Careers in Fine Arts

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Those holding fine arts degrees are often entrepreneurial individuals who forge their own career paths as self-employed, resident, or commissioned artists. The creative arts sector also offers roles in galleries and museums, theater, film, and crafts. Additionally, careers in art therapy merge art and psychotherapy as a means of helping those in need.

Art Therapist

Use the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Community Arts Worker

Work with communities to improve their quality of life using a variety of art forms to explore relevant issues. Generally works in areas where there are social, cultural or environmental issues.

Exhibiting Artist

Creates work for a museum or gallery which may be on display temporarily or as a part of the institution’s permanent collection. Exhibitions may be juried or as part of an invitational exhibition, such as the Whitney Biennial.

Fine Artist

Create original pieces of artwork through a variety of media. Sell work to individuals, galleries, interior designers, architects, libraries, community centers, churches, banks, hotels, government and elsewhere.

Museum Curator

Acquire, care for, develop, display and interprets a collection of artifacts or works of art in order to inform, educate and entertain the public.


Teaches classes either as a part-time adjunct, or full-time instructor at a college or university. May also design courses or assist with curriculum development. Typically requires a terminal degree such as a MFA.

Set Designer

Set designers research, design, and supervise the construction of sets and scenery, costumes and visual aids required in stage, film and television productions. Set designers must have 3D and 2D skills and knowledge of construction, lighting, fabrication and materials.

Secondary School Teacher

Teach art or design, craft, and technology as part of curriculum to pupils aged 11–18. Inspire a student to pursue their talents and instill a love of learning.

Visiting Artist

Works for a specified period of time at a school, college, museum or center to demonstrate and teach techniques and processes in the artists’ fields of expertise. May be a short term position or a year-long appointment.


Fine Arts Studio Alum Spotlight

Joe Sinness’s
still life drawings are visual narratives of desire.


Educational Opportunities at MCAD