Careers Involving Art

Seeing the world through the eyes of an artist can lead to lucrative careers in a variety of venues. Artists are motivated to express their talent through careers in design, photography and education as well as the traditional role of painter. Artists are also writers, actors, musicians, cooks and teachers. Creative careers involving art impact lives and enhance a person's surroundings.

Identification

Traditionally, the word "artist" brought to mind someone standing in front of a canvas balancing a palette of paint in one hand and a brush in the other. Today the term is used to define anyone with talent, skill and imagination. Singers, designers, writers, filmmakers, photographers, cooks, actors and musicians are all artists. The person holding several cans of spray paint in front of a blank concrete wall is also an artist, as is the person creating the stained glass mosaic for your pool.

Function

The functions of an artist include creating aesthetic value where there was none before, elevating consciousness through the written word or film, and offering insight to human emotions through a picture or a performance.

Types

There are many different types of careers involving art. Performing artists include actors on stage, film and television as well as singers, dancers and musicians. Visual artists have careers as designers, photographers, painters, filmmakers and florists, among many others. The design field has many different facets, from interior and set design to clothing design, jewelry design and wedding design. Artists are also crafters, working with mediums such as stained glass, clay and beads. Sketch artists help catch the bad guys while window designers can make people stop and look with wonder. Artists who teach inspire the next generation through education and exposure.

Considerations

Becoming an artist is something that can be learned through dedication and practice. Talent is also a consideration, but if you weren't born to sing or dance, there are coaches and classes to help you hone your skill. Having an innate ability to paint like Picasso is not a prerequisite to becoming a working artist. Talent is cultivated through experience and training born from a desire to create something special.

Benefits

Many people with artistic careers will tell you that they love their job. Personal expression through creativity is an outlet for the soul and allows people to enhance their lives with beauty, insight and emotion. Whether you are a chef creating comfort food, a photographer snapping the perfect pose or a writer offering words of wisdom, your career as an artist can be beneficial for you and for society.

Resources

• Directory of Art Schools