Visual Art Careers: A Guide for Aspiring Artists

If you are passionate about creating art and want to make a living out of it, you might be wondering what kind of careers are available for you in the visual arts field. Visual arts are a broad category that includes various forms of art that rely on visual perception, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, design, and more. Visual artists can work in different industries and sectors, such as entertainment, fashion, marketing, education, and culture.

In this article, we will explore the definition of visual art, the benefits and challenges of pursuing a visual art career, the skills and qualifications you need to succeed as a visual artist, and some of the most popular and lucrative visual art careers you can choose from. We will also provide some tips and resources on how to find and apply for visual art jobs, and how to build your portfolio and online presence as a visual artist.

Key Takeaways

• Visual art is a diverse and creative field that offers many opportunities for artistic expression and professional growth.
• Visual artists can work in various settings and industries, such as art galleries, museums, studios, production companies, marketing agencies, fashion brands, and more.
• Visual art careers require a combination of artistic talent, technical skills, communication skills, and business acumen.
• Some of the most common visual art careers are graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, animator, art director, and curator.
• To pursue a visual art career, you need to have a strong portfolio of your work, a relevant degree or certification, and a network of contacts and clients.
• You can find visual art jobs on various online platforms, such as Behance, Indeed, Creative Hotlist, Dribbble, and more.

What is Visual Art?

Visual art is a term that encompasses various forms of art that are created and appreciated through sight. Visual art can be divided into two main categories: fine arts and applied arts.

Fine arts are art forms that are created for aesthetic and expressive purposes, rather than for practical or commercial use. Examples of fine arts are painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. Fine arts are often displayed in art galleries, museums, and public spaces, and are valued for their originality, beauty, and cultural significance.

Applied arts are art forms that are created for a specific function or context, such as design, architecture, crafts, and film. Examples of applied arts are graphic design, interior design, fashion design, industrial design, and animation. Applied arts are often used in various industries and sectors, such as entertainment, marketing, education, and culture, and are valued for their utility, efficiency, and innovation.

Visual art can also be classified by the medium or technique used to create it, such as:

• Painting: The art of applying paint, pigment, or other substances to a surface, such as canvas, paper, or wood, using brushes, knives, or other tools. Painting can be done in various styles, such as realism, impressionism, expressionism, abstract, and more.
• Drawing: The art of creating images, shapes, or forms on a surface, such as paper, cardboard, or metal, using pencils, pens, markers, or other instruments. Drawing can be done in various styles, such as sketching, doodling, cartooning, and more.
• Sculpture: The art of creating three-dimensional objects or figures from materials, such as clay, stone, metal, wood, or plastic, using tools, such as chisels, hammers, knives, or molds. Sculpture can be done in various styles, such as figurative, abstract, kinetic, and more.
• Photography: The art of capturing images of people, places, or things using a camera or other device that records light. Photography can be done in various styles, such as portrait, landscape, wildlife, documentary, and more.
• Design: The art of planning, creating, and arranging visual elements, such as text, images, colors, shapes, and fonts, to communicate a message, idea, or concept. Design can be done in various fields, such as graphic design, web design, logo design, and more.
• Architecture: The art of designing, constructing, and decorating buildings, structures, or spaces, such as houses, offices, bridges, or parks, using materials, such as brick, stone, wood, glass, or metal. Architecture can be done in various styles, such as classical, modern, postmodern, and more.
• Crafts: The art of making decorative or functional objects by hand, using materials, such as clay, yarn, paper, or beads, and techniques, such as pottery, knitting, origami, or jewelry making. Crafts can be done in various styles, such as folk, ethnic, contemporary, and more.
• Film: The art of creating moving images, sounds, and stories, using a camera, microphone, and editing software, to entertain, inform, or educate an audience. Film can be done in various genres, such as drama, comedy, horror, action, and more.

Visual art can also be influenced by various factors, such as culture, history, society, technology, and personal preference. Visual art can reflect the values, beliefs, emotions, and experiences of the artist and the audience, and can have various impacts, such as aesthetic, emotional, intellectual, social, and political. Visual art can also be a source of inspiration, enjoyment, and learning for both the creator and the viewer.