How To Make A Career As A Visual Artist

By Ashis Jain


Many visual artists are self-employed according to the available statistics as compared with those who are on payroll. A visual artist has different types of specialization to choose from. These specializations include multimedia, animations, crafts, art direction and animations. A college degree or a post secondary course in visual arts is necessary for one to qualify in most visual art jobs. Many people out there have these qualifications and therefore there is a big competition for jobs in this field.

To start a career in visual arts, it is good to shape up when still in high school by taking art related classes. Art history classes will be very helpful as well. You can opt for an art history class at a community college if you cannot access it in high school.

Business skills are also important. So you will need to take business classes as well as English skills. These skills will help you if for instance and have to write a grant application to help you develop your business in future.

Practical experience is equally important in this case. Participate in extra-curricular and leisure activities to add to your visual arts knowledge. Visit photo galleries, photo trade fairs and museums frequently to improve your knowledge. If you are in high school or something, consider joining the school theater groups or work for the school yearbook.

Unlike colleges and universities, art and design schools emphasize generally on practical skills more than the theory part. Some people have succeeded without a certificate or college degree but it is still best to get one for you to improve your chances of being employed. Most studio art classes have lately included computer graphics and software programs to their curricula. It will also be beneficial to take premedical courses if you intend to specialize in medical illustrating specialty. An art director will need to take classes in art direction or art administration.

Building your own portfolio is the ultimate thing any person who wants to develop a career in visual arts. This is very important in any art related career path. You need to put your photos, drawings, painting, prints and any other own media in order to promote your portfolio. Your portfolio will be the one to show your best skills whether you are a freelance illustrator, fine artist or any other specialty.

The best way to begin your professional career is by finding an entry level job or look for freelance clients in case you are a freelance illustrator. Ask most of the artists and most of them will tell you they began freelancing as students and increased their client base as time went by until they became professionals.

Starting on less challenging jobs will help you improve your skills with time. The Bureau of labor statistics has shown that multimedia artists will have the best job opportunities by the year 2018. It goes ahead to project an increase of jobs by 14 percent.




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