Graduates with a degree in visual arts can engage in many occupations that have nothing to do with galleries. Visual arts students who want to become rich and famous in the future should understand that it is very difficult to achieve this goal, whether as artists or designers, because many people working in the field of art and design have low incomes.
According to the salary statistics of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many American art professionals earn less than $60,000 a year. As of May 20 19, the average annual salary of arts and crafts artists was 48,760 dollars; Interior designer $56,040; Graphic designer 52, 1 10 USD.
Alumni and teachers of the Art College said that although a job in art or design usually doesn't make a person rich, studying for a degree in art or design doesn't condemn a person to poverty. There are many ways to commercialize artistic talents, from designing products that consumers want to buy to advertising for enterprises. According to the data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 20 19, the average annual salary of artistic directors was $94,220, nearly $55,000 higher than that of all professions. The artistic director is a visual artist who creates images, such as brand logos, for publications, product packaging, movies and TV programs.
According to the survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following are some occupations, and the salary of art degree holders can be much higher than that of ordinary jobs, such as:
(1) Art Director: The average annual income exceeds 90,000 USD.
(2) Multimedia artists and animators: The average annual income exceeds $75,000.
(3) Producers and directors: The median income is slightly lower than $75,000.
(4) Fashion designers: The median income is slightly lower than $74,000.
Some jobs combine art and engineering, such as architecture. These occupations require professional degrees and licenses, with an average annual salary of over $80,000. Industrial design jobs-focusing on the idea of developing and manufacturing products-require a combination of creativity and technical savvy, and the median salary of these workers is slightly below $69,000.
There are also some curatorial positions for those who dream of working in art galleries and museums. According to the salary survey of 20 19 Art Museum Directors Association, in North America, the salary of curators at different levels varies greatly. The average salary of curatorial assistants is about $42,000. There are many steps on the career ladder of a curator, and each step usually leads to an increase in salary. The average salary of the chief curator or curator is $65,438+$028,365.
Experts say that although some visual arts and design majors are profitable, potential visual arts students who are mainly interested in money should think twice before studying for an art degree.
Matt Drissell, an associate professor of art and head of the Department of Art and Design at Dortmund University in Iowa, wrote in an email, "If you want a lucrative career, don't become an artist. Newsworthy million-dollar auctions are not common. If you want to be a self-motivated, curious and creative person, and want to be challenged and happy, then accept the art career. "
Dressel received a master's degree in painting from new york Art Institute. He said that the main reward of artistic works is not economic. As many people learned during the period of coronavirus pneumonia, it can be cured and affirmed to deal with life personally through visual arts. Whether in times of turmoil and sadness, or in times of inspiration and joy, sharing creativity widely can build communities. This may not be a profitable road, but it can be meaningful. "
Nevertheless, alumni of the Art College who started their own companies said that artists with entrepreneurial spirit and business mind can sometimes make a lot of money.
Adam "Ace" Moyer, founder and CEO of California sunglasses company Knockaround, said that his life experience showed the possibility of turning art education into a successful business.
Moyer wrote in an email, "I have two degrees in art and studied art in college for seven years, but I have never taken a business class in my life." I made a lot of money. I have a house, a bunch of cool cars, and I spend interesting holidays with my family. I have some friends with business degrees who ask me for business advice. Of course, it also takes some luck. But if I can do it, so can you. "
Mercedes, founder and CEO of ceramic tile company Mercury Ceramics? Mercedes Austin said that she had never met a successful person who was completely driven by money. Austin explained in an email that she took an art course, but left before she got her degree. She said, "I found a career opportunity that matched my intuition. I never think too much, logical thinking. If I can find something that feels right, I know I can build logistics through research, hard work and persistence. "
Annika, a professional painter and famous alumnus of art institute of chicago? Annika Connor said that business thinking allows artists to see opportunities for making money that others may not notice. Connor creates gallery paintings and sells daily necessities such as pillowcases and handbags printed with her paintings through her company's art store in annika.
The color choices on these goods are consistent with her original paintings, but the designs are often abstract versions of the original images. She said that by decorating cheaper items with her own works of art, Connor gained a wider and more diverse audience than other ways, which gave her more sales opportunities.
Connor suggested that aspiring artists should think about whether they are motivated enough to achieve the necessary level of independent work in the art industry.
She said: "No matter what industry you choose, it's hard to work for yourself. You must be ambitious, you must work hard, you must be innovative and you must be organized. " Connor pointed out that professional artists sometimes romanticize their careers so much that they forget the need to make a living. She suggested that artists should remember that their works are both creative and commercial.
She said: "In order to get income and income growth, you need to follow some business principles. You can't expect something to happen just because you want it to happen. "
Connor warned: "Don't have the wrong idea that as long as you are an artist, you don't have to learn any business knowledge." She suggested finding an art project, including a course on how to "survive" in the art field.
Connor added: "Artists need to know how to sell themselves, because no company or individual will care about you as much as they care about their long-term success. In this age where we live, you can't expect to meet a gallery owner who can take care of everything for you. Even if this was feasible before, it is not realistic now. "
Connor pointed out that particularly successful artists can become very rich. She also said: "When people talk about artists, they always think of not having enough to eat and not wearing warm clothes. They never seem to talk about the fact that in the field of art, we are one of the few industries that have no absolute income ceiling on our earning power. When we achieve a certain degree of success, the astronomical returns are unprecedented. "
Jim, President and Co-founder of Zuza Films, Georgia? Jim Rouire said that his art training has brought him many career opportunities. He wrote in the email, "I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Georgia. Thankfully, I've had a job since the day I graduated. In fact, there was a job waiting for me before I got my degree. "
Ruier, who has rich advertising experience, suggested that people with an art degree should consider several employers. He said: "If you have an art degree, an advertising company is a good choice. Design companies have also been looking for talents with art degrees. Even the internal marketing department of big brands. "
Caitlin Vitalo is a sculptor and glass artist, and the education coordinator of Hunterdon Art Museum in New Jersey. She admits that it is very possible for an art degree winner to get a low salary.
Vitalo wrote in the email that it is sometimes difficult to find a job. The salary paid by the employer often fails to meet your expectations, and it may take a long time to see financial success. However, it is not impossible to engage in art. If you are passionate about art, it is worth pursuing. When I strive for financial success with an art degree, I often remind myself how painful I will be if I do other things.
Vitalo holds a master's degree in fine arts from Taylor College of Art and Architecture, Temple University. She pointed out that art college graduates can engage in more careers than they originally thought.
She said: "when I first started working, I didn't realize that window display was a job that an artist could do." Now I wish I had it. " Every scene in a movie or TV program is carefully designed and created by an artist. Billboards are created by artists. The bus stop where you locked your bike was created by an artist. Almost everything we do includes some visual things, and artists are often a contributor. "