Includes links to numerous visual and performing leading contemporary and traditional artists from arts sites, opportunities, and assistance for artists. the United States the chance to spend three months View their employment links by going to New in Japan via a grant award. Opportunities.

Regional Organizations Texas State Agencies List https://www.tsl.texas.gov/app/lrs/agencies/index.html The Contemporary Austin The list contains an entry for each current Texas http://thecontemporaryaustin.org state agency with links to contact and other Austin’s major art museum. Their website also information about the agency. features information on their lecture series and Professional Organizations teacher resources.

Austin Art in Public Places American Art Therapy Association http://www.austintexas.gov/department/art-public-places http://www.arttherapy.org/ This arm of city government works to select art for This is the professional association for art therapists public spaces in Austin. and includes information about art therapy graduate programs. Austin Creative Alliance http://www.austincreativealliance.org/ American Institute of Graphic Arts, Austin As a nonprofit arts service organization, ACA Chapter focuses on sponsoring projects and programs that austin.aiga.org both strengthen Austin’s performing arts community This is the Austin chapter of the national professional and bring new audiences to the arts. Find links to organization for design. The site includes local job some of the Austin-area arts organizations. listings in the graphic arts.

Austin Museum Partnership American Society of Media Photographers http://www.austinmuseums.org/ http://asmp.org/ The Austin Museum Partnership is a consortium of This organization’s website includes business and thirty-two Austin area museums organized in 1998 legal information for photographers. to promote collaborations for the mutual benefit of the public and the museums. Association of Medical Illustrators http://www.ami.org/ Austin Visual Arts Association This professional organization’s Web site has http://www.avaaonline.org/ information about preparing for a career as a Founded in 1977, this local visual arts association is medical illustrator including a list of suggested useful for students interested in making connections coursework and accredited graduate program. with other artists. Illustrators’ Partnership In the Galleries Austin http://www.illustratorspartnership.org/ http://www.inthegalleriesaustin.com/ This organization offers many articles and resources Museums, galleries and alternative spaces working related to the business of illustration and advocacy to promote visual arts in Austin. for artists.

Texas Art Education Association National Art Education Association http://taea.org http://www.arteducators.org/ The TAEA promotes quality visual arts education This association serves and represents art in Texas. Their website offers job listings, web educators at all levels. resources and advocacy information.

Texas Association of Museums texasmuseums.org The TAM represents 260 museums and contains a job bank that features positions in Texas museums.

Other

Artist Help Network http://www.artisthelpnetwork.com/ A free information service designed to help artists take control of their careers. The network assists artists in locating information, resources, guidance, and advice on a comprehensive range of career- related topics.

ResArtis http://www.resartis.org/ A worldwide network of residential arts centers and programs that provide artists with facilities and conditions conducive to creative work.

Sculptor.Org http://www.sculptor.org Contains over 400 pages of resources and tools, including a list of professional organizations for sculptors.

The information in this guide was compiled from resources available online and in DFA 1.103. Updated July 2015