If you are trying to turn your passion for art into a career, going for high-paying careers in art will be a good start. In this guide, we’ll go over the most popular artist jobs and careers. Keep reading to know more!
As an art student, there are several positions you can consider after graduation. If you haven’t decided in which specific area to study, knowing the average salary that art students can expect in the job market can help you steer yourself in the right direction.
This article explains what an art major is and explores some of the highest-paying jobs for those with an art degree.
Table of contents
- What Does an Art Major Study?
- What Art Careers and Jobs are in Demand?
- How to Get Art Jobs?
- What are the Highest Paying Art Jobs?
- #1 Art Director
- #2 Art Agent/Business Manager
- #3 Art Teachers/Professor
- #4 Commercial Artist
- #5 Animator
- #6 Interior Designer
- #7 Graphic Designer
- #8 Advertising Designer
- #9 Freelance Writer
- #10 Art Gallery Dealer
- #11 Landscape Architects
- #12 Fashion Designers
- #13 Makeup Artists
- #14 Product Designer
- #15 Art Therapist
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What Does an Art Major Study?
An art major studies an official course program to earn a fine arts or media diploma. While fine art would include fields of study such as film, painting, or sculpture, multimedia art. Which include graphic design, animation, and other similar fields.
Subjects for art students include history, painting, design, and photography. You can major in art at various institutions, including four-year universities or online. In addition, you can get everything from an art certificate to an arts doctorate.
The art studio field leaves openings as it covers a large number of subjects. For example, with an arts degree, you can become a graphic designer, animator, art critic, or textile designer.
If Art is not the Career you choose to then you should check out these 15 Highest Paying Careers In Finance
What Art Careers and Jobs are in Demand?
Students who specialize in the arts certainly know how to follow their muse, but what jobs can they get with their diploma after finishing college? This list of the best and highest-paying arts jobs shows that an art degree can guide you toward a profitable professional career.
If you can take advantage of your art degree to make it to the executive table, you can earn a penny. About twenty-five percent of creative services vice presidents have a bachelor’s degree in media studies, and the average salary for this career is six digits.
Other popular and well-paid artist jobs include fashion designers, product managers, and advertising managers.
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How to Get Art Jobs?
Graduates who complete studies in artistic disciplines acquire a versatile degree that offers a solid educational foundation means increasing valuable skills and experiences.
Earning an arts degree provides individuals with the opportunity to establish long-term, secure careers in high-tech industries.
Since most employers are looking for candidates with strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills, careers in art are among the candidates most appreciated by various organizations and companies.
Due to the many disciplines available to students who want to have a career in arts, the top 15 high-paying careers and jobs in arts majors will help them choose the best educational path to maximize earning potential.
Not surprisingly, pairing artistic talent with STEM skills for a tech job as a user experience manager earns you a salary in the six-figure range. About ten percent of UX directors have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. So learning a little computer programming while studying art can be worth it.
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What are the Highest Paying Art Jobs?
What are some high-paying art jobs? If this is what you seek to know, then you have come to the right place.
An arts and humanities degree opens the door to media, education, art/design and entertainment careers. Examine the areas of marketing and advertising for the highest-paying social science jobs and consider art direction for the highest-paying arts jobs.
The arts and humanities emphasize critical and analytical thinking skills, creativity, and communication, skills that professionals can use in almost any industry. This article explores high-demand jobs in the humanities and high-demand art jobs in today’s market.
Here is a list of the High Paying Career in Art:
#1 Art Director
Job Description
Art directors are the executives who design and direct visual or image designs, illustrations, graphics, graphics, and styles for productions. Most importantly, Art directors oversee the planning, conceptual design, and design of photos, advertisements, and visuals for magazines. As well as newspapers, packaging, film sets, or television productions.
They also review and approve work submitted by design and graphics staff. Equally, work closely with clients to meet artistic and stylistic needs, and submit designs for approval. As well as coordinate projects within various creative and customer service departments.
Education Requirement:
Art directors must have at least a bachelor’s degree in art, design, photography, or a related discipline combined with previous work experience to be eligible for employment.
Many also complete a master of business administration or a master of fine arts degree to obtain employment in administrative positions.
Salary
Art directors’ incomes range from $42,840 to $163,430 per year and this makes them one of high paying careers in art.
#2 Art Agent/Business Manager
Job Description
Art brokers and business leaders are experts in the art industry who stay on top of industry trends and represent artists to clients and prospective employers. They also value the talents of individuals or groups of artists.
In addition, Art agents and business leaders offer strategic planning to advance their clients’ careers, and manage contract and payment negotiations. Equally, organize meetings with clients and employers, write contracts, and organize trips, and travel arrangements.
As well as hosting direct marketing campaigns, overseeing advertising and public relations efforts, scheduling meetings, and promotional opportunities for clients. And managing the financial affairs of your clients by collecting fees, commissions, and payments.
Education Requirement:
Art agents and business leaders often complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in art history and work as artists until they acquire the work experience and talents necessary to access positions agent.
