Saturday, October 18, 2014

Building A Career As A Visual Artist

By Ashis Jain


Statics show that most of the visual artists work independently compared to those who are employed and depend on a salary. A Visual artist has different areas of specialization. Some of the specialization includes crafts, multimedia, animations fine arts and art direction. You will require a college degree or a post-secondary course in a visual arts program to qualify in most of the jobs that involve visual arts. There is so much competition in this field due to many qualified people who have done these courses.

To start a career in visual arts, it is good to shape up when still in high school by taking art related classes. Art history classes will be very helpful as well. You can opt for an art history class at a community college if you cannot access it in high school.

Business skills are also important. So you will need to take business classes as well as English skills. These skills will help you if for instance and have to write a grant application to help you develop your business in future.

Practical experience is equally important in this case. Participate in extra-curricular and leisure activities to add to your visual arts knowledge. Visit photo galleries, photo trade fairs and museums frequently to improve your knowledge. If you are in high school or something, consider joining the school theater groups or work for the school yearbook.

Unlike colleges and universities, art and design schools emphasize generally on practical skills more than the theory part. Some people have succeeded without a certificate or college degree but it is still best to get one for you to improve your chances of being employed. Most studio art classes have lately included computer graphics and software programs to their curricula. It will also be beneficial to take premedical courses if you intend to specialize in medical illustrating specialty. An art director will need to take classes in art direction or art administration.

If you want to have a career in visual arts, you need to build your portfolio. Your portfolio will probably be your resume. Chiefly it is an essential aspect in visual arts programs. Place your photos, painting, prints, sketches or other own media to market your portfolio. Your portfolio will showcase your skill either as a freelance illustrator, fine artist, animator or any other niche.

The best way to begin your professional career is by finding an entry level job or look for freelance clients in case you are a freelance illustrator. Ask most of the artists and most of them will tell you they began freelancing as students and increased their client base as time went by until they became professionals.

It is advisable that you begin with less challenging tasks to help you improve your skills as time goes by. The bureau of labor statistics indicate that jobs for multimedia artists will get more opportunities by the year 2018. The percentage projection of this is around 14 percent job increase.




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