Art is often misunderstood as a frivolous pastime for the wealthy, but in reality, it is a vital human pursuit. It is not limited to a specific group of people, but rather, it is a universal form of expression that has been embraced by cultures and societies throughout history. Art enables us to express our emotions and communicate our ideas, both to others in the present and to future generations. Despite its importance, art is often dismissed as unimportant or impractical. However, art plays a role in every aspect of our lives, from the design of everyday objects to the creation of masterpieces. Additionally, there are numerous career opportunities in the art field that can be financially rewarding, dispelling the notion that artists must struggle financially.

Summary of Majors in Art

Art is everywhere.

• Are you trying to choose the right siding color and texture? You are thinking about art.
• How do you create an engaging website? While functionality is important, remember the visual arts!
• Do you need a logo to represent your plumbing company? An artist could help.
• Do you need someone to write a creative resume for you? If yes, use resume writing service, which has many experts ready to show their creative side and do a top-notch art resume for you.

Art is not just limited to galleries and museums, it is present in our daily lives in many ways that we may not even realize. From the way we dress, to the design of our surroundings, art plays a role in shaping our experiences. It can be found in the aesthetics of our clothing, the signage on our streets, and even the way we decorate our homes. The next time you’re selecting an outfit or planning your home decor, think about how art is influencing your choices.

As we have discussed, art is a pervasive influence in our daily lives. While many people may think of artists as painters, sculptors or other traditional creators, there are countless other industries that can benefit from an art education. These opportunities can open the door to high-paying art jobs, showcasing the practical and financial value of pursuing an art-related career.

Art is not a monolithic concept, and neither is art education. There are countless forms of art and ways to study it in college. Fine arts, film, history, and performing arts are just a few examples of majors that can be pursued. Additionally, many students are now interested in technology-based art forms such as graphic design, web design, and film production. These areas of study can be complementary to or combined with a traditional art degree, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their passions. Music, being an art form, can also be studied in combination with an art degree.

Entry-Level, High-Paying Art Jobs

Entering the world of art doesn’t have to be a long and difficult process. In fact, there are many entry-level opportunities that can provide both a creative outlet and a steady income. These jobs are perfect for those looking to start a career in the art industry, and may be surprised to find out how much they can earn in these positions.

Multimedia Artist

Median Salary: $75,270

Education: Bachelor’s

Watching animated movies is an experience that allows audiences to witness the work of multimedia animators and artists. These professionals are responsible for creating models and images in two and three-dimensions, bringing them to life through movement, change, and other effects. They are skilled in producing content for movies, television, video games, and other forms of entertainment and education. In May 2019, the average salary for an entry-level job in this field was $75,270, making it a great career choice for those passionate about art who want to earn a good living. The top 10% of professionals in this field can earn over $139,000, working on some of the world’s most popular movies and shows.

Fashion Designer

Median Salary: $73,790

Education: Bachelor’s

If you have a keen eye for fashion and are often sought out for style advice by your friends, or if you enjoy putting together the perfect outfit, you may have what it takes to become a fashion designer. While fashion design is often associated with glamorous dresses, it is also about understanding color principles, marketing, and artistic themes. To pursue a career in this multifaceted field, a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or merchandising is typically required. This can be a highly lucrative career for those with the right skills and passion for fashion.

Industrial Designer

Median Salary: $68,890

Education: Bachelor’s

Have you ever wondered about the design process behind a sports car or a coffee machine? Industrial designers are the professionals who use their knowledge and skills to create the exterior appearance of products. They combine engineering principles with artistic talents to produce products that appeal to consumers visually. This field has a projected growth rate of 4%, and the median salary is over $68,000, with the top 10% earning more than $114,000, making it a lucrative career choice. If you are interested in combining your creativity with technical knowledge, industrial design could be the right career path for you.

9 Highly-Paying Careers in Art

#1 Art Director

Median Salary: $94,220

Experience: 5 and more years

Art directors are responsible for the design and layout of magazines, product packaging, and other elements. They develop visual concepts and then lead teams to bring these ideas to life. Many art directors are self-employed, while others work for media companies or advertising agencies. Although a bachelor’s degree is typically required, most art directors have at least five years of experience in the field. This career can be highly lucrative, with the top 10% earning salaries exceeding $188,000. However, it should be noted that the job growth in this field may be negative.

#2 Producer & Director

Median Salary: $74,420

Experience: less than five years

The talented individuals behind your favorite TV shows and movies are producers and directors. They don’t only work on large-scale productions but also on small productions, documentaries, and theater works. Producers are responsible for selecting stories and managing financial and organizational aspects, while directors are more creatively involved in final decisions. Both positions play important roles in the production process. This is a stable and lucrative career option, with a high median salary and an expected growth of 10%. If you work hard and climb up to the top 10%, you could earn a salary of over $173,680.