Salary
The income of art agents and business leaders is based on commission rates ranging from 10 to 20% of the sale value of the art. Salaries generally range from $41,740 to $116,370 per year.
#3 Art Teachers/Professor
Job Description
Art teachers offer specialized instruction and advanced art-based experience to college and university students. They plan, develop, and teach lesson plans, and assignments.
Also, Art teachers improve students’ knowledge and skills through teaching and evaluating progress, sit on college committees, and advise students on achieving and reaching their goals.
In addition, high school art teachers also conduct research, propose critical reviews, analyze documents and illustrations, and publish results in scholarly articles to advance the field and stay current in the art industry.
Education Requirement for Employment
Art teachers must complete at least a master’s degree in visual arts education or art history combined with work experience to obtain employment in two-year community colleges.
However, large colleges and universities generally prefer applicants who complete a doctoral program to be considered for employment.
Salary
Art teachers generally earn $45,370 to $88,290 per year.
#4 Commercial Artist
Job Description
Commercial art is one of the high-paying careers in art. Commercial artists are responsible for developing and creating graphics and images used in advertising campaigns, print and online magazines, and packaging materials.
Also, commercial artists interpret basic conceptual ideas based on employer or customer descriptions and produce various drafts to meet customer needs using freehand sketches or computer design programs.
Most importantly, commercial artists work closely with clients, supervisors, and other staff to generate ideas, refine designs, and improve their understanding of target markets, budget issues, planning goals, and project goals.
In addition, commercial artists can work independently as freelancers or in advertising companies, publishing houses, graphic design companies, and other organizations.
Education Requirement:
Many commercial artists are required to complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in commercial art to qualify for an entry-level job.
Salary
Commercial artists generally have an annual salary of $43,980 to $85,160.
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#5 Animator
Job Description
Animators are responsible for developing, creating, and producing movies used for websites, video games, movies, and television projects. Equally, Animators use specialized computer software, computer graphics, and hand drawings to design and produce 2D and 3D animations for storyboards, models, and characters.
Animators also design ads for use on the Internet to attract and direct online visitors to various websites.
Education Requirement:
Qualification for entry-level positions as facilitators requires completion of high school level studies in artistic or computer graphics disciplines combined with work experience and strong technical skills.
Salary
Animators’ salary range from $45,750 to $82,860 per year.
#6 Interior Designer
Job Description
Interior designers are professionals who combine functionality, security, style and beauty to create aesthetic interior spaces. Interior designers work closely with clients to determine the goals and purpose of a project.
They also design sketches by hand or by software, select materials, and furniture, and predict that space will meet customer needs. Similarly, they also oversee all aspects of projects to ensure time efficiency, budget constraints, and good installation.
Most importantly, Interior designers work with contractors, architects, and structural engineers to ensure spaces meet customer specifications, building codes, and inspection standards.
Many interior designers specialize in particular structures, rooms, or styles to transform spaces. Using colors, fabrics, furniture, floors, wall coverings, lighting, finishes, and other elements in offices, private homes, and public spaces.
Education Requirement:
Interior designers must complete a bachelor’s or associate program in interior design, drawing, or computer-aided design to establish their careers. Some may even complete master’s degrees for advanced positions.
Salary
Interior designers earn salaries ranges from $35,320 to $65,960 per year.
#7 Graphic Designer
Job Description
A career as a graphic designer is one of the profitable and high paying careers in the art field. Graphic designers are the creators of graphics and other visual images for public and private organizations. They analyze customer needs, create visual images, and produce illustrations, text, animations, and promotional material used for logos, displays, ads, marketing brochures, and signage.
Most importantly, graphic designers use specialized computer programs and hand-sketched designs for online and print magazines, websites, newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
Above all, they work closely with advertising and promotion professionals, public relations specialists, marketing representatives and other members of the creative teams
Education Requirement:
Graphic designers often start at entry-level positions at the end of bachelor’s programs in fine art or graphic design.
Salary
Graphic designers have annual salaries of $33,410 to $59,410 per year.
#8 Advertising Designer
Job Description
Advertising designers are public relations professionals who plan, develop, and produce advertisements for print and online publications. Ad designers work closely with clients to create images using creativity and visuals such as photos, animations, sounds, illustrations, and photos.
They also research target markets to ensure that their creations attract specific demographics to meet cultural, social, physical, and cognitive standards. Ad designers generally must create and present multiple designs and sketches to clients before approving the final design.
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Education Requirement:
Training to become an advertising designer requires a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, advertising, photography, or related disciplines.
Salary
Advertising designers’ incomes range from $33,960 to $58,400 per year.
#9 Freelance Writer
Job Description
Freelance writers are researchers and preparers of articles, stories, books, and content for online and print publications, radio, and television. They work independently to collect information, sometimes to conduct interviews, review opinions, report facts, create content, provide technical instructions. And to also edit or review final drafts before sending them to one or more companies and organizations under contract.
Many specialize in technical writing, journalism, creative writing, and other areas of communication to establish a niche and improve employability.
Education Requirement:
Freelance writers must often complete at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism, in English or in other fields of the arts and humanities. Some freelance writing positions do not require a diploma, but do require creativity, dedication, and motivation.
