Tuesday, 21 October 2014

How To Make 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 begin a job in visual arts, it is good to shape it up when still in high school by taking art related classes. Art history classes can be really useful too. You may opt to go for an art history class in a community college if not in high school.

You will also need business classes to help you to progress your career in future. Remember to sharpen your English skills to improve your writing skills too. For instance if you become an art director, you will need to write a grant application to help you in your business in future.

The best part is having practical experience. You need to participate in extra-curricular activities to improve your experience in visual arts. Activities such as visiting photo galleries, photo trade fairs and museums frequently are good examples of extra curricula activities. In case you are still in high school, you can consider joining the school theater groups or consider working for the school year.

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.

The most crucial part if you want to develop a career in visual arts is building your portfolio. Your portfolio will be your resume. This is mostly an important element in visual arts programs. Put your photos, painting, prints, drawings or any other own media to promote your portfolio. Your portfolio will showcase your skill either as a freelance illustrator, fine artist, animator or any other of your specialty.

The best way to start a career as a visual artist is by finding an entry level job or looking for freelance clients for instance if you are a freelance illustrator. If you inquire from most successful artists, they will tell you that most of them began working as freelancers while they were still students. Gradually they increased their client base until they became professionals.

Starting on less challenging jobs will help you improve your skills with time. The Bureau of labor statistics has shown that multimedia artists will have the best job opportunities by the year 2018. It goes ahead to project an increase of jobs by 14 percent.




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