Careers in Fine and Studio Art

Establishing a career in Fine and Studio Art requires hard work, dedication, and a solid plan. If you are creative and love playing with colors, then a career in this field would suit you. Read this guide to learn more about the career and salary potential in this exciting field.

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Careers in Fine and Studio Art

Possible career paths for Fine and Studio Art majors are listed below:

• Fine Artist: They use different techniques and methods to create art, such as sculpting, glass blowing, painting, or weaving. Students who wish to pursue a career in this field can specialize as sculptors, ceramic artists, collage artists, painters, glass artists, textile artists, craft makers, or digital artists.
• Illustrator: Illustrators blend hand-paintings and drawings with digital media to make creative illustrations. These professionals can go on to become medical illustrators, fashion illustrators, comic book illustrators, children’s book illustrators, or film storyboard illustrators.
• Art Curator: These professionals are responsible for managing art collections and displays in museums or art galleries. Art Curators are expected to have excellent event management and relationship building skills because as part of their jobs, they are required to organize exhibitions and work with several individuals such as exhibition designers, artists, and partner institutions.
• Art Teacher: They work in community settings and schools, instructing students in art history and principles of art. They assist and supervise students, teach them art techniques, and grade artwork.
• Greeting Card Artist: These professionals use their artistic skills and creative abilities to create novelty items such as greeting cards.
• Art Critic: Art Critics visit studios, museums, and galleries to review the artwork presented there.
• Art Therapist: These professionals use art-work to help individuals reduce anxiety, manage addictions, improve their self-esteem, and develop social skills. Art therapists are required to have the knowledge of different art forms and are also required to have some educational background in therapeutic techniques and counseling theories.

How to Become a Fine and Studio Art Professional?

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is to obtain a four-year long Bachelor’s degree in a subject related to Fine Arts. Such post-secondary programs are being offered by universities and independent art and design schools. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program can specialize in a variety of majors such as Studio Arts or Fine Arts. Program participants can expect to receive instructions in subjects related to art history, studio art, contemporary art, and illustration & design. At the undergrad level, students can also spend their summers interning at art galleries, which can help them connect with the artist community.

Step 2: Consider Pursing a Master’s Degree

Although a Master’s degree is not at all mandatory, aspiring art professionals can still enroll in this advanced program to further polish their artistic skills. They can pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program and can specialize in a major of their choice such as Painting and Drawing or Studio Art. The MFA program may take up to three years to complete.

Step 3: Create a Portfolio and Connect with Art Dealers and Gallery Owners

After graduating, individuals should begin working on their portfolio right away. Once the portfolio is ready, they can send it to gallery owners and dealers. Moreover, individuals should also look out for job vacancies and apply as soon as they come across a job advertisement.

Note: Please treat this as a generic guideline. You are advised to conduct your own research to find out specific career related requirements within this broad profession.

Salary Data of Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

According to BLS, the annual median wage for these professionals in 2019 was $50,550. The median salary figures for this occupation in the top paying industries were as follows:

How Long Does it Take to Establish a Career in Fine and Studio Arts?

In order to establish a career in this field, individuals are required to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, which takes around four years to complete. This is usually followed by a Master’s degree in a related discipline, which may take around 2 to 3 years to complete. So all in all, it can take up to 6 years to kick-start a career in this field.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Fine and Studio Arts Degree?

To complete a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Fine Arts, students are required to pass comprehensive exams, sit through lectures, take internships and build portfolios to fulfill the credit hours requirement of the respective program. The master’s degree program is more intensive and demanding as it focuses majorly on students’ practical artwork and portfolio.

How Much Can I Make After Completing a Fine and Studio Arts Degree?

After completing a degree in Fine and Studio Arts, you can work as a Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artists & Animators etc.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2018) data, the median income of a Graphic Designer was $50,370 per year, while the median income for Multimedia Artists & Animators was $72,520 per year.