Salary
Freelance writers generally earn $28,610 to $55,420 per year.
#10 Art Gallery Dealer
Job Description
Art gallery owners are experts in the art industry who buy and sell works of art. They work closely with artists, critics, collectors, curators, auction houses, and museums in independent, autonomous companies that nurture talent, represent clients, and associate work with buyers.
In addition, art gallery dealers facilitate contact between art professionals, create sales proposals, and set standards for accreditation or membership in industry associations. They must keep up with industry trends, changes, and progress, and often contribute to market influences.
Also, art gallery owners frequently travel to international venues to attend auctions, exhibitions, and studios to buy works for galleries and collectors. Many specialize in illustrations from exclusive periods, styles, or regions.
Education Requirement:
Art gallery owners generally need to earn advanced graduate degrees in art history and gain work experience as art critics. Or art academics to gain the educational and professional experiences necessary to qualify for a job.
Salary
Art gallery owners often earn commission-based salaries with annual earnings ranging from $30,000 to $70,000.
#11 Landscape Architects
Job Description
These architects design parks, gardens, playgrounds, green roofs, and other outdoor spaces for campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, governments, and private homes.
To do this, they meet with clients, prepare site plans and specifications, choose landscaping materials, and analyze environmental reports on the state of the land. For example, concerning drainage and energy consumption.
Also, landscape architects design outdoor spaces for residential and commercial sites, as well as parks, airports, pavements, and gardens.
Education Requirement:
To become a landscape architect, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a state-issued license, which generally requires the completion of an internship. All states require a landscape architect license. Although educational requirements vary from state to state, most require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Salary
The BLS expects the number of jobs to increase by 16 percent between 2010 and 2020. The median salary was $69,360 per year for landscape architects.
#12 Fashion Designers
Job Description
These workers create original designs for new clothes, shoes, or other accessories. They draw their ideas and designs, select the fabrics and patterns used to produce the item, and the production techniques used to bring it to life, and then transform the pieces into a collection that will appeal to consumers and retailers.
Fashion design is an increasingly popular career as consumers seek unique yet affordable clothing to showcase their style. If you have a design degree and a talent for clothing, this career might be the best option for you.
Education Requirement:
Most fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fashion design or fashion marketing. Developing a solid portfolio or collection of design ideas that demonstrate your styles and technical skills can also help you win a gig without this training, as many employers rely on it to make hiring decisions.
Most fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fashion design or fashion marketing. Employers generally seek creative candidates with technical knowledge of the clothing, accessories, or shoes production process.
Salary
Fashion Designers earn about $73,790 per year or $35.48 per hour. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average fashion designer can expect to earn $67,420.
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#13 Makeup Artists
Job Description
These workers can apply makeup to clients for events such as weddings, proms, or other events, or transform the faces and bodies of artists to look like any character in any period, decor, or situation.
Most importantly, they use their artistic skills to prepare actors for their roles by applying makeup, blush, or other makeup.
Those specializing in stage or theater makeup have higher salaries, but many talented makeup artists have found well-paid concerts working with celebrities.
Education Requirement:
Although many complete a cosmetology program, little formal education is required to become a makeup artist. Any makeup artist who is also a cosmetologist must be licensed. Dramatic degree programs, which generally include makeup courses on stage, can also be another entryway into the profession.
Salary
The BLS predicts that makeup artists will see a job growth rate of 7% to 10% through 2028, which is faster than average. Finally, Makeup Artists earn about $81,600 per year or $39.23 per hour.
#14 Product Designer
Job Description
Product designers are responsible for designing an old or new consumer product. They create product specifications based on feedback from internal and external partners, design a product, and design it to completion.
Product designers also research various product creation techniques, test the functionality of a product, and improve the design of older products.
Product designers must have strong communication and technical skills, attention to detail, and general visual design skills.
Education Requirement:
A bachelor’s degree is usually the only requirement for a career in industrial design. However, master’s degrees are increasingly widespread and represent an advantage because the industrial design is becoming an increasingly competitive industry.
Salary
Production Designers earns $97,162 per year.
#15 Art Therapist
Job Description
Art therapists work with people struggling with mental health, addiction, behavior, or communication problems, or recovering from brain illness or injury.
Most importantly, therapists encourage them to use art to explore and understand their feelings and find a way to move forward in their lives. It’s about using an activity that people may find easier than talking about their experiences, rather than training them as artists.
Also, art therapists work in schools, hospitals, prisons, and rehabilitation units, and can develop specialties like working with children or people with autism.
Education Requirement:
To become an art therapist, you will generally need a degree in art and design, or to start a career in psychology, nursing, or social work.
Salary
Art Therapist earns $48,220 per year or $23.18 per hour.
Conclusion
The article above highlights some of the high-paying careers in art. Do well to go through them and find the one that best suits your career goal.
References
- bestcollegesonline.org – Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs for Arts Majors
- cnbc.com – 15 high-paying jobs for creative people
- indeed.com – 10 High-Paying Jobs for Art Majors
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