Artistic Endeavors Pay Off For The Talented

NolaCareers By NolaCareers The Times-Picayune
on March 27, 2014 at 4:20 PM, updated March 28, 2014 at 5:25 PM
Manufacturing industries are often in search of industrial designers who can help develop and draw concepts of products for manufacturing, such as cars, appliances or even toys.


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This newspaper page has been designed and laid out by an artist. The website where newspaper readers go for up-to-the-minute news is also designed and programmed by artists. The logo on the bag of fast food you had for lunch was designed by an artist. The clothes you're wearing, the building you live in, the car you drive, the shoes you're wearing, the smart phone in your pocket – they were all designed by artists. They may be commercial artists, fine artists, graphic designers, architects or industrial designers, but they are all artists at heart.

            There's not a lot that touches our lives that hasn't been designed by an artist first. If you have an eye for design or feel most comfortable when creating something original, there are countless occupations and job avenues that can channel those creative talents.

              One of the more in-demand positions you'll find on many job boards today is multimedia artist and animator. These artists utilize computers to create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games and other forms of media. In fact, Delgado Community College recently introduced a computer animation program designed to help train more computer animators for the burgeoning movie industry in Louisiana. Most multimedia artists have some background, if not a degree in, computer graphics or a related field that gives them strong technical skills. The median pay in 2012 for a multimedia artist and animator was $61,370, according to the U.S. government.

            Another design-related field that heavily relies on computer rendering is industrial design. Manufacturing industries are often in search of industrial designers who can help develop and draw concepts of products for manufacturing, such as cars, appliances or even toys. Industrial designers work to incorporate function and style into their creations. Their products must do more than just look good, they must be easy to use and accomplish their purpose. Industrial designers typically have a bachelor's degree and make an average of $59,610 a year.                     

            While the incursion of computers into nearly every aspect of modern life has meant more and more individuals in creative professions are facing the prospect of integrating computers into their work routines, there are numerous artistic pursuits continuing to offer opportunities for direct immersion and expression without needing a degree in computer science. Just a few examples include floral designers, fashion designers, potters, glassblowers, textile designers, illustrators and more.

            A floral designer, or florist, only needs a high school diploma or GED typically and makes a national average of $23,810 a year. The average fashion designer earns about $62,860 per year.

            The artistic professions seeing the biggest job growth are those that utilize computer graphics to communicate ideas to consumers. Artists who can do web design, multimedia or 3D animation should find plenty of work during the next decade. For those planning a career in computer graphics, numerous online courses are available as well as programs from traditional colleges and universities. Internships and a professional e-portfolio are a must.

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            Lots of other artists create original artwork without the use of technology, but will still need to incorporate some technology into other aspects of the business, such as having a virtual gallery online or scanning artwork into a computer in order to email it to a client out of town.

           Once you've been in the industry long enough to acquire experience and hone your talents, you may consider a position as an art director. Art directors are responsible for layouts in newspapers, magazines, ad campaigns, movies and television shows. They are responsible for shaping the overall design concept of a project, then assign the work to others who produce the individual elements in a campaign. Art directors can oversee not just graphic designers and illustrators, but photographers and copy editors.

           About a fifth of all art directors work for an advertising agency or public relations firms. Others work in the news, magazine, motion picture and video industries. Typically they have a bachelor's degree in art or design and previous experience in their industry. The average wage for an art director in 2012 was $80,880.

           If you are one of the lucky few who can harness both their artistic and technological sides, a career as a artist may turn out to be rewarding in more ways than one.