Career Options for Studio Art
There are many exciting careers for our art & design students.
Art Education
This is a good career for those who are self-starters, fairly outgoing, patient and upbeat, and who enjoy working closely with children as well as other adults. Employers tell us those who are competent in many different media, with both 2-D and 3-D skills, are more flexible and will find a first job faster. Artists with very strong preferences for media like photography, ceramics, sculpture, fiber, or metals often fit best in a large art department in a bigger high school.
Illustration
This is for those students with good drawing and painting skills. Illustrations can begin as art in any medium that can be photographed or scanned, including collage, assemblage, digital, and fiber. However, employers tell us that good representational skills, and cartooning skills, make you a more flexible employee.
Electronic Art / Graphic Design
This is a good career for those with strong two-dimensional design skills who desire a specialty in electronic art, for use in web design or print layout. Employers tell us that good communication skills, attention to detail, accurate proofreading, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential. It’s a good fit for someone who works well under pressure and can take suggestions and criticism from others.
Art History & Visual Arts Management
This is a career for those who want their work lives to reflect their love of art, literature, and history; who wish to teach art history; who want to work in museums, art centers, or galleries; and who look forward to working with artists, works of art, and others who value these. Employers tell us strong skills in reading and research, written and oral communication, visual discrimination, and organization are important.
Entrepreneur
This is a good career for those interested in building a strong foundation in design and drawing, an understanding of the rich heritage of visual art through art history, and extensive study in one medium. Self-starters capable of completing a sizable business and writing component will have the skills to own and operate their own businesses. Competence in business practice, accounting, marketing, contracts, planning, and retailing is a must in this field. Our alumni have built businesses in graphic design, photography, ceramics, wildlife illustration, silkscreening, sign making, weaving, wearable art, sculpture, and faux and decorative painting.
