Commercial Artist Description
Since the beginning of time, artists have been appreciated in all cultures for their ability to create beautiful carvings, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Artists have also been employed to design and create objects we use in everyday life, such as dishware, pottery and furniture. Today, commercial artists have stepped into the role of graphic designer, illustrator and animator for businesses and governments seeking new ways to visually stimulate and persuade their target audiences.
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Function
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Commercial artists form the backbone of a company's graphic design, creative and artistic department. These professionals develop the images, layouts and illustrations that appear on commercial products, print advertisements, flyers, videos, television commercials, films and websites. For example, a commercial artist might supervise the design of a business report or magazine. Commercial artists also design CD covers, stationary, presentations and company logos.
Work Environment
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Because commercial artists create and design marketing collateral that is used to promote products or messaging, they typically work with newspapers, magazines, advertising and graphic design agencies, and consumer product companies. It is also common for commercial artists to work on a freelance basis.
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Skills
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Since commercial artists work closely with clients, they must be able to work in teams and communicate with different personalities. Commercial artists should be versatile and highly proficient in the latest graphic design software programs. These professionals should be able draw upon a wide range of creative skills and knowledge, and have a solid understanding of the principles of art. In addition, commercial artists must be highly attentive, detail-oriented and able to meet constant deadlines.
Salary
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According to SchoolsintheUSA.com, the typical salary for an entry-level commercial artist is $23,830 as of April 2010. However, commercial artists have the potential to make more than $85,000 as they gain experience and progress in their careers. Overall, the average salary for commercial artists is $43,980.
Potential
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Commercial artists can pursue career opportunities in cartoonist, visual artist and book illustrator positions. Working with animation for computer and video game companies are also career options for commercial artists. With additional experience and a substantial art portfolio, commercial artists can move into supervisory roles or launch their own design firms. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for artists and other related roles is expected to increase by 12 percent until 2018.
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References
- Photo Credit art image by Svetlin Rusev from Fotolia.com