#3 Landscape Architect

Median Salary: $69,360

Experience: None

Landscape design is often not considered as an art career, as many people associate it with manual labor such as moving dirt, concrete, and rocks. However, it is a field that involves creating elegant and functional outdoor spaces and combining colors and shapes to enhance them. It is a challenging field to master. Landscape architects are responsible for designing and maintaining both private properties and public spaces. While advancements in technology may lead to a decrease in the demand for landscape architects, the top 10% of professionals in this field can still expect to earn over $112,000.

#4 Video Editor

Median Salary: $63,780

Experience: None

Video editing combines both technical and artistic elements. It requires understanding the technical aspects of recording and producing a finished product, as well as understanding artistic concepts such as pacing, tone, color, and angles. While many art careers have seen a decline in growth, film and video editing is an exception, with a high growth rate of 22%. This is due to the increasing demand for video content, including documentaries, movies, and sports events, as well as the growing number of internet-only entertainment sites. This makes it a rewarding and high-paying career option.

#5 Graphic Designer

Median Salary: $52,110

Experience: None

Graphic design is similar to video editing. However, it combines science and art. Graphic designers can work with various software platforms to create visual concepts. However, they also need to be able to communicate with others through art.

Graphic designers make a good living, but their growth rate is likely below 4%. Many factors are at play, including the decline in newspapers that employed graphics designers in the past.

#6 Drafter

Median Salary: $56,830

Experience: None

Graphic design, like video editing, is a field that combines technical and artistic elements. Graphic designers use various software platforms to create visual concepts, but they must also be able to communicate effectively through art. While graphic designers can earn a good living, the growth rate in this field is projected to be below 4%. This is due to factors such as the decline in newspapers that once employed graphic designers.

#7 Art Curator

Median Salary: $54,570

Experience: None

Art curators are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and displaying works of art in museums. They play a vital role in finding pieces to display, borrowing or purchasing them, and ensuring they are preserved for future generations. They may also be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the artworks. Although they may not be artists themselves, art curators must have a broad understanding of the art-making process and what makes art valuable. They must also be aware of popular art forms and trends in contemporary society. This career is also suitable for those with business and management education. Although the field is relatively small, with only 14,500 curators in the U.S., the expected growth rate is 13%, which is well above the national average. It is a stable career, and the top 10% of curators can expect to earn more than $87,000.

#8 Interior Designer

Median Salary: $56,040

Experience: None

Interior designers are professionals who are hired to enhance the potential of an interior space both functionally and visually. They are experts in lighting, decor, color, and other aspects, and often use artistic principles to create the best results for their clients. They often use a combination of software and rough sketches to create high-quality designs that can be implemented in commercial and residential spaces. A bachelor’s degree in interior design is enough to start earning a good salary, but the career is expected to decline by 5%. However, professionals in this field will have the best chances of finding work in areas with high demand, particularly in affluent neighborhoods.

#9 Artist

Median Salary: $48,760

Experience: None. Long-term training is required.

When discussing art careers, it is impossible to overlook artists. This rewarding career is open to anyone who is passionate about creating sculptures, pottery, or other forms of art. While the top 10% of artists can earn more than $106,000 annually, this is not the primary motivation for most artists. They are driven by the desire to create beautiful and meaningful pieces that are valued by many. This provides a level of fulfillment that cannot be found in other professions.

Beyond Art Jobs & Careers

Having an art-related degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s in performance arts, doesn’t mean you’re limited to traditional art careers. The skills you learn in art school can be applied to many other industries and careers. As an art major, you have the ability to take original and sometimes abstract ideas and turn them into tangible, real-world objects. This can be a valuable asset for businesses.

Additionally, an art degree helps you develop important skills such as observation and research, which are useful in various industries. When communicating with potential employers, it’s important to highlight these skills and give examples of how you’ve used them to achieve outstanding results. It’s important to note that art is not limited to traditional forms like paintings or sculptures, it’s also used in commercial products such as packaging, making it a highly lucrative field for those passionate about art.

Continuing Education for Majors in Art

Even if you don’t have formal art education, it’s crucial to stay informed about industry developments. Subscribing to trade magazines and attending seminars and other industry events are great ways to stay up-to-date on the latest artistic trends and meet other professionals in the field. Advanced classes may be necessary if you’re pursuing a career in the art world. For those who are self-employed as artists, studying finance and business can be beneficial in understanding finances, budgeting, and other financial issues, thus avoiding the stereotype of the “starving artist.”

Additionally, taking classes in marketing or having a minor in marketing can help in promoting your art and getting it seen by as many people as possible. To succeed in the art industry, it’s important to stay active and take classes to complement your art education.

Get a great education to get a job in art.

To succeed in high-paying art careers, you’ll need to have the right education. Our resources and information can help you find the perfect art degree. Additionally, online degrees are becoming increasingly popular options, making it easier to update your artistic skills and start your career in art. Don’t wait, start exploring your options and begin your journey in the art industry today!