Do you wonder what jobs you can get with your art degree?
It’s a question that’s boggled the minds of art students worldwide. How do I know what to do after my art degree? For art students, in particular, the question of what jobs you can get with an art degree can be a bit of a daunting one. The creative industries are very competitive. Few students go on to become professional artists – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Even if pursuing the dream of becoming a full-time artist isn’t for you, that doesn’t mean that you can’t utilise your art degree in other ways.
There’s a huge array of jobs in the creative fields which may be suitable for you. It all depends on how you apply the skills you’ve acquired through your degree and where your interests lie. Contrary to popular belief, studying Visual Art (or any art-related degree for that matter) doesn’t simply teach you how to apply paint to a canvas or how to sketch a figure. The theoretical side of your degree enables you to apply a plethora of skills to your practice. If you put your work into the correct context you’ve gained analytical, observational, reasoning and research skills.
There are plenty of jobs which require an artistic flair and attention to detail. These are often well suited to graduates with an art degree. Here are just a few of the possible career paths you can explore, using your new skills to thrive in.
1. Curator/Exhibitions Assistant
There are plenty of jobs in the creative arts sector that allow you to work in a thriving, cultural environment. Roles such as a curator for art galleries or an exhibitions assistant. Even an administrative assistant or gallery assistant gives you first-hand experience of the arts industry. It also provides the ability to understand the exhibition creation and hanging process.
2. Illustrator
If you prefer to create visual content for a career, you could work as an illustrator either in-house or freelance could be the perfect job. Using drawing skills you’ll create work to briefs and create illustrative designs for books, campaigns, adverts, film, whilst still maintaining creative freedom.
3. Graphic Designer
Just like illustrators, graphic designers can work for a company or freelance, and work towards creative briefs. You’ll spend time understanding a brand and designing anything from logos to websites according to individual client needs.
4. Art Teacher or Art Therapist
Working as an art teacher or art therapist offers a more educationally and socially focused career. A career path that can give an alternative outlook to the arts industry. You’ll use your practical skills to work alongside others and guide them wherever necessary.
5. Photographer
Many artists (even whilst still studying) choose to experiment with photography. Some of those create fine art photographic prints to be sold in exhibitions. Although this is slightly more difficult to do full-time, there are plenty of commercial photographer jobs. These roles can lead to even more creative or art direction opportunities. Wedding, sports, fashion or music photographs can earn well and build up a reputable client base with a killer portfolio.
6. Jobs in Advertising and Marketing
Certain marketing jobs require creative thinkers and those with analytical skills. Visual skills are imperative in designing campaigns and digital content. You need to make sure it’s both on-brand and captivating. This allows you to use your artistic flair to reach an audience.
7. Full-Time Artist
If you’re truly dedicated to making a career as an artist then there’s no reason not to pursue it. Most professional artists are self-employed or have a residency placement. They tend to focus on a particular brief or line of work. It is important to be self-motivated. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of your materials and techniques to effectively embark on the pathway to being an artist. Make sure you have a strong portfolio. It should showcase a range of talent and skills to open yourself to a broad range of opportunities. It can take a long time to establish yourself as an artist. Ensure you keep developing your work and your unique style.
8. Contrado Creative
If you’re wondering what jobs you can get with an art degree, but maybe don’t want to live and breathe art every single moment of the day, then there are solutions for you too. In fact, becoming a Contrado Creative is ideal both for those who want to focus solely on art as well as those who want to divide their time.
How, you might ask? Well, you design the art and upload it to the Contrado user-friendly design interface. Choose the product that you would like to put your piece on, and add it to your collection. With your very own storefront, Contrado will print and handmake the products as and when your customers place an order. We’ll even ship it out for you. You’ll earn (at least) 20% commission on everything that is sold as well as maintain the copyright for the art. That leaves you much more time to focus on creating great art. Or to focus on something else entirely – the choice is entirely yours.
Jobs you can get with an art degree
There’s a wide selection of jobs you can get with an art degree. Everyone has certain strengths and can apply them in different ways. Explore a variety of pathways. Find out what’s right for you and even take further courses. This is great if something has piqued your interest. It’s always possible (and quite common) to try a variety of career paths. Don’t worry if you can’t settle on one thing.
