A fine arts degree is a great accomplishment for an aspiring professional artist, however after graduating it is sometimes unclear of what jobs can be pursued.
Before you end up as a “starving artist”, take a look at these possible job opportunities for passionate art graduates!
#1 – Museum Curator
If you love the idea of art history and curating collections, this is a great career option. Museums need curators, art educators and gallery or exhibition managers.
Many artists end up really enjoying curating art collections and education programs for visitors. It can be a very fulfilling use of your passion and skills.
#2 – Art Critic
As an art critic, you can provide a professional opinion for clients and clients, as well as tell them why an artwork or museum exhibit is worth viewing. You could even take a university course to become certified as an art critic. If you have the credentials, there’s an art job out there for you!
#3 – Art Dealer
In a similar way to being a critic, you can evaluate and provide a professional opinion for clients and potential customers. However, you don’t need to be a university-level grad to work as an art dealer. You can also work as an independent art dealer or work for a dealer. As long as you have the credentials, you can be a dealer!
#4 – Fine Artist
This career is for those who are looking to not only make art but also sell it. As a fine artist, you’ll need to put your work in shops and galleries. It can be lucrative as well, with the most lucrative market being those who want fine art but also have the money to pay for it!
#5 – Graphic Designer
If you have an eye for art and can create visuals that excite others, you may be a great fit for a graphic designer.
Here’s a breakdown of how graphic designers create great art and design graphics.
They create graphics to educate viewers, they’re in charge of presenting what others want to know and understand, and are their own boss.
Creating graphics for clients often entails creating logos, mockups, and developing infographics.
#6 – Creative Director
Creative directors, as well as the similar (but different) job of Art Director, are senior level positions across many different sectors, like motion pictures, film, advertising and media. Creative directors handle all aspects of a firms visual branding and messaging.
As it’s a senior position, you’ll likely want to start at a more junior level such as an junior Graphic Designer.
Find out more at our guide on How to Become a Creative Director.
#7 – Art Teacher
As an art teacher, you can mold young minds with the love of art. You can have a hands-on role in the classroom and use your art knowledge to teach.
All art teachers have extensive arts educational background, usually in either teaching art or studio art.
There are several different types of art teachers, including:
- Early Childhood Art Education
- Elementary School Art Teacher
- Middle School and High School Art Teachers
Many localities will offer some type of teaching positions to people with bachelors degrees, but if you want to pursue it as a long term career path, consider also going for a postgraduate art education degree.
#8 – Artist-in-residence
Artists-in-residence are usually part of larger, for-profit art institutions, such as museums. An artist-in-residence helps to foster and maintain the organization’s image through the art that they make, inspire, and display. Although a residency doesn’t pay, most of the person’s artistic supplies are provided. Most artists-in-residence are in a position to have jobs later.
#9 – Art Assistant
Art assistants might be the best way to get your foot in the door of the art industry. If you plan on pursuing a career in the fine art industry filled with exclusive art galleries, networking is the most important aspect. Being an assistant for a popular artist or art gallery can be a great way to grow your network and build your resume.
#10 – Photographer
Photography is a fine art that can be taught in the classroom and taught by real pros. Anyone can learn the basics, but if you want to work in the field, experience is paramount. A degree from an accredited art school will get you your foot in the door, but you should endeavor to get real world experience as much as possible.
Thankfully in today’s world you can get lots of exposure on sites like Instagram, Pinterest, 500px and Unsplash. Landing your first few clients and building up your portfolio can help you land a full-time job or start growing a freelance business.
#11 – Art Therapist
Health care professionals are always in high demand. A certified art therapist’s skill with a paintbrush can help him/her support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Art therapy is the art-based treatment for many mental disorders.
From art and therapeutic parks to specialized art therapy programs for all ages, you can apply your degree in art to a job in this fast-growing industry.
#12 – Art Curator
A curator is a well-known, skilled and inspiring member of the art world. At this level, you get to oversee an art gallery, as well as selecting art for that gallery.
Curating is a highly creative, involved and rewarding position in the art world. You can make your career as a curator by specializing in different art genres.
#13 – Art Museum Technician
One of the best ways to stay involved in the art world is by working at a museum or gallery. MTRs are often responsible for maintaining museum exhibits and caring for permanent collections. They may also be responsible for maintaining some of the galleries themselves, which can be a challenging task.
#14 – Art Historian
Do you love history? Perhaps history will become your passion while you study art history. You might even decide that you’d rather do art than history! This is one of the most important art jobs available to grads. If you love history, you can learn everything you need to know about the field. This means reading a lot, researching and writing a lot, and training with industry professionals.
#15 – Interior Designer
Designing a home or office can bring you the kind of creative fulfillment you want. A design degree is the best tool for establishing a solid art career. Job titles include: designer, interior designer, and even artist or designer of studios.
#16 – Videographer
Many fine arts degrees offer courses on video production. If these courses piqued your interest as an art student, perhaps you could consider a job as a videographer or video producer. In that position you’ll be responsible for creating video packages of artistic work, contributing to the creative process in coordination with writers, actors, set designers/etc.
You can try out videography by starting a YouTube channel. It’s a good way to get an initial foot in the door, because you can start uploading videos and getting feedback right away.
It’s also a niche that is prime for freelance and side hustle gigs, such as wedding videography and music videos.
Before you start working as a video producer, make sure you have the necessary tools. You’ll need to learn to edit, shoot, and post content on a variety of websites.
#17 – Illustrator
One of the most common positions for students in the visual arts is an illustrator. The job allows an artist to develop a strong sense of illustration skills before working in an industry with a high demand for art.
Some illustrators work as freelancers, while others work for a single client. Most are freelance, which is a good opportunity for artists who prefer to work on their own schedule, and make some money while pursuing a full time job.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless for those art graduates that have a passion for their creativity and a drive to find a place in the art world. These are just a handful of the fulfilling creative jobs that an artist could pursue.
If you’ve found your niche that you want to go after, you can start looking at Creative Art Job Boards for job listings in your area.
We wish you the best of luck!