ART What can I do with this major?

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Art Direction Art Museums: Gain relevant experience through internships or Administration University volunteer positions in museums or galleries. Curatorial Public Visit museums around the country and world to gain Conservation Private exposure to art. Learn a foreign language and Restoration Archives plan to study abroad. Registrar Historical societies Supplement curriculum with courses in history, Collections Management Natural history museums religion, anthropology, and classical civilizations. Exhibit Design/Preparation Living history museums Most art historians will specialize in a period or region. Archive Management Galleries Acquire strong skills in research, fund-raising, Education speaking, writing, and an attention to detail. Tours Plan to earn a graduate degree in art history, museum Sales studies, or other related discipline depending Publications upon specifi c interests. Each specialty has varying Development qualifi cations and required training. Public Relations Develop good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well on teams. Read published resources provided by the American Association of Museums (AAM).

FINE ARTS AND CRAFT ARTS Painting Self-employed Complete a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) to continue Sculpture Studios developing skills and to increase professional Illustration Living history museums and historical sites opportunities in art related fi elds. Printmaking School and community programs Consider whether you want to pursue art as a full- Weaving Colleges and universities time job or as an avocational interest. Media and Techniques Including: Opportunities are limited for full-time work. Many Pottery artists hold other jobs to supplement their income. Glass Participate in juried shows and exhibitions. Ceramics Maintain an up-to-date physical and digital portfolio of Textiles your work. Wood Gain additional skills and experience through an Metal apprenticeship, internship, or volunteer position Paper with a professional artist or organization. Multi-Media (Film, video, computers, etc.) Secure guild membership. Learn to network and make contacts. (Art, Page 2)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

COMMERCIAL ART See also "What Can I Do With a Major in Graphic Advertising agencies Develop excellent technical and computer skills in a Art?" Design fi rms variety of platforms and design software. Graphic Art Publishing companies: Maintain an up-to-date physical and digital portfolio Computer Graphics Magazines of your work. Illustration Newspapers Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs and Advertising Books internships. Medical and Scientifi c Illustration Department stores Obtain summer or part-time experience with book, Animation Television and motion picture industry magazine, or newspaper publishers. Cartoons Manufacturing fi rms Develop attention to detail and ability to meet dead- Art Direction Internet media companies lines. Self-employed Supplement curriculum with course work in Large corporations advertising or business. Governmental agencies For medical illustration, undergraduate coursework Universities in anatomy and biology may be necessary, as well as a master's degree in medical illustration. Participate in the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition to build a greater understanding of the industry and to gain recognition.

EDUCATION Formalized Instruction K-12 schools, public and private Develop strong communication skills and teaching Recreational Instruction Universities and colleges ability through coursework and campus activities. Research (Art History) Art schools Acquire a teaching certifi cate for public school Adult and community programs teaching. Learn about requirements by state. Museums Gain experience working with children through Recreation centers volunteer or part-time work. Libraries Participate in art clubs, juried shows, and exhibitions. Group homes Maintain an updated physical and digital portfolio of your work. To teach art history in higher education: Take general history classes in addition to art history classes. Learn one or more foreign language to research original sources. Earn a doctoral degree in art history. To teach studio and fi ne arts in higher education, earn a graduate degree in a specifi c area of art. (Art, Page 3)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

ART THERAPY Art therapy is a mental health profession that Hospitals Take courses in art, as well as courses in utilizes the creative process of art to enhance Nursing homes psychology, social work, education, and child functioning in individuals experiencing mental or Mental health facilities and family studies. physical diffi culties. It combines the creation of art Rehabilitation centers A master's degree and coursework in art therapy with theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Nonprofi t organizations from a program accredited by The American Art (Adapted from AATA resources.) Community agencies and centers Therapy Association (AATA) is required to enter Schools, colleges, and universities the fi eld. Correctional facilities Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting. Domestic violence and homeless shelters Learn to work well with many types of people and Art studios develop excellent communication skills. Private practice Cultivate a strong sense of empathy, patience, and interpersonal skills. Learn to work in a team environment. MEDIA Journalism: Newspapers Develop excellent grammar and writing skills along Production Magazines with knowledge of the history and culture of art. Design Websites Learn HTML and other computer programs to pre- Art Criticism Book publishers pare for online work. This area of journalism is Editing growing while print is declining. Art Direction Become comfortable working in a deadline-oriented Sales atmosphere. Programming Work with campus or local newspapers. Create a Video portfolio of work samples, especially those that Illustration have been published. Animation/Cartoons Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions. PHOTOGRAPHY Fine Arts Museums Develop profi ciency with photo editing software. News Newspapers Because more than half of all professional Commercial and Industrial Magazines photographers are self-employed, it is important Portrait Websites to develop knowledge and understanding of busi- Nature Photo agencies ness principles. Scientifi c Studios Apprentice with a free-lance photographer. Libraries Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of both black and Large corporations white and color photography. Self-employed Obtain an internship or part-time job with the cam- pus newspaper, local newspaper, website or other media outlet. (Art, Page 4)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

ART SALES Self-employed Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range Dealers of people. Take additional courses in interper- Galleries sonal communication and public speaking. Museums Prepare to work independently and to be self- Auction houses motivated. Specialty stores Plan to work irregular and/or long hours. Entrepreneurial spirit, including self-discipline and perseverance, are keys to success. Pursue a business minor to increase knowledge of business principles Obtain sales experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs. Volunteer in museums, membership drives, local galleries, and community outreach programs. Serve as a student assistant in a university gallery.

FASHION AND TEXTILE DESIGN Fashion Design Fabric manufacturers, printers, and converters Most professionals in this fi eld have formalized Fashion Product Development Print design studios education and training in the fi eld of fashion Entrepreneurship Garment suppliers and textile design. Research schools offering Colorists Retailers related programs. Stylists Develop profi ciency using industry specifi c Fabric Development computer software such as CAD systems and Surface Design Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Management Display motivation by designing clothes for yourself Buying and others. Stay up to date on fashion and design trends by following current media related to fashion and textile design. Be able to communicate effectively with different types of people in various functional areas. Expect to work with overseas suppliers. Knowledge of languages, customs, and cultures is helpful. Gain experience by completing internships with design or related fi rms. (Art, Page 5)

GENERAL INFORMATION • A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions. • An art degree can and should be tailored to areas of specialization. • Save artwork for a strong portfolio - too much is better than too little. • Be prepared to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist. • Join art-related professional and student organizations. • Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts. • Gain valuable experience through volunteering, internships, part-time and summer jobs, and apprenticeships. • Seek exposure to art by visiting museums around the country and world. • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas. Learn to network. • Pair an art degree with other career interests to increase opportunities and provide supplemental income. • According to the Department of Labor, 62% of Artists are self-employed. • Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability. • A career in the arts takes dedication, patience, fl exibility, talent, and some luck.

© 1992 The University of Tennessee Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1992, Revised 1999, 2004, 2010) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer