Many students ask this question and as a university professor and counselor I often find myself having to address this issue. You don’t want to sit around waiting, especially if you have financial obligations; or if you like having money to spend. The sky is the limit, with a degree on the arts, you can look outside at other opportunities. Never stick yourself in a box. Look online, and in your local newspapers for jobs that ask for similar skills. Check with your college and peers to see if they know of something you have missed. Begin to network with as many people as you can who are in the field you are interested. Never underestimate the power of volunteering your awesome skills and services to nearby elementary, middle and high schools. They are always looking for volunteers. And finally, don’t give up; keep a positive mental attitude no matter what others may say. It will work out!!!
Remember that while you are earning your art degree to most likely satisfy your passion, you will have other options than being an “artist” upon graduation. You have seen advertisements, web pages, clothing, etc. that features artwork. Your education in the arts will most likely assist in you in any of these careers. A good understanding of perspective, color, and other artistic concepts will play into any of these careers that are doing their best to capture the attention of a consumer. As a performing art jobs , you can also move into education or private consulting. Also keep in mind that your education and the attainment of any degree will always put you ahead of other candidates when applying for work.
Coming from an experience of attending foreign educational systems these are the type of area’s which drive the American system as the best formation on the planet. The flexibility of studying within the American educational format means that graduates have an instant advantage over other systems. Graduating from a major in Art’s enables you to express an excellent package of experience due to the general requirement’s which are required to complete most degree’s. There are many career options one can take that can either be associated with a specific degree or not. You will find that many people going into an industry often studied something completely different a college. Of course for specific profession’s such as Lawyer’s, Doctor’s, Dentist etc… there is a specific path one has to take in order to be up to the required “specialist” standard. There are two main option’s that can be taken after receiving a degree, the first is continue studying. if you have received a Bachelor’s degree start thinking about Graduate studies and the possible opportunities available. With the current economic climate, this is often a good option and unless you are certain of what career path your looking to take, think about studying something different to give yourself an even better overall academic base. The second option is to look for employment, obviously easier said than done but a career will only be built based upon the work experience you have behind you. One of the biggest complaints from graduate recruiter’s is that graduates have a lot of experience academically but little commercial awareness or general work experience to bring to a company/organization. Therefore, put yourself out there!! make sure that your Resume/CV represent’s you to your best ability (make sure you highlight the mix of subjects which you took at university on your resume) and look primarily for experience rather than how much money you can earn. I know for a lot of student’s the need for a decent wage is simply to survive and pay off those debt’s, but if your able to work in a coffee shop part time when volunteering at a local marketing company this will pay off in the long run I guarantee with the essential experience you will earn. If you are unsure as to what career path to take, grasp a little experience in something that initially interest’s you, real work experience is the only way in which you will truly know whether a specific career is right for you or not. If you have been in an American Educational Institute the world is your oyster and the possibilities are endless.
There are actually a wide variety of career options for majors in the arts! You could consult on creative project, work for a museum (like a curator), arts-related research, teaching, jobs in the business of art/design, advertising, working for non-profit organizations…really your options are virtually limitless. If you’re creative, you can apply your arts background to just about any job. It’s all in how you link the skills you’ve developed to the needs of the job in questions. That can be done in a cover letter or resume/cv.
The obvious answers are working at museums, art galleries, theaters etc. However I really believe that Arts majors can work anywhere. This is where it is important that you study all of your core courses and do well in them. Particularly English. Employers are looking for employees who can write articulately and compose articles, newsletters, and other business correspondence. Remember, your creativity is an asset! You just need to make sure that you are well rounded. If you can’t immediately find a job in a field that interests you, ask to meet with an employer and see if they will let you intern to get your foot in the door.
While being a performer or artist may be your dream, it is, in most cases, a challenge to get into the ‘big time.’ In the meantime or as an alternative, research meaningful opportunities that use the skills developed to be a performer or artist. You may be surprised to learn about different careers you’d never thought of that may be just the thing to satisfy your creativity. On the artist side, go to the Maryland Institute College of Art website and look under Careers. MICA does an excellent job of providing information translating a love of the arts into ‘getting paid for it.’
There are many options for students who major in the arts. You could find work in the technical field– that is, apply your skills “behind the scenes.” If you are interested in the fine arts, you could work at a museum or at a theater. Most communities offer small playhouses or theaters where you might be able to work, or even volunteer to get your foot in the door if you are a theater arts student. You could work with children to share your passion for the arts– perhaps at a local playhouse, children’s museum or dance studio. One of the most important things you can do is to follow your passion. You have studied and invested in your chosen field, but even so, it may take a little creativity to find work. Useful resources might include: your mentors in your college’s art program; local art houses or theaters, consulting a community’s local family-focused publications, the local library, any people you’ve met along the way who have found work in their field.
First, know that a minority of graduates work in the field of their degree, so that in itself is not a barrier to getting a good job. You are actually fortunate, because in this age of attention to “the creative class” as the new driver of the economy, a background in the arts is increasingly seen as an indicator of valued competences such as lateral thinking, flexibility, willingness to engage in trial and error, and precision/attention to detail.
.There are many options in the arts field beyond being a performer/artist. Arts management is the business side of the arts and the options in this area are quite bountiful. The non-profit sector has a robust arts area as well; teaching, advocacy, community involvement, etc.
Becoming an educator in the performing arts is an obvious choice, particularly Music Education. This is also a demanding career, beginning with the college audition, which is not an “automatic” at an elite music school or conservatory. Performing arts educators have special gifts beyond their arts–think Mr. Holland’s Opus. “Those who can do MORE, teach.” If you would like to inspire young artists and impact their lives forever, become a teacher of the arts.
Artists are typically adaptable and many bring multiple skills to the table. During my tenure at an institution with many arts majors, those who graduated pursued multiple careers while anticipating their “big break.” Some managed theater companies. Others served in administrative positions evenings, so as to leave daytime hours open for auditions. Others managed children’s theaters. Many aspiring performers made commercials for products. The most common pursuit with which I am familiar are those who teach or do “voiceovers” for which they are compensated with residual income.
If you are interested in education you might want to look into teaching at the elementary, middle, high school, or even college level…share your knowledge!
One path you could take is the “applied arts” route. Graphic design courses help make yourself more marketable to most companies. If you’re more of the entrepreneurial sort, graphic design skills are in-demand for print as well as online media.
Well, you can teach of course. You can organize fine arts events. You can become an expert in the local scene and write online (or print) reviews. You can become an agent for performers or an art dealer. You can manage a theatre company or (maybe with a little additional study) curate shows in a museum. And then you can think out of the box and consider careers—sales, marketing, public relations, politics—where being a performer will make you tremendously effective!
There are many options within the world of art other than being a performer/artist. Upon graduation many artists work for studios, apprentice under choreographers, or decided they’d like to teach art in grammar schools and middle schools. Some take their degree in a different direction and decide to work for art dealers, museums and large ballet companies since they have a deeper understanding for the mechanics within these fields. Lastly, those with a strong business sense sometimes combine their arts degree with a graduate business degree. They open their own dance studios or art studios and oversee the management of these companies.
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Actually, there is a lot you can do with a major in the arts. Employers are searching for prospective employees who are creative and can think “outside the box”. In today’s very competitive global market, it’s essential that businesses solve new problems and issues that are often presented in surprising fashion. So, someone who thinks creatively, who can see the “world” in unique ways (after all, art is really about “seeing” what others may not and then creating the images), is very attractive to a variety of occupations.
This is a great thing to think about while you are still in college, working toward a degree. Don’t wait until you graduate to think about this. Make yourself versatile. There are a number of degrees that you can work toward as a “double major”, “concentration” or a “minor” if you are set on getting a “performance” art degree that will help make you more versatile when you graduate. Some areas that can be pursued in this manner include art therapy, art education, marketing and public relations to name a few. (Art therapy is something that you typically achieve at the masters level.) Another benefit of pursuing a broader interest while working on the performance/artist degree is that should you become disenchanted with the degree you have something already in place that still addresses your interests and talents that can now become your major focus. Aside from this up-front academic preparation, while you are trying to get full-time work as a performer/artist there are typically positions available at community colleges teaching courses in the arts. Grade schools, high schools and community theaters are typically in need of organizers and directors as well. These positions may offer little or no pay but may get you the exposure and break you are looking for.
Growing up I loved two things, basketball and drawing cartoons. The first passion ended because of talent and the second ended because of a lack of knowledge about the potential careers and income one can make from this field.
As a musician (singer/ pianist) I understand you perfectly. That’s why I recommend to receive either a double major degree or take some vocational program courses in order to get skilled in other professional area that is close to your interests and would fit your heart as well as an artist work. II understand that a performer/artist job is not stable because it depends on your own luck: you’re either working in the restaurant or at the world stage making huge money as a global superstar. I would recommend to not worry and try to find one more professional niche, which would be more stable, just in case. I hope that helps! P.S.: despite all the text above, I want to advise you, my friend, to believe that you will be lucky enough to get a full-time work as a performer/artist. Believe in it! Positive attitude, confident approach and good luck – that’s all what it takes to be a superstar if you have a real talent and dignified skills, of course! God bless you! Go ahead and let the world know about you! 😉
As a musician (singer/ pianist) I understand you perfectly. That’s why I recommend either to receive a double major degree or take some vocational program courses in order to get skilled in other professional area that is close to your interests and would fit your heart as well as an artist work. I understand that a performer/artist job is not stable because it depends on your own luck: you’re either working in the restaurant or at the world stage making huge money as a global superstar. I would recommend to not worry and try to find one more professional niche, which would be more stable, just in case. I hope that helps! P.S.: despite all the text above, I want to advise you, my friend, to believe that you will be lucky enough to get a full-time work as a performer/artist. Believe in it! Positive attitude, confident approach and good luck – that’s all what it takes to be a superstar if you have a real talent and dignified skills, of course! God bless you! Go ahead and let the world know about you! 😉
Once I applied to one school. After a while I realized I had done a very huge mistake because when I found out I wasn’t accepted, I was so upset and so down in the dumps, so it took me 9 months to get my positive mood back on track. So I kinda “loose” one year, but as a believer that everything is done for the better, I tried to forget about that unpleasant experience and move on preparing my applications for a few (!) colleges the next year. That’s why I definitely recommend you to apply to 4 universities AT LEAST! That way your chances to make your dream happen become higher, which is a good reason for you if you’re one of those who really want your dream to come true as soon as possible!
At least one year before your college deadlines come.
In that case you should look at all available pictures, videos of that school and ask lots of questions to people who’ve ever been there. Then you have to trust your intuition: if you can feel the atmosphere presented in those videos is exactly what you’ve been looking for, go for it. If those pictures, videos and opinions of people are not that good and something feels wrong over there, make the decision based on your feelings inside your heart. I’m sure it will lead to your right place where you’re supposed to be. Good luck!
Your honesty. Your sense of humor. Your sincere vision of life. You confident and easy-readable style.
1) Receive another major degree/ take vocational courses in additional professional area; 2) Believe that you will get full-time work as a performer/artist.
Go to the teacher whom you admire and who admire you. And a perfect letter of recommendation will apear naturally!
Go to the teacher whom you admire and who admire you. Ask nicely, let the teacher know how bad you want to succeed in your future, and a perfect letter of recommendation will appear naturally!
Majoring in the arts does not limit you to being only a performer or an artist. Creativity and innovation are needed in every organization. Steve Jobs is the best example of the influence of art with the success of Apple. Art majors are sought after in the following industries: advertising/marketing, technology design, interior design, media, music, product design, innovation, and architecture. Also, art majors are valued in the nonprofit sector where deep knowledge and appreciation of the arts are needed to lead a museum, an orchestra, an opera house, a theatre, and other cultural organizations. Art majors are also using art as a therapy tool to help mentally disable children and adults. Yes, you can become a teacher and help children to develop to an appreciation for the arts too. Hence, art majors are valuable wherever creativity is appreciated.
Do as consultant
You need to consider all the additional skills, beyond performing, that you have as a creative individual and market these transferable skills. Your skills should be articulated in your resume (or interview, cover letter) should be close to: ability to think out-of-the-box attention to detail special project management effective use of limited budget problem-solving ability to relate well with people additional qualities: perseverance, able to design and complete projects with little direction (give concrete examples), resourceful without costing company little to no additional money, etc.
Majoring in the arts does not limit you to being only a performer or an artist. Creativity and innovation are needed in every organization. Steve Jobs is the best example of the influence of art in the success of Apple. Art majors are sought after in the following industries: advertising/marketing, technology design, interior design, media, music, product design, innovation, and architecture. Also, art majors are valued in the nonprofit sector where deep knowledge and appreciation of the arts are needed to lead a museum, an orchestra, an opera house, a theatre, and other cultural organizations. Art majors are also using art as a therapy tool to help mentally disable children and adults. Yes, you can become a teacher and help children to develop to an appreciation for the arts too. Hence, art majors are valuable wherever creativity is appreciated.
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It depends upon your interests and what other areas of strength you may have. For example, if you enjoyed history, you might look into museum administration or a curator’s position. Another possibility is working in the entertainment industry behind the scenes, such as for major awards companies (like the Oscars or the Emmy Awards). If you have some experience in design, you might also explore advertising. This could also include working for retailers as a buyer or a consultant for store design. Finally, if you have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy being amidst a throng, PR work might be your forte. In any event, knowing and cultivating your other strengths will be as important as your college major in securing meaningful employment.
Teach
Try other industry like designing
With the expansion of the web there is huge demand for graphic artists, writers, video developers, talented actors… and there have never been so many avenues to present your creativity to the public to open up your niche, such as You Tube. In fact the cost of creating your own music and finding channels in which to promote have never been so extensive and so inexpensive. Book publishing through such sites as Create Space is burgeoning. Even if you elect not to to continue in, say, drama, your experience is very useful in sales, teaching…anywhere where presenting ideas clearly with emotional impact is import is needed (and that’s everywhere).
Take a part time or another job if possible and keep looking.
work at an art museum
There are so many options available for Art majors, which means you don’t have to be a starving artist! You could become a teacher, either at a school or at a studio. There’s the option of staring your own studio or art program. There are options to freelance for companies, like magazines and websites, for visual art. Really, the possibilities are endless…so using your creative strengths are important in your job search.
Consider interning or shadowing someone in the industry to get some experience and make some contacts. It would be a great networking opportunity. Since many internships are unpaid, think about working in any creative capacity such as part of the backstage crew or the communications/PR departments.
There are many occupations that a person with a degree in the arts can pursue. Since a liberal arts education helps a person to develop many transferrable skills including; communication skills, time management skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills, project managements skills, and technological skills, people with backgrounds in the arts often work in communications, marketing, advertising, public relations, fashion, retail management and education. However, since all employers seek employees with the skills listed above, people with degrees in arts work and are successful in just about every industry.
You can work for an art history museum sharing your knowledge about different types of art.
Majoring in the arts provides you with unlimited possibilities. You aren’t simply training for a career, but developing skills in critical thinking, imagination, observation and reasoning. Having this base allows you to market yourself in various fields actually multiplying your full-time work options.
I’ve worked with students who’ve had a love for drawing and one of the careers a graduate chose, was to become an illustrator for a medical school text book – drawing intricate and detailed muscles, bones, etc. He loves it!
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Not True!!! This used to be the old paradigm for artists or dancers or theater majors. I am finding that a lot of artists are double majoring and combining their skills in real and unique ways. Sometimes you have to carve your own path and create your own job. You can tutor, teach lessons to younger students, or create classes for the community. There are a lot of opportunities in the industry as well, but sometimes we think that since we have a college degree that we don’t have to start at the bottom. Sometimes you have to be the pleb that is delivering coffee. Get your foot in the door anyway that you can. Then prove your merit once you are there.
(Animator) (Fashion Designer) (Product Designer) ……
A major in the Arts, has the opportunity to engage other students in the study of the Arts, from an early age. There are many schools that no longer have arts programs because of the necessity to direct funds towards academic subjects. A major in the Arts could consult and provide independent services to a school district on a contract basis. Another choice could be working to preserve performance history with historical societies, universities, living history organizations.
It is my experience that in business or academic work, it matters less WHICH field you choose than THAT you choose a field that will drive you to excel. High levels of understanding, knowledge, proficiency in any field are surprisingly universal, since the discipline and ambition necessary to achieve these are also comparable. That said, if you wish to be a part of the arts on the production side, your experience as a performer will make you extremely valuable, either while you pursue work as an artist or full-time. Break a leg!
You can teach, work for a non-profit in the arts, start your own art studio or patiently hone your craft and simultaneously work outside of your industry.
You may be able to do research for theatre, movies or television. You might combine this major with a degree in education to be able to teach, you might work in a production company.
You can work in a variety of places because you have a college degree. I woud suggest that while you are in college that you minor in something else to allow yourself other options. You can also teach if you prefer to get your teaching certification. You can also try to work for the company’s that higher the performers/artists.
Without a full time performance based job, you can consider teaching as an option to supplement your income. Also, depending on what you want to do (whether it would be fine or performing arts), the answer would vary. For fine arts/graphic design, one could rely on per diem work. Another thing to consider is the idea of art based therapy. It is another way of pursuing your creativity, but adding an additional skill. There are schools with art therapy majors, as well as masters level programs
Students in any major have or develop skills that are not specific to their major. For example a graduate with a degree in the Performing Arts should have developed excellent communications skills, including his/her ability to be an outstanding presenter. This is a valuable skill in many professions. For example, this skill is necessary for someone working in public relations or advertising. Communications is another area that would seem to be a field with great potential for Performing Arts majors. Acting on stage or in front of a camera (stage presence) might make one a natural for a position as a television broadcaster, and if you are well versed and opinionated, perhaps a commentator. In summary, identify the skills sets you have acquired, whether through your major or life experience, and match them with other professions that would benefit from hiring someone with those skills.
It depends your complimentary skill-sets and objectives (long-term and short-term). For example, many kids who have majored in the arts serve as teaching assistants / tutors privately or at local kindergarten, elementary and high schools for a few years before heading to graduate school. Depending on your location and level of interest, a great option is to become an entrepreneur. In many areas there is a dearth of opportunities for kids to pursue their interests in the arts, so graduates with a major in the arts can develop summer camps and programs or after-school / weekend facilities for students interested in the arts. Graduates with a major in the arts may be interested or open to jobs not specifically related to their field – college admission offices recruit smart, talented young alumni for posts in admissions so start by checking with your alma mater for available opportunities. It may also be useful to research opportunities for experience-based internships that can eventually lead to full-time offers.
Entrepreneurship is the buzz word heard on many college campuses these days. Think of starting your own cottage industry. As a visual artist you might consider offering graphic design services or designing hip graphic clothing or accessories. Your artistic eye can be valuable as an art director or set stylist. There are many places to use your artistic abilities so don’t limit yourself to one specific outlet for your artistic talent. As a musician, you may want to explore the music industry which includes the production, business and legal representation of musical artists. There are several programs, one of them at NYU in The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where the study of entrepreneurship in also highlighted. A strong musical background and talent needs to be demonstrated to be considered for acceptance into this program. Finally, as many public schools are fighting the good fight to maintain their art and music programs, you may consider acquiring a teacher certification to teach the arts.
If you are lucky enough to have artistic skills, a creative mind and a degree in the Arts, the sky is the limit in terms of career opportunities.There is no doubt that it is extremely competitive to find full time professional opportunities specifically as a performer/artist, but there are many other career paths that would allow you to use your skills and educational background in the arts. Management jobs in theaters, museums music venues etc. require a solid understanding of the arts, in addition to strong organizational skills. Careers in public relations advertising and marketing require people with creative minds and the ability to think outside of the box. A person with a theater degree is can be an ideal candidate for various sales positions. In fact, a theater degree might be seen as an excellent qualification for a position as a college admission counselor because of admissions officers do quite a bit of public speaking. Bottom line is that your creative skills combined with a good attitude will take you far.
To survive today, you must always have a plan B. There are careers in the arts that you may have never considered. Let’s try to think of some together. Option A: Grad School- continue your education to broaden your skills and become more marketable with a wider variety of choices. Option B: Look at Alternatives- your major is broad and can on many dimensions. Look into museums, libraries, education, research, writing, non-profits, arts councils, government jobs. These may not be your be all and end all jobs but its a start. Most of all, don’t give up- be creative. Take part time gigs that can lead to more permanent full time work. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Practice selling yourself into positions that may get you started.
There is always a need for Art majors in the educational field. Drama and Theatre is a critical subject area in the public school system. The benefits to being an educator is this field is that you get to practice your performance skills as you teach students and your student loans can be forgiven if you teach for five years. Other options are working behind the scenes as a designer of the backgrounds, stage props etc.. until you get your big break.
You can be a teacher
I recommend that when choosing a major, students should follow their interests. Study what you love to study. Don’t think too much about “what am I going to do with this?” I know that’s hard to do in this economy. I’ve seen many students go into nursing because it’s projected to be a stable, well-paying and in-demand degree; however, after they are done many realize that they don’t like the work. They don’t like it and they end up leaving the career – sometimes involuntarily.
There are many options in fine arts without actually performing. Every person who is on a stage needs people who help them get there. There is always a need for technicians, directors, stage managers, writers, etc. There even possibilities in musical or artistic-related careers such as being a manager at a music store. While still in school, if you are concerned about the potential job market for your field, it may be a good idea to consider widening your degree. For example, instead of a performance degree, you may want to major in music education and minor in performance. This would greatly improve the number of jobs available to you. There are also many jobs that are available that only require a 4-year degree, but don’t specify a specific major. It might help to work a job such as this until your desired position becomes available. Ask questions of your professors, visit job sites that interest you and shadow the employees there, volunteer when possible. No one can help you navigate your chosen field better than someone who’s been there. It will also help build your network, which could make a huge difference in scoring that dream job.
Take additional credits in education. You could teach until you establish yourself as an artist or performer. Remember, you have summers to pursue your artistic interests.
Remember, having an arts major includes various avenues for careers. 1. You can always get your teaching degree and become a teacher. 2. You could look for work as a writer. 3. Become a public speaker, you are used to talking to audiences. 4. Work for a Private company promoting services or products. 5. Look for work as a Radio Annnouncer.
Studying visual or performing arts at college prepares you for many types of employment scenarios, and depending on what your specialty is (and there are over 100 art-related majors and interdisciplinary areas of study). Of course, if full-time employment in a 9-5 job is your goal, then you have to market yourself appropriately to make that happen. Have an updated resume, portfolio and references always ready. Network, network, network – talk to everyone you know and tell them what you’re looking for. Promote yourself via social media.
Commercial and Industrial Designers Fashion Designers Floral Designers Interior Designers Landscape Architects Public Relations Specialists Set and Exhibit Designers Art Education Actors Choreographers Etchers and Engravers Fashion Models Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Photographers Precious Metal Workers Set and Exhibit Designers
Depending on what focus of arts (Fine, Visual, Theatre) a student majors, the student can get work in various settings, such as teaching or designing.
There are any number of things someone with a major in the arts can do: teach, consult, design, coach. I often think it’s funny how much we focus on an undergraduate degree when rarely do people end up with undergraduate degrees that they actually “put to obvious use” in a professional career. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing and I have my own business and counsel students and families about the college process. The writing I do is business-related writing but I do believe that some of the skills I learned as a creative writing major have helped me as I help students brainstorm ideas, workshop their essays, etc. Don’t give up on an arts major because you believe there’s no future in it–there’s plenty of room in the professional world for creative, artistic types!
A great use of your education in the arts would be to become a teacher. This is a great option beacuse it will provide you with steady incoming, while you are still working in your field. If you teach for a few years you may qualify for loan forgiveness programs; which could clear out your debt from undergrad.
If you choose to major in the arts, or really any major, it’s always best to have a back-up plan. That back-up plan protects you in case your dream job does not immediately materialize after graduation, or worse, if you change your mind about your desired occupation (e.g., if you find yourself saying, “What in the world was I thinking when I thought I wanted to do lighting design 24/7?!” Such a back-up plan is best created as soon as you start college, if not before. Even if you are absolutely convinced that music performance (as one example) is what you want to do for the rest of your life, or even if there are currently thousands of unfilled jobs in graphic design, four years is plenty long enough for you to change your mind and or the economy to shift.
You will have to get creative and network, network, network. You can look for internships in your field, join professional organizations, volunteer, dialogue with past and current professors. You can submit your work to appropriate venues for submission both online and and real sites. You can create your own work and begin as a side job as you build your career. Continue to take classes and workshops to keep yourself up-to-date in your field. Be sure to become part of professional groups that can offer encouragement and it would be wonderful if you could find yourself a mentor. Think of your career as a process, it will take time and be filled with ups and downs. Good luck, stay positive and remember you have chosen an exciting career, but one that is comes with a lot of rejection, so stay positive, keep and open mind to any and all opportunities and enjoy the journey!
With pretty much any degree, you could become a teacher. With a background in arts and depending on what the specifics are, many schools are in need of those with fine arts degrees.
You can always work backstage. A great thing about working backstage is that you can talk to people in your field and make connections that could lead to an audition or performance opportunity. Even if you haven’t worked backstage before, most jobs will be more than willing to help you learn the ins and outs. For example, this past summer I worked as a carpenter for a theater. I had little to no experience with that position at the start, but my boss and co-workers were more than willing to answer my questions. From that job, I gained a lot of connections and a lot of useful skills. You should check out www.backstagejobs.com. Employers post backstage job openings for different positions all over the country. An important thing to remember is that there is work everywhere, not just in the big cities! Lastly, talk to your professors, even after you’ve graduated. Professors are a great resource for jobs. They have already worked in the field and have connections meaning that they can point you in the right direction.
You can certainly do contract or freelance work while gaining experience and building your vita. It would be wise to select a school with a location near a heavily populated area for job opportunities in that field of the arts. “The arts” is a wide field. You need to do your research carefully about your particular field of study to ensure WHERE job opportunities are going to be best in the country for your specific field whether it be graphic design, acting, vocal performance, dance, photography or other areas.
Teach, start your own business, dance studio, drama, offer services to the community in an effort to build your resume and network.
As a graduate from a University with a BA in Art there are many avenues for career choices with an Art background.Students that enjoy working with others sharing their Art interests may pursue a teaching career in various education arenas. Art majors are also qualified to work in fields including music, various media professions, cinematography, directing, and entertainmnent fields.
There are lots of opportunities in the arts that can land you with gainful employment. Consider careers such as an artist agent, gallery director, or advertising executive. If you are into music or drama, you can consider composing music or writing scripts. Artists and performers all need attorneys, accountants, managers, and more. Many professionals simply enjoy being around creativity and creative people – consider careers that will surround you with an environment in which you will thrive!
There are several occupations that art majors can gain entrance into.
For every person you see on stage or in a gallery, it takes many more to make the performing and visual arts come to life. There are many different specialties involved in the performing and visual arts. People have created satisfying and prosperous careers in technical production, marketing and management. Many will choose to be teachers in their field, either in an actual school setting or privately. It’s also very common to see people work part-time in some aspect of performance or art while working in another area, sometimes related and sometimes different.
Because this is your major, you are likely a very creative person. Your creativity presents itself in many areas, including that of finding employment. Allow your creativity to shine here. Some suggestions I have for alternative job opportunities are:
I would recommend that ANY Arts major attempt a double-major or a minor in something that will make them even more marketable, such as a foreign language, business, communications, education, or the “therapy” for their discipline, for example, music therapy or art therapy or dance therapy. While still in school, try for a job or an internship in either your intended field or your backup field. Make good contacts and upon graduation this becomes your starting list. Join LinkedIn, post your resume and profile, and hit the pavement.
A major in the arts can be beneficial in a number of career areas: advertising, community recreation, and school programs with music and drama departments are a few possibilities. A masters degree can also be obtained which would make the junior college and college level teaching positions available to the individual. The performing art world provides jobs and careers in not only performing but also as support services for the performers. Frequently, people will work in any aspect of the performing/art industry in order to obtain access to the “opportunity.”
Just because you major in something specific like Dance or Modern Art, don’t think that you have to get a job that requires a degree from those fields. There are so many jobs for people who are creative. This is just a sampling of what you can do:
A degree in the arts will allow you to have the step up in the workforce. If you do not acquire a full time position as a performer/artist you still have several options on your career path. You can use your creativity as a graphic designer or become an independent entrepreneur. If those options do not suit you and you prefer to be in the presence of art you can work at an art gallery, art supplies store, museum, or as an art consultant.
I believe that the fact that you would have a BA could allow you the opportunity to apply for a variety of positions. Your creativity could allow you to work in department stores; working with their displays. You could assist with a variety of marketing strategies in businesses and work in customer service roles. If you’ve got an entrepreneur’s spirit, you could market your talents hosting unique parties for all ages! What fun to attend a child’s party as a princess or Buzz Lightyear or organize a group of women with a painting or scrap booking party!
There are a number of careers looking for artist people. For example, sales, education, media, interior design, advertising all come to mind as potential careers for someone who has artistic talents. Remember not everyone goes on to a career based on their college major. There are many different types of jobs that cater to a degree in the arts other than just being an artist.
With a degree in music or arts you stil have plenty of opportunities if that full time job of your dreams doesn’t show up. You can be a teacher, or go into art or music therapy in a rehab center, hospital or nursing home. You can work in a museum as a curator if you are the art person. Depending on your background you may also be able to get into other aspects of performance such as marketing, or the production aspect of a musical or play. As a art person you can into illustration for books or magazines. There are a multitude of choices depending on your interest and skill set.
While there is no guarantee that any major will secure you a job right out of college, in the new economy that we are living in there many opportunities out there to be creative. In fact creativity is something many employers look for in an applicant. Widening your scope and being flexible will help. Look to related fields such teaching/ training. You can look for work in advertising, marketing, promotion and use your knowledge and training to bring unique perspectives. Also, architectural firms, galleries, museums, or theaters could benefit from your experience. If you are creative and disciplined you can succeed.
Teaching and management are two options for those who are not able to secure a job as a performer/artist. Remember, it is the skills you have acquired through your training that will help you to land a great job and expand your career options. For example, you have learned how to think analytically, get your ideas across in creative ways and make information comprehensible. Don’t forget that we live in a media driven world, so if you are a digital “techie” you may want to think about how to apply computer technology to the visual and performing arts.
Fortunately, a person can usually be happy in more than one career. In my experience, the most helpful tool in helping you decide what career to pursue is knowing yourself, most specifically your personality. Beliefs, values and interests can change throughout one’s life time, but personality remains constant. So I recommend finding out what your personality type is. There are many different tests you can take, but the one I recommend is FREE and has four questions, takes just a few minutes and can be done on-line. Go to www.personalitytype.com and take their free test, learn your personality type and the site then suggests possible career options for you. OR you can even then Google your personality type and you will find many sources that provide career information just for you.,
EVERY MAJOR COMPANY AND MID SIZED COMPANIES HAVE GRAPHIC DESIGN ARTISTS IN THEIR ADVERTISING DEPARTMENTS. BEING CREATIVE IS A PLUS WHEN LOOKING FOR ANY TYPE OF WORK.
Advertising, marketing, web design, teaching, special effects, museum curator, art librarian, art historian, appraiser – firts it depends on your art and what you do. Secondly, it depends on what else you might be able to marry into your passion for art. If you love music, but think you might struggle as a recording artist, consider learning to operate digital recording equipment and produce music.
Due to tough economic times, most students are heading toward the more technical fields of study. Economics, Finance, Engineering are all good choices.
Careers in the arts require courses and activities that challenge students’ creative talents and allow them to gain experience and aquire skills that are transferrable to a variety of fields. While many students interested in this major apsire to work as a performer/artist, graduates will be marketable for related careers depending on their level of post-graduate study and interests. For the enterprising student that would like to remain front and center they can consider Directing. For those who are more conventional and play close attention to detail may pursue behind the scenes work in the industry such as stage management, sound, costume, or lighting design. There are also opportunities in the business sector and in education. It is important for any art student to consider pursuing an internship to put them in the best possible place for employment and also network with people in the field to learn the extent of job possibilities.
As a performer, you could get involved in a performing arts school. Several of the dance schools in your area may be looking to expand into the performing arts. Many summer camps look for people to expand their art electives, you might try to work at one, or develop programming for camps.
In the cases that I have worked on, the students that have been the most successful “professionally” are the students that have the most objective view of the situation: It’s hard to make a go of it in the arts.
I have tons of friends who majored in theater, photography, history, or english/creative writing–fear not, it has no REAL bearing on what you do when you graduate. College is the time for you to explore and really experience your intellectual passions. If you want to continue exploring those same avenues, by all means, keep it going!
As an artist, there may be opportunities for you in the commercial art business. And performers often do well in careers that require the ability to interact well with people, such as sales or public relations. While this may not be the work you want to do, it’s a way to support yourself while you pursue what you love to do.
One of my favorite suggestions is to look into media studies. School like Columbia College, Emerson, or Loyola New Orleans all have interesting programs in this area. Students with a passion for the arts might not end up on stage, but it is still really awesome to be a part of a production. Media studies can also lead towards advertising and marketing opportunities at small and large businesses.
As you go on in life, you’ll continue to meet people who didn’t necessarily major in a subject related to their careers. It’s true of all sorts of people with all sorts of majors. When I went to college many students who wanted to be doctors didn’t major in the sciences! So there are many things you can do with a major in the arts. You have the critical thinking skills for a number of professions. You can teach middle school or high school, instilling a love of performance in the next generation of actors. You can put your skills to work as a critic or blogger. You can open a retail store featuring theater-items or perhaps consider a career in arts management or stage management. The possibilities are wide open!
Teach, work or open an art, dance, music, acting studio, work at a museum or gallery. Look into event planning to help decorate, join a DJ.
There are so many options open to you with a degree in the Arts. One thing you could definitely do is teach. Depending what ages/groups you like to work with, you can look for positions in Elementary, Middle or High school. Of course you would need to make sure you have your education license as well. Perhaps working in the community, directing plays could be an option. Also there are non-profit organizations that need artist to work with their programs. The most important thing is that you have a degree and have more options open to you.
The skills you learn as a major in the arts can cross boundaries into other areas where you can be highly employable. Being able to make commitments and carry through on projects/assignments will help you succeed not matter what the profession. Sometimes artists that do not gain immediate full-time employment will freelance in their field, teach others or consult until something more permanent comes along. Also, being open to internship/apprentice opportunities may open up avenues into full-time employment.
There are plenty of ways you can use your art interests/talents even if you don’t work full-time in the arts. Communities are always offering you opportunities. For example if your interests are in the performing arts, explore opportunities in local choirs or theater in civic/community organizations or religious entities. During the holidays there are always events in these areas and performers are needed to put on those events. If you are a visual artist, volunteer your expertise in photography or other forms of art in volunteer organizations. Look for a cause that you are passionate about and offer your time and expertise. If you are a writer, write editorials or you can even do part-time work for local papers. Offer to cover community events of interest to you. If you volunteer your time and get experience, that can help you build up your resume and put you in contact with influential people in the industry that can open up doors for you in the future.
You can always work as a freelancer to build up your portfolio/resume. There are many opportunities out there especially in graphic arts as many companies are going digital and looking for design differentiation.
Whether your studies and hard work in earning your B.A. or BFA in the arts lead directly to a job as a performer/artist, your studies will always have value. Learning about the arts, especially hands-on through acting, dance, music, and art will help you see the world through new eyes and expand your horizons and world vision. Even if your initial employment after college is not as a performer/artist, the arts can always serve as an avocation, providing you with a lifetime avenue to be creative and fulfilled–be it on a large stage or in your local community. The discipline gained from learning your craft transfers well and is helpful in a variety of professions. Whether you decide to teach, go into arts management, arts writing and criticism, design, art/dance/music therapy, motivational speaking, sales, consultant work, community service, non-profit work, marketing, writing/composing/creating or into a completely different area, the skills and self-confidence you have gained as a performer, being in front of the public will serve you well.
As a major in the arts you you have many choices which are related to literary,art, music and entertainment. These include literary: communications, creative writing, editing translating; art: architecture, commercial art, studio art, teaching and museum curator; music: choreographer, dancing instructor, music teacher and instrumental musician; entertainment: broadcast news analyst, disc jockey, radio/tv announcer, director or producer of stage movies, television and radio,modeling performing as an actor / actress; and finally advertising manager or public relations specialist.
Your college education is more than basic training in a particular major; it is the opportunity to learn how to think critically and effectively express yourself. Students who major in the arts may aspire to professional work in their field, but we’ve all heard of starving artists or actors waiting tables. If you can’t find full-time work in the arts, your degree, more than your major, can help you find work. Most employers are looking for educated people who can think and perform in the workplace. They are less concerned with your major than your ability to get the job done. Personally, I’ve found people less interested in the fact that I majored in Art & Art History than the fact that I have a degree from Rice University.
Take the opportunity to teach others your craft. You may choose to teach at the elementary or secondary level in public or private education. You may also work part-time or full-time at the collegiate level. Use your free time to participate in local community or city activities–local art shows/galleries, community theater, etc. You may also consider a side job or contract work in painting murals for companies, schools, or individuals. While you may not begin working in your chosen field exactly the way you want to, put yourself out there in your free time in hopes that something will open up. You will continue growing your skills and experiences which is always a good thing.
A major in Art can lead in so many directions. When you start taking classes under a general art major, you can specifiy later down the road another area in the arts that interests you like: Creative Writing, Dance, Drawing, Graphic Design, Illustration, Music, Theater, Painting or Photography. Those are just a few examples.
The arts is a vast and layered industry. When I refer to layers, I mean there are different fields within the industry which can enhance your resume and experience. By working in some capacity within a theater or production, be it technical or administrative, you are still gaining invaluable experience in the industry. At the same, working for independent/local theaters enables you to see the industry firsthand and gain knowledge while going on interviews and also building a network of references.
You can become a high school art teacher, go into design (fashion, auto, landscape, etc), or go into field of business with an emphasis in advertising and/or marketing.
There are many jobs that value artistic skills. Rather than think of yourself as an artist, focus on your innate skills and traits that can be migrated to other fields. Art education (school/community programs)art therapy, media/ television, public relations, advertising, retail display and design, art sales, auction houses.
Not all artists are able to work professionally. Students who major in fine or performing arts can market their diplomas in a variety of ways, including education, professional school, and creative fields like advertising, design, film and television production, and throughout the entertainment industry. Minoring or taking courses in more practical departments might also make an arts major more marketable in other professions.
First of all, remain open minded and reflect on your positive accomplishments. Keep looking for employment and building your network. Consider volunteering with local company which would, if they could, hire you. Many times when employers have positions, they are willing to consider their volunteers first. If finances are pressing and bills are piling up, consider unrelated job which will not only help with finances but also allow you to gain transferrable work skills. In addition, you might discover a new career interest. Finally, remember that this is a temporary situation and as long as you keep focused, keep appyling for jobs and remain positive an opportunity will open up.
All lot of times students are under the impression if they major in something they will have to do it for the rest of their lives. I know many history majors who end up selling real estate. I know business majors who end up teaching in the K-12 setting.
There are a range of careers available to students majoring in the arts. I would look in to art therapy, teaching, and design.
There are a myriad of ways in which studying the arts can inform your life and work. Think broadly. An artistic background can contribute meaningfully to work in everything from graphic design to architecture. In almost everything we do, aesthetics are a factor and as someone who has studied lay-out, balanced design concepts, and other areas of creating and understanding art, your background is an advantage you bring to any line of work.
You can become a graphic designer, cartoonist, art director, illustrator, art therapist, art educator, art appraiser or painter.
There are many types of jobs that a performing or studio arts major off the stage or out of the studio could look into in education, museums, community outreach programs, and more. But this does not mean that there WILL be those jobs with openings. I would give serious thought to your actual degree choice before you consider what you might do with it upon graduation. Should you choose a prestigious art school to pursue a BFA in your field, you might be immersed in that program with little time for other academic pursuits. If you choose to earn a BA, however, your academic options open up somewhat and you can take more courses across disciplines which could possibly lead you to the meshing of two passions. Let’s say you are seeking a BA in Dance and you find that you have a real interest in biology after taking anatomy and physiology, a class you took to fulfill a science requirement along with your dance concentration. Now Dance or Movement Therapy enters into the picture as a future graduate or career focus, or even medical school. Having a really specific degree might limit your options after graduation. Being open to fields related to your passion and degree may give you more opportunities.
Of course, one option would be to teach in an academic setting or even offer private instruction in your area of expertise. However, there are many other possibilities. You could become an art or music therapist; work in advertising, do landscape, clothing, or interior design; hold a position in an arts-related non-profit or even become a radio or TV personality. However, since so many of the options involve being self-employed, a wise student of the arts will minor in business to gain the skills he/she needs to also be a successful small business owner. With the combination of your artistry, determination, and some business savvy, the possibilities open to you will only be limited by your imagination.
I would leave that open for anything. Are you interested in education? Are you interested in volunteering in your community to support the arts? Remember to work on building your resume. What about talking to other art majors or volunteering at the local high school and/or university. Talk to counselors as SCAD to listen to their opinions.
There are plenty of ways you can use your art interests/talents even if you don’t find full-time work in the arts. Communities are always offering you opportunities so keep your eyes open to what’s around you. For example if your interests are in the performing arts, explore opportunities in local choirs or theater in civic/community organizations or religious entities. During the holidays, performers are always needed to put on various events of the season. If you are an visual artist, volunteer your expertise in photography or other forms of art in volunteer organizations. Look for a cause that you are passionate about and offer your time and expertise. If you are a writer, write editorials for local papers or you can even do part-time work for local papers. Offer to cover communitiy events of interest to you. Look for local schools. Offer to do an after school class in your area of expertise. If you volunteer your time and get experience, that can help you build up your resume and put you in contact with influential people in the industry that can open up doors for you in the future.
If you are a struggling artist and cannot find full time work, there are many ways to fulfill your desire to be a performer and build your resume at the same time. Consider volunteering in a local theater group, job shadow seasoned artists and performers to develop relationships or use your creative juices to start your own company. Whether your an aspiring musician, designer, photographer or a cinematographer ~ it is important to build skills that will overlap into other job areas so that you will become marketable.
Well one thing you may want to consider is being an Art teacher. It is a very rewarding career and you get to do what you love all day. A few other thoughts are an Art Therapist, which might be a good option if you enjoy working with kids as well, or something in graphic design which typically pays quite well.
You can teach in private or public schools. You can work as an arts administrator at a museum, cultural center, symphony orchestra. Or you can work in the entertainment business, as a financial and/or creative executive. You can also become entrepreneurial and start your own business focused on your expertise–say, helping artists with their personal branding and social media presence.
I think that at one point in time, many considered a major in art to be what one did when they were still undecided or very creative, but sometimes directionless. Not so anymore! Even if you don’t make it big in Hollywood or on Broadway, you can pursue a variety of careers with an art major, depending on what your other passions and talents are. If you love working with children, or love helping others, you can use your art major to go into fields such as education and therapy. Many companies are recognizing the benefits of hiring employees with art backgrounds; these people tend to be creative, think outside the box, have strong communication skills and tend to respond positively to constructive criticism. Huge companies such as Google would not be where they are today without the creative input of hugely artistic people. There are also opportunities within publishing, graphic design and marketing, museum curating, and more. The opportunities are limited by your imagination (and if you’re considering art as a major, I’m sure you’ve no shortage of that). If you are considering one of the above mentioned careers as a “fall back plan” in case you don’t make it big, I would encourage you to research the additional certification requirements of the careers, which vary by state. For some careers, there won’t be any. However, others, such as teaching or therapy, may require additional schooling. Break a leg! 🙂
There are many careers that involve the arts that do more than create objects or beautiful music. Opera houses need directors, concert halls need people to schedule them and raise funds for their events, and they are myriad jobs in managing artists. Someone with a background in the arts will have a better understanding of an artist’s needs. But one does not need to limit themselves to the arts! There are plenty of leaders in business that have college degrees in unexpected subjects. A college degree means that you are trainable, and you were able to handle the general requirements as well as your major. Follow your interests, wherever they may lead you.
Drama teacher/ Tour guide/ a job that involves public speaking
Every artist needs to consider what other skills they possess or could develop in order to survive while pursuing full-time work in their field. Fluency in a high need language such as Spanish or Arabic is very marketable. Consider teacher certification or translator certification and evaluate options for a minor in graphic design, web design, marketing, business, math or any other area that appeals to you. An artist should always develop additional skills in a secondary area to support their primary area in art. A palette of skills can help you survive without becoming famished and allow you to seek work in what you really want. So ask yourself what kind of minor should I consider?
If you majored in the arts, which I consider music, dance, theater, art, etc., chances are you are very creative person. Think of all of the talents and skills you have and how you can use them in the business world. An artist might network with other artists in an art cooperative, work at a museum, get a job at an advertising agency or work in film. A dancer might become an artist’s model, teach children ballet at the local community center or open a dance studio. An actor might teach drama, work on political campaigns, get involved with fundraising or start an event planning business. There are lots of ways to make a living in the arts, if you just network and think outside of the box.
First, don’t worry. Colleges and universities understand that not everyone can afford to visit. Knowing that, many schools provide virtual tours of their campuses on their own websites. Another helpful site is http://www.campustours.com. They offer virtual tours of hundreds of college campuses. You can also visit with college admission representatives at local college fairs or when they come to your high school. Let them know that you are interested in attending their college, even if you won’t be able to visit in person. Keep in mind though that nothing can really replace an actual college tour, so try to visit at least your top three college choices. If you can’t visit for monetary reasons, let the admissions office know why, so they won’t assume that you just weren’t interested enough.
Great question! First, congratulate yourself for completing something you started. If you majored in the arts and hold a 4 year degree, take pride in knowing that you have more formal education than nearly 70% of all Americans. Second, there are a number of fields outside of you regardless of your major. For example, you can work in the field of education, teaching art to elementary and middle school students. You can work for, in some states, the Dept. of Children and Familes as a case manager (they require a bachelor’s degree, but the major is of no factor in terms of hiring, simply that you’ve completed 4 years of college). You can also use that degree to get your foot in the door as far as interships, either paid or unpaid, to move you one step closer to a career that you love. You can also consult, and get paid to advise others, and finally, you can join the military with a much higher rank/benefits than others without a degree. I hope you find this information helpful.
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A student with an art major can work in many fields. Clearly they would have skills that would translate to the publishing industry as well as working on the business side of an arts organization. Another option might be the graphic arts profession which is a nice blend of artistry and practical application to business needs.
With a major in the arts there is a variety of things you can accomplish. First of all it depends on what area of the arts you are planning to major in. There are several different realms. Performing arts, visual arts etc…Are you interested in pursuing a credential in the arts that might afford you the opportunity to be a teacher at some point in your future. If you are not able to get work full time as a performer it is always a good idea to have something to fall back on. This allows you to still be in the field that you are passionate about while you wait for your big break!
There are so many things you can do with a degree in the arts. Think out of the box. Don’t think of yourself as a performer/artist who just performs on a stage. As a performer you have developed self-confidence standing up in front of people. You have the ability to speak, project emotion and capture the attention of an audience. This ability will take you far in any industry. Most industries have a need for that “artistic person”. Think advertising, web design, teaching, creating your own film/play, window display artist, cake design, event planning, interior design, landscape design, wedding planner, theater manager……the skye’s the limit.
There are lots of things (besides waiting tables) that you can do with a degree in the arts. You can teach classes in your craft at various places. You can work in a museum or science center. Depending on your craft, you can work in business using your creativity in other manners than performing. Thinking outside the box just a little can pay off. Play up your strengths and don’t limit yourself!
That depends on your training and your interersts. I have known students with arts majors go into informal art therapy (music therapy, art therapy, acting therapy), a student with an interest in biology who illustrated biology text books, working in art galleries and museums, etc. It is helpful to continue to try keep your foot in the door by staying as active in your area as possible and to make connections in the arts world.
It’s important to remember that not everyone is going to college for the sole purposes of launching a career. Young people may enter college to become better rounded or better informed. They may go as a personal growth experience. College life may be the appeal. Artists are often particularly interested in furthering their education and developing their creative skills because of their passion for the arts. If that is the case, the list of jobs awaiting them upon graduating college may be of secondary importance when students seek the art program of their dreams. Nonetheless, opportunities to apply those skills and repay any student loans will eventually become an expectation. One of the important aspects of exploring careers for emerging artists is to seek programs with solid placement services. Don’t be afraid to ask what percentage of graduating seniors find careers in related areas within one year of graduation. Next, ask if they have internships with local businesses that would allow students to work there while in school since many of those businesses may actually hire students upon graduation if they are impressed with the quality and breadth of their work while interning. Lastly, remember many artists have an entrepreneurial spirit and like the creativity with running their own business emphasizing their passion. Taking a business or marketing class while in college may be a great opportunity to develop the skills to effectively manage your own business upon graduation. Just remember that schools can provide lists of jobs, but the most effective way to secure an opening is having a chance to connect with local employers. That’s where a college program may be of particular help.
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If you major in the Arts, there are many opportunities you have to share your knowledge with others. Many art majors find it practical to teach school-aged students or college students, others find work in art museums or theaters. Large companies staff artists to design and market products and to advertise. One could also find employment at hospitals or treatment centers that offer art programs as therapy. Depending on your business knowledge you might be able to start a photography business, dance studio, or your own jewelry store.
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You love to perform or create beautiful works of art, and you dream of life as a visual or performing artist. With talent, determination and lots of luck, you just might realize your dream. In the meantime, you need to pay the rent. Start by assessing your skills. Are you good with numbers? Do you like to write or take photographs? How are your people skills? Are you an organizer? A leader? Can you do research? Arts organizations need people to bring in money and audiences and to allow artists’ work to be seen. There are lots of ways to work in the arts, while waiting for your big break.
You can be use your degree to teach or find another field in which your degree can be utilized.
With more education you can teach art at a high school, middle school, or elementary school. Art is one of those majors that does not give you many options. You might consider minoring or double majoring in another area that you could fall back on if your goal of becoming a performer or artist does not work out.
There will be a variety of careers that can use someone with a major in arts/theater, such as: working for a non-profit organization to publicize their projects and creating advertising for numerous companies. A person could also use their creative, artistic abilities to work in museums, store displays, theater, and amusement park displays/performances.
Technology has ushered in countless opportunities for artists. Depending on a student’s passion, many can earn a substantial living if they acquire some of the necessary skills to do what so many other cannot. For example, website design, creating website graphics, matching the colors with business brands and creating an overall style for companies are all challenging for business owners who lack the time or interest to delve into this realm of their business. Instead they hire artists who have technological skills the elevates their art and manipulates it in ways they may not have otherwise considered. Learning Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks and some html will ultimately keep artists employed consistently – at least for the foreseeable future.
There are many options for those who did not find work as a performer right after graduation. Never overlook the value of teaching both within a formal classroom setting or after school program. You can also design your own creative program and provide it through any parks and recreation program, community extension or boys and girls club. What about art or music therapy working rehabilitation programs? What about a senior center? For those willing to think outside of the box there certainly is work that includes your craft within the arts.
If you are looking to major in the Arts, my hunch is that you are a creative individual who possess an appreciation of flexibility, pushing the limit past boundaries; two characteristics that can transcend any degree that you will earn! If your hope of performance is not meant to be, you can rest assured that there is something out there for you. With imagination, an inherited trait that can’t be taught, there are many small businesses and large scale companies looking for individuals with innovation like yours. The time you spend earning your degree in any field will help you to learn critical skills such as collaboration, organization, time management, and even service & leadership. No degree will ever go unnoticed or unused!
This really depends on the type of art about which one is passionate and if there is compromise for creativity in said passion. Teach, either K-12 or post-secondary. Although, post-secondary will most likely require a Master’s degree or higher. Teach privately which also lends to working for oneself as an artist and selling one’s work privately. Curator, reviewer, etc. Also consider other areas of interest and decide if combining the two could lead to a lucrative career choice. Check out http://www.ehow.com/about_4623003_best-careers-art-majors.html. It offers some tips and options for such a dilemma. Get creative, after all, that’s what your degree is in…Creativity!
Teaching or perhaps working/consulting for a museum, theater, or another fine arts organization. There are certainly plenty of options!
I love this question! Some might disagree with me on this, but I believe all degrees can be employable. It is critical that you begin to think about employment options starting in your freshman year. As an artist, think about your specific creative skill set and consider how you could use those skills to make money. You have to think outside the box. There are the obvious ways like becoming a teacher.
in today’s comptitive enviorment, students shall consider major and minor to equipe themselves for work place. the quality of the individual and the skills that needed for many jobs are the same which apply to specific jobs. if you would like to explore minors such as computer, communication, marketing, etc you will find jobs with your skills.
I touch upon this subject in relation to dance at http://collegematchus.blogspot.com/
A college major doesn’t necessarily impose a certain career. Your experiences (internship, work experience, classroom, etc) and skills and knowledge (analytical and critical thinking, communication, creativity, oral and written expression, technical skills, etc.) are what make you employable. There are many different career pathways for students who graduate with a major in art including: education, design, freelance work, art history, production, consultation, journalism, etc.
The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) published a study this year entitled “Forks in the Road: The Many Paths of Arts Alumni”. This is highly recommended reading for students considering studying either performing or visual arts at the post-secondary level who are wondering about their career options. Definitely, arts students need to be pro-active and take courses in business and management skills in order to prepare for an entrepreneurial and enterprising career. Some occupations for performing artists might be actors, dancers, choreographers, directors, producers or managers in theater and stage, film, TV or video artists, musicians, teachers, arts administrators and arts educators. Training in the arts is also valuable to a range of other careers because it teaches skills that are highly regarded in the workplace such as writing persuasively, thinking critically, working well with groups, and speaking effectively and clearly.
1. Teach While you may not want to perform or work as an artist; fuel your passion by sharing it with others. Teaching can also be an ideal way to supplement a career in performance or visual art.
There are many things you can do until you get that break into the movie/play world. One is in the area of teaching. Schools need enthusiastic people who are interested in the arts and want to share that enthusiasm with the students. Students who are involved in the arts tend to be very good in other areas in school also. Another option would be to go to the business end and be a business manager of artists and performers. People who have actually been involved in the arts themselves understand the profession and can be better at advising than if they have not been in the field. Multimedia artists/animators and graphic design can also be an area to investigate if you want to stay in the field but can’t find a job right off in acting.
Students that earn a degree within the Arts are obviously able to pursue careers within the performing or visual arts; dancer, actor, painter, artist, writer, etc. However, some career fields that aspiring art majors or artists may forget about or not even realize they may be employable with in are those such as; education, an individual or private instructor or tutor for a specific performing or visual art, agent for those interested in pursuing a career within the arts, employee within a museum, gallery, library or park and even an owner of or employee in a gallery, photography studio, bookstore and performing or visual arts studios, just to name a few.
and a performer or artist can bring that creativity and performance to any career. If you opt to move into the business world; theater, creative publications, music and art all have business support systems. Knowing the creative part of the business will just make you better at selling, producing, creating or working with all of those individuals who do those things. A Fine Arts degree will cement your ability to create and will allow you the latitude to take that creativity into any business or career.
One of the best things you can do with your arts degree is assist in an arts therapy program. Another option would be to work at a youth center helping children practice the arts. Being an art major can make you very well rounded and creative you could highlight those skills in a job interview.
Obtaining work as a full-time performer or artist can be very difficult — even in robust economic times. Luckily, arts majors have many transferable skills that can be used in many industries. Art majors have strong creativity skills, analytical reasoning skills, multitasking skills, and communication skills. Be sure to emphasize these valuable traits on your resume!
Obtaining work as a full-time performer or artist can be very difficult — even in robust economic times. Luckily, arts majors have many transferable skills that can be used in many industries. Art majors have strong creativity skills, analytical reasoning abilities, multitasking talents, and sophisticated communication skills. Be sure to emphasize these valuable traits on your resume! All of these qualities are important in the workplace.
Homeschooling is growing exponentially and many of those students are gifted and talented. Parents of these students are looking for people who can mentor their child in their area of giftedness. You can develop a lucrative business teaching the arts to homeschoolers. Many of them utilize public charter schools, because the students get around $150/month to pay for private lessons. You can sign up as a “vendor” with those charters and find clients through their lists. These homeschooling families are looking for someone who can present both private lessons and units of study. Growing your own business will allow you to set your own schedule and leave time for your own studio work, auditions, performances, etc. I taught an integrated art and writing class for a few years before I started my consulting business and I can tell you from first hand experience, you can make a living as an artist.
Those who study the arts often have part-time work to subsidize their work as a performer/artist. For example, someone might work as a server in a restaurant and also be an artist. One artist I know works as a PE teacher in elementary schools, and is also a painter.
I have had experience with such a situation recently, a graduate from an arts college was having trouble finding a job in her major. She was able to find work for a company that leases out AV equipment and provides support services to major hotels in Boston. She used her arts and perfomance talents in a sales capacity, a position that required her to think quickly on her feet and deal with many types of people and personalities. She enjoyed a seemless transition from an out of work performing artist to a commission-based sales person.
There are many options if you aren’t employed full-time as a performer or artist. Some of the many options include: becoming a teacher of art or performing arts, becoming an art director, working in a museum or art gallery, or becoming an architect. You may consider broadening your scope by consdiering careers in the fashion industry, graphic design, interior design, floral design, computer graphics, or illustrating for authors, magazines, or newspapers. You will graduate with many trasferrable skills that future employers will seek, such as: creativity, ability to manage large projects, strong skills in oral and written expression, ability to take constructive criticism, and many others.
Music, art, dance, theater majors keep the faith. You can learn so much in college that will benefit you throughout your life. After graduating, many artists go and get MFAs to further advance their art, while others get full time jobs while doing their art on the side. I take stand-up comedy classes with many actors, who are working one to three part-time jobs or a full-time job while taking classes and performing. I did the same in my 20s. Then I found my passion teaching. So whether you use your art professionally or as a hobby, majoring in the arts will only make you and the world around you stronger.
If you majored in arts but are not working full-time as a performer or artist, there are options for you. You can teach others the knowledge and skills that you’ve learned in a classroom or a training studio. You can become an advisor for others who are interested in the field, work for a recuiting company, or fulfill some type of administrative duty in the field.
Maximize your college experience and you maximize your options once you graduate. A good exercise to do is to identify 3-5 areas of strength that you possess. In doing this you will begin to move in a direction that “fits” who you are and what you do well. Make sure you diversify your time in college and all the while support your interests and talents. For example, if you consider yourself a strong writer, a good organizer, and have an interest in technology then begin to work on a plan to support these attributes. That could include writing movie reviews for the school newspaper, beginning an online blog for artists, or interning for a theater management company. Also make sure you utilize your network. You may not even know it yet but you have a group of experts at your fingertips. This could include your college academic advisor, a faculty member whom you admire, or the career and internship office at the college you attend. Through these people, you can easily be connected to opportunities to help you gain full time employment in your area of choice while also opening up the possibilities for other positions where you could also be happy and fulfilled.
I always recommend double majoring when you are talking “arts.” Let’s face it, its hard to “get discovered” as an artist. So, its always nice to have a back up plan and income while you are picking up part time work or building your artistic resume post graduation.
People with majors in the arts end up doing all kinds of things besides performing or working as an artist. Students with visual art majors have graduated to get jobs in galleries, law firms, and in teaching. Recent dance majors landed jobs with EuroDisney, chiropractic offices, physical therapy offices, as dance company administrators, and in teaching. Film majors were able to find jobs at TV stations, Apple Inc, as free lance songwriters, and as teaching fellows. Music majors found employment at Hugo Boss, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, as music therapists, and in a global economics firm. Theater majors found jobs in the management of theater houses such as Ford’s Theater, the administrative track at Enterprise Rent a Car, at an oncology office, at Elizabeh Arden, and in teaching.
Most students who major in the arts know that it’s unlikely they will work full-time in their field. For every one dancer or artist who makes a name for him or herself, there are tens of thousands more who will never gain public attention. This doesn’t mean, however, that if you want to get a degree in a creative field, you have to resign yourself to a lifetime of slinging lattes or delivering pizzas.
There are so many great jobs available to students who study the performing and visual arts! Many of the art-focused colleges and conservatories have fantastic job placement records, even in this difficult economy. Beyond working in those specific fields, you can also teach, work as an arts administrator for a museum or theater, consult, or critique. This is also a great question to ask the colleges you are considering as well.
Great question. It depends on what area of the arts you are involved with. For instance, if you are into digital media and graphics, working as a graphic designer or website developer would be an option. If you are interested in either the performing arts or visual arts, art therapy would be an option. Another option would be teaching, whether it be at the high school or college level. Granted, a teaching position may require more training related to teaching. A few other industries to consider would be working in a museum, or, working as an activities director in a retirement home.
As you try to establish yourself as an artist or a performer, it may be a reality of life that you will need to find other employment. You may want to find a minor that would be marketable and combine well with your fine arts major. For example, look to the businesses that support the arts. A symphony isn’t just the players. It’s also marketing, promotions, graphic artists, stage managers, accountants, etc. Build on your unique combination of skills. Wouldn’t an art gallery love to have someone who both understands art, but also understands the business behind selling art?
The great thing about majoring in the arts is that you are probably a creative type person. Literally, the sky is the limit as you plan for full-time, part-time, or volunteer work. My first suggestion is to keep your skills sharp and build your resume. At the very least you would be able to volunteer your services in local schools or community activity centers. This is also an opportunity for you to get current letters of recommendation from your supervisors who would by over-seeing these projects.Secondly, don’t sell your creative spirit short. Many industries need a creative perspective in solving business problems. You can provide a different view in problem solving that could be reflective of your excellent critical thinking skills.
Your career opportunities may depend in part on what type of degree that you would receive as an undergraduate. If you apply to a conservatory program, whether in Acting, Dance, Music or Film that would mean that two thirds of your college career would be spent studying in that discipline. Those programs generally require auditions or portfolios in order to be accepted and you would NOT be receiving a liberal arts education.
You may often hear the question, “What are you going to do with a major in ________?” (Just fill in the blank with the name of a major.) Well, there are a lot of things that can be done with any degree.
Using the faculty in my high school as examples, our theater person does alot of performing in regional theater and summer stock while maintaining a full time teaching job. Our visual arts instructor has exhibits in many area art shows while also teaching full time. They are able to keep their major vibrant while still paying the bills. Do not loose your passion or talent just for economic means.
“You will work all of your life, it shoud be doing something you enjoy,” was what I said to both of my children when they told me they wanted to be artists. Some of my husband’s friends said, “they’ll never be able to make a living and will be sitting on your couch forever!” They followed and are living their dreams sucessfully.
There are 3 pathways open to art majors. First is commercial art where you work on projects related to advertising, entertainment, apparel and graphic design. The second is fine art, which is the design/production of objects for aesthetics rather than usefulness such as paintings, sculputres and performing arts. The third option is education where you teach art classes or lecuture on specific artists and periods.
You can teach! Or you can work for performing arts organizations such as theaters or museums! You can do research, outreach, curating, development, and the list goes on and on… Becoming an expert in the area you are most passionate can and will lead you down a road in life that will be fulfilling and rewarding. You may not have the most financially lucrative career, but life is about much more than that.
Read Daniel Pink’s A Whole New Mind. He talks of the near-term future as being the world of those with right-brain thinking (RBT). As opposed to left-brain thinkers (logic, analysis, precision etc.) RBT’s, are, in general, creative out of the box thinkers. They innovate spontaneously, they solve problems with ingenuity and originality. These traits will be what future employers will want and are the absolute strength of entrepreneurs.
Good Question!
A major in the arts, like many college majors, can prepare you for a variety of positions and career opportunities beyond the performing or fine arts. Depending on which art major you’re considering, there are a variety of “transferable skills” that are valued by employers. Creative problem solving, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), technical skill (for example, photography or other fine arts might involve heavy computer use for editing or creation), teamwork, analytical skills, and multitasking are just a few of any number of skills that would be part of an arts major and highly coveted by a range of employers. If you don’t want to go into the arts directly, you might choose to pursue graphic design, marketing, teaching, law, or sales as potential career paths. Ultimately, which career will be based on a total package of what your skills and interests are–your major is just one piece of that larger picture. The arts encompass so many different forms, from theatre (so, perhaps future careers might draw heavily from verbal communication, persuasive techniques, or captivating crowds) to photography (so, perhaps advertising, sales, or web design), so thinking about what art form(s) you enjoy, the skills you’re using, and other jobs that might use those transferable skills will help you find other potential sources of employment outside the traditional performer/artist role.
You have many options to explore as a graduate with an Arts degree. Would you like to go to work or graduate school? Would you like to be involved in a different capacity in your chosen field? You could work part time building your resume and supplement that with work in a related or unrelated area.
Many students wonder, how will getting an education in the arts provide me with an income? My answer is always the same, as long as you have an education, in any area, you will find a job easier than if you had no education. With a major in the arts, you can search any area that interests you. If you want to become a teacher you can, you would need additional certification, which would require around a year of additional classes and an exam to become certified as such, and become a fine arts teacher. You can go into law enforcement, where many agencies are looking for people with a degree, it wouldn’t matter in what area. As such, there are many options, as long as you have an education, and work towards reaching a certain goal. In the meantime, there are other options for jobs.
Students majoring in the visual/fine arts etc. can pursue internships with advertising companies or museums for example or can pursue higher education to further their marketability and breadth of knowledge. Some students may want to pursue a teaching degree in the arts to vary the opportunities that are available to them also. Students studying the performing arts can reach out and make connections with national and local productions to inquire about any volunteer opportunities available that will add experience to a resume.
Well, there are a couple of different options you can think about. If you still want to stay in the performing arts industry and are OK with not being a performer/artist right now, then think about the other aspects of the PA industry. Perhaps the technical part of the field (costumes, make-up, stage hand) or the business end (scheduling, sales, printing). If you feel that you really want to perform, then look to your local or neighborhood theaters. You can also teach and/or perform for elderly and children.That way you still are able to continue with your craft.
It isn’t uncommon for artists with college degrees to find full-time jobs in their field to be few and far between– then again, that’s true for almost every degree in this tight economy! Graduates in every field seem to be caught in the circle of “we can’t use you, get more experience”, since you can’t get experience until someone can use you.
Many students are surprised when I tell them their major in college might not correlate with the job they have after they graduate. They think that because they have invested so much time and energy into something like the visual or performing arts, including convincing their mother or father that they should be able to study one of them as their academic concentration in college (oftentimes no easy task), that it would be fruitless or worse – a step in the wrong direction – to find a job that is in a totally different career sector. They are often surprised when I tell them that some of the most successful people in business, politics, and education majored in the arts before they found themselves where they are today. For example, Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO, studied theater at Denison. The iconic ‘Hope’ campaign poster which came to symbolize the presidential campaign message of Brack Obama was done by Shepard Fairey, a RISD graduate. And lastly, former art historian Dr. Betsy Flemming is today President of Converse College, an all-women’s school in South Carolina. So yes, it’s true. The skills and abilities you develop as a student of the arts will transfer to many other careers. I’m sure those 3 successful people I mentioned above didn’t expect the jobs they have today when they were in college. You might not very well either. The key is to have an open mind and to realize that what you learn in the classroom as an arts major has significant value — especially when it’s time for you to enter the workforce.
The world of performing is a very competitive one. This is a risk one takes in focusing on such a major. However there are risks in many educational courses when regarding work immediately upon graduation. If you have a passion for the Arts and you know that it is something that you will pursue and explore further, then you will find a wide array of occupations surrounding performers and artists. Such opportunities include private one-on-one coaching, teaching in a class room, freelance screenplay writing and also personally assisting other performers. Learn as you go. Develop a network. Meet as many people as possible. Ask lots of questions. This is usually how performers and artists like yourself begin their careers. By continually gaining as much experience and education as you can, It ensures a well thought out and illustrious journey towards the occupation of your dreams.
Creative individuals are always in demand!
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There are many different things that you can do with a major in the arts. For example, you can look into teaching in the public or private school system in the area you majored in. Many districts will work on getting you in the teaching profession while you are attending school to complete certain course requirements to receive permanent certification. You can also apply to teach as a professor at the local community college or university.
So you have graduated with a degree in Fine Arts, now what? First thing is to realize you have a degree and that alone makes you better candidate for a job than a person without. Steady full time work as a performer or artist does not happen often. During the time you don’t have engagements you can find work in the service industry these kinds of jobs are less demanding and allow you to continue working on your art. If you want or need a more permanent job you can go into teaching, management, media or advertising.
If you don’t get full-time work, apply for internships. Even if the internship is unpaid initially, you may be the first to be considered when/if paid opportunities arise.
You can work at an auction house as an appraiser of fine art, manage the box office or events of a performing arts theatre, teach in a private boarding school where the arts are very highly regarded and are very high level, (You don’t need a teaching degree in private schools), found and run your own recording studio, start at a lower level job of an already established recording studio and work your way up by proving your skills. (Read Kara DioGuardi’s autobiography, “Ending on a High Note” to find out how this successful singer/songwriter and former American Idol judge got started). The list of careers that you can have as a performer/artist is endless if you don’t land your dream job at first.
With a Degree in the Arts, you can create your own future!! How about being a Curator, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Studio Artist, Photographer and an Art Teacher. All of these options are available for you with a Degree in Art.
Many students worry that if they pursue a degree in the Arts their only career option is to be a performer or artist. However, there are many fields to which you can apply your art degree. Artists don’t just use paint and a canvans to showcase their talent, they can help design marketing campaigns for large corporatins or small non profits, they can work behind the scenes in television and film, share their knowlegde working for a museum, become a teacher, or work in the design industry just to name a few. If you are passionate about art, feel free to pursue an art degree and realize that the there is no limit to where you can apply your degree as long as you are open to exploring all possibilities.
As a young music major myself, I struggled with the same question. The easy answer is you can teach. However, most public school districts generally cut what we believe to be the most important instruction, the arts, when budgets get tight. I still believe in the “easy” answer, but it might be to teach privately or in a private school. I found that in the school setting I performed (and still do) every day that I work. But again nothing is more fulfilling than receiving accolades from a live audience or an appreciating gallery of admirers. The hours teaching public or private school or private lessons sometimes gives you the freedom to audition or produce your own art. It’s never easy, but if you are determined to achieve your dreams, it is possible.
Many parents are especially sensitive about their students EVEN SHOWING AN INTEREST in the Arts because they’re often afraid the student will at best be virtually unemployable and at worst don a smock, cut off an ear and become a starving artist. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There is really very little you can’t do with an arts degree. Most people that graduate from a conservatory or arts program are masters of one of the keys to success: the ability to see things through. Arts majors tend to know that practice makes perfect, that sometimes long hours are required to be good at things, and that anything worth doing is worth doing well.
There are options available to you if you face this challenge. You could enter into an alternative teacher certification program and earn your certification to teach. You could offer lessons based on your area of artistic expertise. If painting, drawing, art history is your area, you could become employed by a local museum as a Curator, or any number of positions they could have open.
It can be tough to find full-time work as an artist, whether it’s playing an instrument, dancing, acting, singing, painting, etc. It’s a competitive world out there, and sometimes artists that are fortunate enough to find full-time work in their field may still struggle to make ends meet. The good news is that there IS opportunity, you may just need to get a little creative–good thing that’s your strong point! Try to think about your industry as a whole. For example, the theater industry certainly needs actors, but they need many, many other folks as well. They need energetic and creative people to work in marketing departments. They need people to organize the day-today functions of the theater. Many theaters also need to stay connected to influential people in the community so that they are able to raise funds. There might also be opportunity to work as a tutor or coach for other artists in the field.
One option for students with a Bachelor’s degree in Art is always to go into teaching. By pursuing a teaching credential graduates are not only able to practice in their field but to teach others as well.
There are several avenues that you can take with a major in the arts. You can obtain work in a retail chain such as Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, you can also go into business for yourself making jewelry or selling paintings, etc. Many others who have majored in this area have gone on to work in body shops detailing cars and motorcycles or may make the signs that we see daily…graphic artists design logos for major businesses and even make marquee signs for many local and national chains. You may also find an interest working in a museum or at a performing arts theater. The possibilities are endless!
With a major in the arts, you can do freelance work or teach in your field of expertise if you don’t get full time work.
If you do not get a job performing, you can use your talent to teach in elemenraty or high school.
A student could work on the management side of the arts business. Promotions, marketing, venue management. There is truly lots to do with an arts degree.
The major in the arts will also provide you with the opportunity and skill set to succeed as an entrepreneur or within theater or arts management. You can become a talent agency manager, or serve for a non-profit entity. You can also still incorporate your background into part-time opportunities within the arts and combine that with other revenue streams.
My first suggestion would be to double major in education or go back and complete the course work required for certification as a teacher. Thre is a demand for teachers. Of course there are others jobs you can find with a major in the arts including arts management or working in a museum or gallery. You may also want to consider pursuing an advanced degree.
This happens a lot – and not to just artists and performers. In fact, in today’s economy there are a lot of college graduates that are having difficulty finding work in their field of study. As a graduate with your major, you have a few different options:
Many businesses and organizations employ students who have studied fine and performing arts for an array of tasks and jobs needed. Sales and marketing positions are often available to artists because of the vibrance, poise, and acumen needed to connect with consumers. An engaging smile or ability to build rapport well with clients and customers can’t always come from someone with a business degree; so, actors, dancers, or musicians–those comfortable in public– make great customer relations and outreach representatives. Artists can use their talents to help create marketing materials or light up an office space. So, never listen to people who say artists can’t get work. These people have never owned a business (like I do)!
You can work at any theater as costume shop, stage set, or even write stories. As long as you have a Bachelor’s Degree, you can work in any field that requires a 4-year degree. Have you thought about doing College Admissions work? During my years as an undergraduate admissions counselor, I worked with several Art degree graduates. Think about it!
Depends on the art major. Art majors are trained in observing details: 1. as an artist, you observe physical details – useful in web design, logo creation, or even observing patterns of information in marketing research if you have a little quantitative bent. 2. You are creative – you can look at and extract possibilities from a group – a brainstorming session leader. 3. You observe human emotions – you can train, teach or even become a sales person ( will have to learn industry). We have to look beyond skills on paper and see what you can DO? The answer lies in yourself and the journey of discovering the answer will make you more confident and bale to find a path and a career.
My first-impulse answer is to say, “Appreciate your gift–enjoy life more fully than the rest of us are able to.” I suspect you are asking about a way to earn income, though, so I’ll tackle that question. I always tell my young sons, who are baseball enthusiasts, that for every professional athlete, there are a number of non-athletes who make his or her job possible. Agents, owners, umps,…they all are necessary. So it is with the arts. Even if you put down your brush or your tuba, you have an untold number of ways to utilize your degree. Someone has to run the museum or market the upcoming opera season, raise funds for the ballet.
If you have the foresight to combine your degree with a teaching certificate you could find a job as a teacher. Check with the schools that you are considering to see if you could double major in art/music and education.
Artists are creative! Many businesses are directly responsible for promoting the arts, whether it is through advertising, fund raising,or marketing. It would be wise to minor in business, marketing, advertising, or graphic arts so that you have marketable skills to help you seek gainful employment as you you “climb your way to stardom.” You don’t have to be a starving waiter or waitress!
You need to think about a “major” more broadly. I tell students that a major is the backbone of their college experience, with the other courses fleshing out your academic life. In a normal curriculum of 32 courses, a major is usually 8-10, perhaps 12. That leaves you with 20 others that can be in any subject (depending on what your school’s core requirements may be). So you have many options: You can take courses related to or totally unrelated to your major; ones that stretch you or ones that let you dig deeper into a topic of interest. That being said, think about the qualities of mind and the habits an arts major would have to have to do well: a keen eye, imagination, dedication to a task, depth of feeling, technical skills (according to which arts are involved), and so on. These are important in many fields and you should emphasize their transferability when you look for jobs that may seem out of line with the major. Ideally, your institution should be impressing on its students that their educations are more than just training for jobs; they are experiences that will unlock many doors in the future.
What can I do with a major in the arts if I don’t get full-time work as a performer /artist ? The answer lies within you! Everyone is different, has different abilities and levels of passion for art. If you wonder what you can do with a degree in the performing or visual art and are really concerned about having a steady job upon graduation you may consider majoring in art and some other field that is more marketable in today’s economy. Take my student Christopher, for example, who has a beautiful baritone voice and an interest in the environment. Chris loves to learn what can be applied immediately to the real world. He sat through Math class in high school and wondered when is it that he would actually apply the domain of a function in real life. He does not care for theory and abstraction. He is concerned about earning a living upon graduation from college. He’s been working with me during his junior year of high school, and he has taken several vocational assessments and figured out that he’s not entrepreneurial in nature, does not like to take chances, and would prefer a “traditional career” with traditional hours, regular hours and increasing responsibilities. He will combine his music major with environmental science. A career in the performing or visual arts is not for the faint at heart. There are many beautiful and talented actors in Hollywood who any are working as waiters and free lancing when the opportunity arises. A fairly successful stage actor said to me: “When I get to work I’m on cloud nine. I consider the earnings remuneration for the times when I did not have work.” On the other hand, my other student Carollyn is a dancer. She’s taken ballet since she was yea high to a grasshopper. She is good at it. I can believe this because she’s already been on the radar of the New York Ballet Company. She cannot envision herself doing anything else. Carollyn may end up working at a dance company upon graduation from high school. The career of a dancer is very short, and if she is invited to dance, she should probably do it, because college will still be there but the chance to dance may not.
There are a few different options here, especially in different areas of the arts. In the case of performing arts there are usually local productions put on by colleges and local theater organizations. If you haven’t been able to find steady work, try auditioning locally to build a more appealing portfolio. Some travel may be involved. You can also check websites for films needing extras. When it comes to writing either professionally or creatively, try publishing in smaller local magazines and newspapers or even epublishing. Consider also broadening your options. Have you thought about publishing and editing or medical and technical writing? Again, these options will help you build a more appealing portfolio or resume.
You may want to consider starting as a manager or agent to view the complete process that performers/artists deal with. The best way to do this is to network. The best way to network is to attend venues and events that you prefer. Meet the people involved. Exchange names and numbers. Become a regular in their circles. And for the computer savvy, communicate with them via Facebook. As a “starving” artist, perform in your local venues. Volunteer without pay, if necessary. All of these performers/artists travel in the same groups and you will become known to them. They will become contacts for you in spreading the word and sharing the info about how marvelous you are. Be patient and enjoy the moment. These are some fabulous, and quirky, people that you may know for the rest of your career and life. Learn from their experiences. Most of them really do know what they are talking about. Never give up on your dream and your passion. You may just need to modify it along the way.
Obviously you chose a degree in the performing arts because you want to be a performing artist when you grow up. Congratulations on following your passion!
Liberal Arts degrees, including those in the arts, are very versatile. You don’t have to be an artist or performer for find full-time and fulfilling work. The key to finding a job will be focusing on your transferable skills like creativity, innovation, expressive communication, etc. All of these skills would translate will into a career in marketing, communications, advertising, and graphic design. If you also have some leadership experiences, you can also consider pursing a career in the more “behind the scenes” aspects of performing arts such as management, producing, promoting, etc.
You can take your talent and teach it to others! There are many career fields which would embrace your skills and creativity: communications, technology, computer assisted design,graphics, managing art galleries, television. Businesses frequently seek out individuals with creativity. Unfortunately many performers and artists can not get full time jobs in their chosen careers but if you’re willing to work at several jobs you can get career satisfaction.
Don’t give up on your dreams!! There are many well known performers that initially struggled to get to where they are. Talent is imperative, but networking and self-promoting are just as important. The key is to identify employment opportunities that continue to propel you forward.
First and foremost, it depends on the type of degree – bachelors or masters. If you intend to work on higher education as a professor, you will need a masters degree in arts or at least 18 graduate hours in art. However, if you intend only to pursue your masters, you still have many options. If you are unable to obtain employment as a performer/artist, dependant on the area of arts, you can work in a recording studio, museum, performing arts studios, art galleries, or in advertising. Sometimes, employers require that an applicant has a degree but does not require the specific type of degree. They only want to ensure that their employees are educated. This is especially true if you lack a strong work history. Having earned a college degree demonstrates your ability to complete something you started and demonstrates that you likely possess critical thinking skills.
This is a great question. Many performing and visual artists have “day” jobs to support themselves, while taking side jobs in the arts to fulfill their need to create. A major in the arts will prepare you just as well as most other majors for working in the real world. You should consider whether you want to pursue a full-time career in the arts, or have it as a hobby, avocation or side job, before you choose an arts major. You can learn more about the creative economy in a recent report by Otis College of Art & Design – click here to download it: http://otis.edu/creative_economy/.
There are many things that a person with an arts degree can do. Many employers want a person that graduated from college. Many times the degree may not be as important as the fact that you as a student completed a 4 year degree program. These employers will train you to understand their product or service. They want someone that can learn and is willing to put in the effort. The hope is always that you will be able to use your creative talents within the scope of the job you take.
Only the best in their respective “arts” field get paid to perform their art, the rest are very grateful if they get to participate somehow in another’s performance/act as member of a supporting crew or cast. And “best” is of course a relative term. The best violinist in a smaller city like Toledo simply can’t even begin to hope to compete in a major metropolitan area like Washington DC. When it’s audition time, the jury isn’t interested in your credentials (alma mater/degree/major), they only want to know how good you are.
With a performance major, there are many other careers other than teaching. For instance, a student in Fine Arts may consider working for an auction house, museum curation, or art consulting for a corporation or wealthy family.
With a major in the arts if you don’t get full-time work as a performer/artist you can teach classes at a local community center. What better way to share your talents and add experience to your resume’!
You can teach in a private school whether it be dance or performing arts. You can look into graphic arts in the private industry if that may interest you. You may land a job temporarily in the similar field with a company willing to reimburse your tuition while you go back to school for your graduate degree. This may be a great opportunity to see if this is what you will really like to do. You can also think about teaching in the public schools with a graduate degree.
There are quite a few growing occupations in the visual arts–especially if you combine your study of art with studying communication and/or technology. Careers in the areas of industrial design, packaging/package design, user experience design, and web site development all make use of the arts. Additionally, teaching and art therapy are other applications.
A major in the arts can be the underpinnings of many other majors. A solid background in the performing arts can help in any field that requires expertise in public speaking such as law, teaching or even medicine.
Fine Arts majors generally teach courses in drama, music and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Related occupations include but are not limited to; Chroeographers, Commercial and Industrial Designers, Fashion Designers, Film and Video Editors, Floral designers, KindergartenTeachers, except Special Education Teachers, Musicians, Instrumental and Set and Exhibit Designers.
Do What You Love!
You can potentially promote yourself as a “creative expert/consultant” in a variety of fields, especially if you have something to showcase: like an event you have coordinated or performed in, a website you designed, a flyer you created, etc. You will be of greater interest to an employer if you have another area of expertise to connect this with: such as computer info systems, nonprofit administration, public relations, etc.
It’s obvi! With a degree in the arts, you will become a creator, performer, and visionary. Tap into that! I never thought I would become an educational consultant with my degree in Theater from Northwestern University. But here I am, a successful business owner and a well-known author. Before that, I had a career as a journalist writing for magazines such as “Details” and “Seventeen”—all thanks to what I learned as a theater major. In fact, I can honestly say that I owe my entire career (including my ability to effectively lead, motivate, and communicate) to the arts, both through my undergraduate degree in Theater and my Master’s degree in Screenwriting from UCLA.
The reality is that some performing artists may not become gainfully employed after graduating with a degree in the arts. Many programs offer a liberal arts program that will help make you a competitive applicant in many different fields. Should you decide to pursue a performing arts degree, take time to speak with professors and career counselors throughout your program. Be sure to build your resume and hone your craft. Networking is another major aspect of the arts industry and you should actively seek opportunities to connect with other professionals.
Be as creative as you can with your degree. First, think about the type of skills you have learned during your undergraduate years. For example, if you have taken different courses on public speaking, you can tutor college students and adults or get involved with nonprofit work and offer workshops for actors. You can get involved with marketing/advertisement jobs or if you have strong verbal communication skills become a web writer. You just need to know that most of the undergraduate students don’t end up doing what they studied – its really about exploring your interests and skills and matching them with the demands of the professional world.
A CREATIVE MIND….
Many students dream of a career on stage or starring in movies, but there are a multitude of opportunities behind the scenes as well. Using your artistic talents through directing, designing costumes and sets, producing, writing are just a few ways to use a theatre arts major. The Arts is a broad spectrum of opportunities that can include teaching at every academic level to museum curator or creative advisor for a marketing firm. You have to be open to all opportunities and realize your first choice may not always work. Many successful professionals started on one path and ended on another but they are successful and happy.
Your major does not always dictate your career. Your major will provide you with invaluable skills and knowledge. However, your major is only part of what makes you employable. Other helpful experiences include internships, hobbies, work experience, and involvement in campus activities.
There are many career opportunities for arts majors that not only pay the bills but allow you to pursue your artistic endeavors, stay tied to the arts community and create connections to other opportunities. Theaters have many positions from the front office to the backstage. Cultural centers, museums and art galleries all need people to manage the space, sell things or provide information. If arts is your passion, find a way to connect to them as your “day job” and you may find an opportunity to your dream!
Teaching is a good field to go into if you are dead set in staying in a career that is closely related to that college major. I have had students, however, who have become doctors, lawyers and other professions. The undergraduate major does not have to be related to the career. Over 70% of the Fortune 500 CEOs majored in a liberal arts field as an undergraduate.
There are many things a person can do with the arts outside of the realm of performance. Some students who are well-organized may be successful as a manager. Others may prefer to teach either independently or within an organization. One of most “up and coming” ways to utilize the arts is through social justice–changing people’s opinions by using drama, music, or visual arts. I think one of the most valuable things about majoring in the arts is that it opens you up to creativity…and creativity is one of the most sought after characteristics in almost any career.
In today’s digital environment, creativity and artistic talent are soft skills that can be utilized in many nontraditional ways to benefit companies. For example, performance skills can be utilized to create better media content to drive customers to shop online or establish meaningful interactions via social portals with potential customers. My advice is to think outside the box as to how your skills can be applied outside of the arts. Look for companies that are expanding their web presence or trying to use media to drive sales and focus on the soft skills you can offer to make their message more appealing or better manage their interactions with customers by adding more exciting elements that incorporate performance arts. With YouTube now more focused on professional content, there should also be more opportunities to employ your talents to upgrade the content that is currently available. Take a look at which companies are using social media and target them with an offer of improving what they have by hiring you. You can also offer to do work initially as a contractor to give potential employers a way to try your talents on a temporary basis that will give you an opportunity to shine.
This is a common concern of both students interested in pursuing a major in the arts, as well as their parents. If you are an artist, whether a musician, a visual artist, a poet, or other, it is important to keep an open perspective about career opportunities. Even if you do get full-time work as a performer/artist, you don’t know whether this will be the ultimate goal for you in the future. As a personal example, my wife studied opera during her undergraduate degree, but as time progressed, she became more interested in the education side of the arts, rather than performance. The arts is a broad field, encompassing not only performance, but education, business/production, technology, construction, and many other “behind the scenes” career opportunities. Many of these positions are fascinating, highly artistic, and thrilling for the people who are in them. In addition to staying within the realm of arts, you could look to shift your trajectory altogether and pursue a professional degree. As one instructor of medical students has told me, her favorite medical students were those who had majored in the arts, because they were very holistic and were able to utilize both reason and creativity.
You would be very surprised what you use degrees for in these times. Most of the times isn’t really not as much about what you major in as it is about how you position yourself for different career. You can enter fields in Education, Business, the choices really are numerous. I honestly believe it’s important to first understand what it is that you expect from the profession you enter and also what types of things you absolutely can not do. Maybe you want to go to law school or medical school! Trust me the options are there for you , you just need to know what door to open, who to talk to , and where to research.
Great
Good news! The creative thinking skills, inventiveness, and general right-brain abilities that you have developed in the arts will give you an edge in the job market of tomorrow. It might be easy right out of college, but more and more, employers in all fields are looking for people who can think, communicate, create, and collaborate with others. Add to that the fact that fewer and fewer graduates work in the field of their college major, and the world is pretty open to you. It’s becoming about your personal skills than your training. Just recently, I know of a political science major who is working in finance at a major bank, a computer science major who is working for a business consultancy, and a liberal arts major who is now in medical school. Check out https://career.berkeley.edu/major/major.stm and uncw.edu/career/WhatCanIDoWithaMajorIn.html to get some more ideas. If you stay positive and look for opportunities, you will find them.
Employers seek candidates with strong liberal arts backgrounds, people who can relate information to various disciplines and situations. With a degree in the arts, you have had such an education. Since your first choice is to work “as a performer/artist” I assume that you are creative, and that is another asset to offer to employers. What would be helpful to me to advise you further is what type of performer/artist are you? Music? Drama? Fine arts? Career avenues you might explore are: museums, public/private schools looking for teachers and/or club advisers, after-school enrichment programs, or possibly starting your own school or offering private lessons.
Many if not most artists do not immediately get full-time work as a performer/artist. “Arts” is, of course, a very broad term – graphic designers find work in their field much more readily than independent visual artists who paint, or sculpt, … So some of the answer depends on your field. If you design the visual or musical elements of electronic games, you may well find work relatively quickly. If you are an independent ceramicist, it is likely to take time before you have a large enough clientele to pay the bills.
You can use that degree to get into a masters program or to do a non traditional path to teaching. Some even open there own dance, art or other talent studio for adults or children.
You can always work behind the scenes, you may have to start as a production assistant and serve coffee to the crew, but a foot in the door, is what you are looking for to move up the ladder. A positive attitude and willingness to help in any capacity is always rewarded.
At this time, there are hundreds of thousands of students being trained for careers that don’t exist yet. Many experts agree that employers of the future will need people who possess the following characteristics creativity, effective communication skills (verbal and written), and the ability to think critically. These “soft” skills tend to be cultivated through art majors where there might be as strong an emphasis in other majors.
You could go into marketing and advertising, as well as becoming a teacher.
This type of degree is Liberal Arts so there are a variety of jobs that may or may not relate to your major; for example a family friend of mine is a manager of a retail store and her degree was in Art History. She says it’s not the ideal job that she wants, but it definitely pays the bills for now.
There are many possibilities for graduates with a major in the arts, if they do not get full-time work as a performer or artist. In the visual arts, individuals with an art background will often find work in advertising, publications, communications, graphic arts, or public relations. Those with an education in the performing arts are always in need in the entertainment industry and in hospitality management in the areas of directing and managing programs and events involving music, dance, theatre, etc. Of course, many arts graduates will remain strongly connected to their field by sharing their expertise through teaching at the elementary, secondary, college levels. If you are interested in a major in the arts, you can be sure that there will be meaningful work for you in the future. Of course, many will continue to pursue their love for the arts as an avocation, while enjoying successful careers in other fields.
There are lots of opportunities to work for arts organizations that work with youth and non profits. You can also use your talents to teach at community /afterschool arts programs like the YMCA, PAL, or others.
With a major in the arts you can try any number of different occupations. You could be a person who works in a museum and talk about the pieces of art work to pewople that ask for a tour. You could work in the advertising field and use your talent to create adds for the prospective client. If you have a computer background using DATA, you could become a graphic designer. Literally, you could pursue any number of fields using your creativity and imagination. When you have a brain like yours, many employers would be interested in your unique talents.
Students I have worked with in the past who pursued arts related majors often double majored, or majored minored in related fields that expanded their opportunities after graduation. For example, visual arts students might also pursue art therapy or design. Music performance students might also pursue a degree in education. Some students address their passion for art or music by minoring in these areas and use college as a way to quench their thirst, but major in something not directly related such as business. Upon graduation they continue their involvement in their area of passion avocationally, but pursue employment in a more traditional field. Perhaps the business major, music minor could gain employment as a music store manager. Following one’s passions is admirable, but so is paying the bills. It’s good to have options and back up plans.
Most arts-intensive schools and programs are faced with this question on a regular basis. Check out the Career Services section of the website, or ask someone in admissions if they could access information about the career choices of recent graduates for you.
More often than not, arts majors (like myself) are criticized by their peers, parents, and community. Questions frequently asked by them usually dance around: “What can you become with that?” My answer is always: probably a lot more than anyone would ever expect or recognize.
You may want to take enough education credits to apply for a teaching certificate. Teaching music or art in a school can be an awarding experience. You have the summers to pursue your drama or art career. Many areas have summer theatre and arts programs. You may be able to get involved in a travelling group and explore the arts in different parts of the country or even the world.
Teaching is probably the most obvious answer, but in fact, the question raises a fundamental issue about the very nature and purpose of a college education. While there is no denying that college offer direct career preparation, it also can be something bigger, teaching about things that while not directly preparatory to a specific career can be applied to many. The liberal arts teach students how to think critically and analyze, how to express themselves and to solve problems, skills that can be applied to countless jobs not directly related to the major that the student chooses. The enhanced esthetic appreciation that comes from an art can be an important component of any number of careers that are not directly art related. Ultimately, while it can be a forum for career training, for most, college is about getting a broader education.
Students who major in the arts are wll prepared for many careers. Art majors bring a unique and creative perspective to their work.Students who major in art develop analytical skills, critical thinking and communication skills; abilities in high demand for all employers.As an artist you have the ability to: make creative decisions, to manage multiply projects simultaneously and demonstrate a proficiency in analytical reasoning. Careers for art majors include: advertising, public relations, education, graphic design, museum work, gallery management, auction house evaluators and many other fields. In addition, many art majors ultimately become psychologist, lawyers, medical professionals,etc.
Short Answer:
If you are still in school, give serious thought into a minor or double major that would expand your options. A minor in Business, Psychology, or Digital Design could open many doors that will help you develop a career as a performer or artist. If you are nearly finished with college, though, and exploring available career options, you may need to consider broadening your horizons a litte bit if you’re having trouble starting your career with a major in the arts. Many students of the arts find that they need to intially find other ways to support themselves as they develop their careers, so you are not alone! You could consider teaching within a college or high school setting (in a high school setting, that will mean returning to school to earn a teaching certificate). Other options might include acting or directing in a local theater company (if you are in the performing arts) or “coaching” young performers, or providing private lessons. Many performers will supplement their income with a “peripheral” job, such as dinner theater, or fundraising for a theater company. If you are a visual artist and you are having trouble finding full-time work, take a look at teaching and private art lessons, but also consider a less conventional approach. Many museums and retailers look for artistic people, for example. If you are a talented artist, you have a variety of options that range from working within the advertising or publishing industry (illustration) to sales in an art gallery, or even working as a tatoo artist or sketch artist at an amusement park! It is important that you have a clear grasp of your strengths. As a student of the creative or performing arts, you are most likely creative and self-disciplined. You probably know a thing or two about computers, and it may not be a stretch to take a look at graphic arts or animation. There are some excellent options that might require a little extra education or training, such as Art Therapy (in the Psychology field), or Web Page Design. With some creative thought, good research skills, persistance, and a little flexibility, you will find a career that utilizes your talents and creative process, while you continue to build your credentials as a Performer or Artist!
Your major doesn’t matter as along as you develop transferrable skills (i.e. analytical skills, project management skills, quantitative skills, language skills, etc). You can do this by double majoring or minoring in something more practical like Business, Math, Economics, Engineering, or any language. Also, make sure you get involved with clubs and secure internships in the Arts. Last but not least, make sure you work with your career center, professors and your parents to identify potential employment opportunities long before you graduate. I always say to start the career search your freshmen year by visiting your career center and setting up an appointment to do self-assessments and talk about what kinds of things you like to do and don’t like to do. This will help your career counselor to narrow your focus. Also, talk with alumni from your school by setting up informational overviews to learn about your career of interest. They can also give you leads on externships, internships and full-time opportunities.
Lots of employers value creativity – so you could use your artistic talents in numerous ways. You could work for a company doing design work – websites, videos, newletters, publications, marketing, etc. Depending on your background you could work in product design, advertising or a host of other jobs that require creative thinking. Look around you and see that just about every product you use has been “designed” by someone! If you are a performer, think about those skills that make you a great performer – you can stand up in front of an audience without getting tongue-tied – so jobs that require you to interact with the public or speak to groups could be just your thing.
Don’t give up your dream! Continue to seek employment as you work in a related field; i.e., office work for people in the field you desire. If no work is available , volunteer everywhere and anywhere that will give you hands-on experience.. Get to meet people who work in your chosen area. Ask for an informational interview. Pick their brains for suggestions. Keep at it!
Starve?
Many students today become very focused on a specific role within an area such as performer/artist and fail to see the larger picture about other roles that must be accomplished around the performer/artists that make the “arts” in this instance happen. I try to get students to think about everything that goes into the industry that surrounds these roles to help the begin to explore how they can still be involved in the industry but in different ways other than their one-role-dream job.
More often than not, arts majors (like myself) are criticized by their peers, parents, and community. Questions frequently asked by them usually dances around: “What can you become with that?” My answer is always: probably a lot more than anyone would ever expect or recognize.
Keep in mind that very few students get a job in their major field of study – and that is not a bad thing. Think of natural connections between the arts and allied fields, such as backstage work, gallery exhibits, art studios, online teaching in the arts, etc. There are many students who are thriving with arts majors are not necessarily on Broadway or in Hollywood. Good luck!
Arts major are very heard to get a full time job. Specific majors that are quite demanding right now would be graphic designers. Teaching arts would be a safe choice. You need to have alternatives just in case. Artists learn from many aspects of life. It’s just about being at the right place at the right time. Dream high but also make some backups. 🙂
Consider a field in teaching! There is very little that is more fulfilling than sharing your knowledge and passion with others who are eager to learn. If teaching in a traditional school setting isn’t appealing, consider private instructor/tutoring or opening your own studio and offering lessons for students to participate in. Young and energetic teachers, who are also very talented in the arts, can be very appealing to families who are looking for good instruction for their children.
You can seek and create opportunities in teaching, coaching, arts administration, directing and writing. Your streak of talent might lend itself nicely to a career in marketing, advertising or visual design. You might also find yourself at home in front of groups, so look working in organizational behavior, corporate training and industrial education might also be interesting to you.
The cliche of “starving artist” remains strong in some people’s minds but rest assured that you can utilize your arts background!
Some students skilled in the arts apply their skill to therapeutic settings, particularly in schools and rehabilitation settings. While finding employment in this area requires some legwork, doing so is a great way to combine artistic talent with personal compassion in a way that can improve someone’s life.
On the road to your “big break in Hollywood” you may not land a full-time job right out of college. Now, needing a full-time job with a major in the arts may have you scratching your head as to what employment opportunities you can pursue.
A common preconception exists that students majoring in the arts are not competitive for other careers or jobs if they don’t get a full-time work as an artist. This is simply not true. The education students receive from their respective college awarding the arts degree most likely has core graduation requirements and prepares students for life after college in many aspects, not just to be successful as an artist. Graduates with art degrees can go on to become successul in many related areas. In fact, author Daniel Pink, of A Whole New Mind, argues more right-brained, artistic people will be needed to be competitive in the rapidly changing world of automative production. These artists can help develop more creative design’s for merchandise, clothes, tools, and nearly anything else. Creative, right-brained artists will undeniably be needed in nearly every economic sector.
You can do an unlimited number of things, depending on what you’re most comfortable with. You can market/sell your work independently, (either from a brick and mortar or virtual storefront) you can apply your artistic skills to areas like marketing, graphic design, broadcasting, etc., or you can teach others how to use their artistic gifts by being a teacher/instructor, whether in public/private K-12 schools or at the college level or for community based programs or non-profits or in senior centers or independent living communities. You can work for a museum or art gallery or theater company or production venue. You just have to be willing to think in broader terms than “I’m an artist so there are no other types of jobs I can do.”
Dependent upon the full scope of your studies, you could potentially have options to work in any aspect of staging, Production Assistant, a creative contributor, i.e. coach or writer. You could also consider, working within the school system in some capacity. The second option would require additional coursework, credentialing, or testing, depending upon your short/long term direction. There are also opportunities in working within a Museum or Art Gallery.
I would first ask, what specific art degree are you seeking? I would also ask, what types of jobs do you find interesting? Individuals majoring in the arts often end up in fields outside of performance. By earning an arts degree, you will most likely be exposed to a strong liberal arts program that will provide you with critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and creative problem solving among other necessary job skills. There are numerous job titles that align with an art major background (e.g. graphic designer, art director, teacher, designer, art administrator).
Many companies want students with arts and humanities degrees because they are typically better at expressing themselves both orally and in written form. In addition, arts students tend to be more creative thinkers and may therefore be able to provide innovative ways of approaching situations or solving problems. Some possible options include working in human resources, marketing, advertising, consulting businesses, and similar jobs.
Anything you want as long as it doesn’t require more schooling (ie, engineering, medicine, law, etc–and you can even go to grad school in those areas with an arts degree.) The skills you’ll learn with an arts major are easily transferable to hundreds of careers, and if you’re willing to think creatively–and you probably are since you chose the arts to begin with, you’ll find opportunities to work in many areas. Expression and communication are very highly sought after skills. You’ll be fine.
More opportunities than you (or your college-paying parents) might think! Museums are full of arts majors, as are art galleries, retail art businesses, and artist supply businesses. Artists are in demand by residential and commercial builders, furnishings suppliers, and window treatment companies. Artists work for greeting card companies, magazines, and adversiting agencies. You can teach independently, too. Take some business and entrepreneurship classes so you’ll have the tools to be successful in the business of the arts.
You can do almost anything with a degree in the arts. Unless you want to go into the sciences or engineering an arts degree can provide a strong foundation for many different careers. Many employers are less worried about what a student studied during their undergraduate years as they are that the student graduated. Bachelors degrees are increasingly becoming more of a gateway to further education than an end in its self. Most importantly, find a major that you’re fascinated by and get that degree.
Art is a very broad field and many people make a successful living as graphic artists for companies, freelance, or in illustration, to name just a few possibilities. Artists and performers often supplement their incomes through teaching, either in schools colleges, or their own studios. Also remember that, with a bachelor degree from a liberal arts program, your college major is less important to employers than the fact that you have learned to think critically. I would encourage you to major in what you most enjoy.
People with Art degrees are Complicated, Original, Impulsive, Independent, Expressive, and Creative.
There are many avenues to explore for theater and performing arts majors! If you want to stay in the theater arts field, look at non-profit organizations that promote the arts. Also, many corporate hiring managers may regard your theatrical experience as valuable experience developing self-confidence, communication skills, poise, and the ability to fit yourself into a sales role. If you enjoy working with students, perhaps you might want to explore teaching theater arts. In this case, you might need to return to school to acquire teaching certification, depending upon the requirements of your state.
The first thing to do is back up the student and find out as much as you can about their background. Ask questions. and then I put together an a few exercises for them to do over the course of a week…and then I sit down and review it with them. Usually this will give the student some type of direction that they can use so that we can come up with a list of possible professions that can use their talents, skills, and Artistic gifts.. It might also involve going back to school for an advanced degree…. such as Law or Medicine is they are inclining.. or maybe architecture. Other areas one might look at are marketing, communications, the fashion design or hair styling industries… it is wide open with a major like this because art is EVERYWHERE…
According to the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, the arts and culture industry creates about 5.7 million full-time jobs every year, nationwide! A major in the arts will provide you with invaluable skills including creativity, flexibility, and the ability to think outside of the box. There are numerous opportunities available including positions in nonprofits, nursing homes, agencies dedicated to advocacy, and neighborhood organizations just to name a few.
There are a number of positions for those seeking performing arts related positions: • Teaching • Private dance studios • Neighborhood Centers (After school enrichment programs, etc.) • Consulting for special events, Women’s History, African American History Month, Cinco De Mayo, and other celebrations held annually to celebrate groups) • Consult for performances at various festivals, perform at festivals • Workshops for students, community • Provide technical support for various groups
From the question, I assume the the student is asking about majoring in art at a liberal arts college rather than attending an art school such as RISD or Parsons. Given that very few artists are able to support themselves by selling their work, I would urge a student/artist to consider a double major in an academic area of interest. Many colleges offer dual degree programs in several areas including art. For example, art therapy is a growing field. The world of work is everchanging and offers opportunities to those who can evolve with the changes and apply their learning. Steve Job credited a caligraphy class with the strong design element of Apple’s products.
Students who major in the arts may find careers in arts education – from teaching in schools, developing educational programming in museums and other arts organizations, to providing outreach to teachers and schools in the arts. They may also find a career in emerging fields such as art therapy where art is used as a therapeutic tool for psychological issues, neurological and cognitive conditions, among others. Others with performance/artistic majors may find work in non-profit organizations associated with the arts, including community music and theatre programs, local museums, and advocacy groups. Some artists or performers also work part time in other fields while pursuing their artistic careers. Finally, you may find yourself on a career trajectory that is unrelated to your major but one where the skills necessary to be an artist or performer are useful and relevant. Arts majors may find themselves working in web design, advertising, communications or even veterinary medicine. One way to learn more is to visit college art/music/theatre department websites to learn more about internships students have gotten and what alumnae are doing after graduation.
Consider that most industries rely on innovation and successfully bringing a product or service from conception to execution in a way that connects with a market (or increases shareholder value). A major in the arts means that you have extensive background in solving problems: how to best apply my skills/media to the assigned parameters? where is there room for innovation in an existing process or form? how best can i connect and communicate with my audience, and what is should they take away from my performance? When you think about your education in the arts this way –and if you can effectively communicate this vision through your resume & covers letters– your major in the arts turns into a widely applicable set of skills. One way to communicate this vision is to keep a portfolio of your student work that explains the challenges & assignments rather than simply exhibits them. For instance, if you are a music student, you could film your performances and upload them onto sites like Vimeo or YouTube with explanations of the performance’s parameters, rehearsal schedule, and individual challenges. Students in the visual arts can take a similar approach, showing not only the works they have created but concentrating on the challenges presented by the works from conception to execution. If you do not find your way into performance or exhibition of your medium, you may still find yourself in any of the numerous administrative or managerial aspects related to that field (e.g. managing a gallery, raising money for a performance group, promoting and marketing other artists in your field, etc).
You can do lots of great things. Working in a talent agency can be interesting and put you in touch with some great people. Working in a profit or non-profit gallery can do the same. In addition, working with others and teaching them is a satisfying way to share your talent! Networking as your involve yourself with these types of things will help you achieve your status as a performer.
That is a frequently asked question by many college students and it is legitimately question. Making a decent living as a performer or an artist isn’t the easiest career route.
That’s very interesting that you would ask me that question, because I graduated from college as a Theatre major, but look at me now! I’ve been an academic counselor helping college students for many years! (And truly love it.) BUT, that’s not to say the YOU won’t be the next successful/famous artist – SOMEBODY’S got to be! In general though, not many people end up doing EXACTLY what they major in in college, and most people change their career direction many times in their lives, so the idea is to major in something you can excel in, and that you think is the absolute coolest thing to study! That’s what everyone is looking for – something to study that they really have a lot of passion for. You know, so you really have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning. There’s nothing so invigorating and empowering as doing what you love! Lots of your friends (and your parents possibly) might tell you you’ll end up working at Jack in the Box or the like if you don’t major in something that is directly career-oriented like Engineering. But if you don’t like math and science, or you’re not good at it, you’re not likely to be happy or successful pursuing a major such as this, if your heart is in the arts. There are LOTS of options we can explore. As far as employment goes, many employers require a college degree (in any major) as the first level of screening for their applicants. They can assume, just by virtue of having a college degree, that you are educated in certain areas, and can therefore have the potential to be trained on the job. They know a college degree involves a lot more that just your major. The first two years will involve a lot of general education classes that will refine your writing skills, your ability to think analytically, will expand your world through the study of different ways of thinking, new cultures, languages including the language of mathematics, and science. These are skills and knowledge that employers value! Along with your general education classes in the first 2 years, you’ll also take classes that are prerequisite to your major, so you can see if it’s right for you. And remember that lots of students change their major, once they see what it really involves. That’s normal. Also, employers know they can assume certain attributes about you just by the fact that you have a college degree (in any major). Like, you can follow through with a project, you can manage your time, you can deal with a system that has certain rules and requirements, etc. etc. I know a lot of students who start out majoring in an area that they THINK they should like, or that they read is going to be a good area for future employment, or that their parents think they should major in. And then sometimes they plan to do a minor in an Arts area. That’s sometimes is a good option, if they also have some interest/ability in the other major. Also, some students do a double major – two majors, say in Music and Math. You can always take classes at first AS IF you were doing a major and minor, or a double major, and arrange your classes toward that goal, and then see how it goes. There are lots of options. Everything doesn’t have to be set in stone at the beginning – plans can be adjustable, that’s completely OK, and it’s best to be flexible at first. College is a lot different than high school, so it’s best to plan for possible options and then see how you like and do in your classes. Sometimes, what you THINK you like turns out to be just ho-hum, while some GE class you took just to meet a requirement turns out to be the coolest thing ever, so you just never know sometimes. I can help you design a class schedule first to explore possible majors, then we can talk about how you feel about these classes, and then when you decide what direction to go, we can make a definite class plan for future semesters, so you can graduate on time with all requirements met in the major of your choice. There are also things you can do along the way to check out different career directions, like volunteering, internships, research, TAing classes, etc. We can talk about those possibilities later too. Hope this gives you some food for thought. What questions do you have?
Many people assume that as an Art major you have to be a performer or artist, however there are many more options out there. First of, you can teach to others your passion. If you are interested in art, there are various nonprofits that promote the arts as a way to keep children off the streets, help them deal with issues at home or simply want to expose children to a different form of expression. If your passion is music, how about being a band instructor? That is another way that you can continue your passion and sharing it with others. If you are interested in the arts major, let’s chat to search and discuss other opportunities!
The creative skills you gain with a major in the arts can help you get positions in other fields. For example, a student I counseled majored in fine arts and when she graduated she worked with disabled adults offering art as a form of expression and therapy. Other fine art majors have gone into marketing. Inevitably, performing art majors have strong communication skills and cona consider positions that capitalize on these skills. Art/Performing art majors can also consider opting to have a minor which will broaden their skill base. For example, music majors can minor in business or education so they are qualified for other jobs while pursuing their passions. The key is to focus on the creativity and skills that are developed as well as to seize the opportunity,when possible, to broaden one’s skill base or gain outside experience through jobs and internships.
In some cases you can teach. You will likely need to get certified in your state if you want to teach in public schools. You may or may not need to do this if you want to work at private institutions.
The job opportunities for performing arts majors tend to be somewhat limited, especially in Northern Louisiana, where I am from. One of the major accomplishments and facets of colleges that employers look at is the ability to attain a college degree, any college degree. With that said, one who has a performing arts degree may be able to get jobs in various jobs that require the completion of a college degree. Some examples include customer service call center managers, free lance artist, retail management, food service industry management, insurance, and banking. (Local banks in Louisiana often do not require specific degrees in finance or insurance to get these jobs, but do require on the job professional development and certifications once you have started the job. In fact, our university has closed our Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance program.)
First of all, if you are interested in a major in the arts, chances are you are a creative person who thinks outside of the box. As an artist, you have been building jobs skills you may not know you even had! Many artists are creative thinkers, have great attention to detail and are terrific problem solvers. Your unique perspective can help you find work in a number of art-related industries, from advertising to teaching to management and media.
There are many options to pursue such as continuing to find opportunities that may lead to jobs, using your art skills to leverage for other opportunities where your talents may be transferable, and there is always grad school to further gain experience and education.
Depending on what type of school you go to, the curriculum established and courses you choose to take will provide you with skills and abilities to succeed in the the workplace. For instance, a music major at a liberal arts college will enroll in courses that will teach them to perform critical analysis, write persuasively, work in a team, and communicate effectively. Additionally, you may choose to minor in another subject area or pursue an internship or extracurricular activity that will allow you to hone skills to supplement your major in the arts. These transferable skills will allow you to thrive in a wide variety of work settings, from arts non-profits to corporate businesses.
There are many different avenues to take. Students with degrees in the fine and performing arts have vibrant careers beyond the stage and studio. For example, students with degrees n the visual arts often develop enriching careers as museum curators, auction house professionals, and as teachers and educators. In addition, many students with art degrees get involved in the “business” of art and work as agents and managers for artists or lawyers focused on the art and entertainment industry. Students with degrees in acting or theater work as producers, directors or in the business end of that industry– advertising, promotion or representing actors or theater companies as attorneys or business men or women.
First, please note that your major is not always your career. While working on your passion in college, you also gained the following skills as a student: you learned how to think critically and analytically, worked in teams or alone, conducted research, wrote papers as well as used a computer.
Landing a full-time job as an artist of any kind is very competitive and difficult. if you believe you have what it takes, it still may take a long period of financial sacrifice to get to the point of making a full-time salary. Freelancing for multiple venues/organizations may help you get properly networked. Remember to be as flexible as your career path demands you to be, meaning don’t overload yourself with car/credit payments and other things that will tie you down. Allow your career to gradually develop.
There are many, many opportunities to use your artistic talents on-line with websites and through any visual marketing aspect. Magazines, newspapers, brochures, and every company (for profit and not-for-profit), entrepreneur, former students, current friends can always use art in some form or fashion. Think outside of the box…if it’s a visual, then someone created that image…go out and ask them who does their artwork.
Depending on the type of arts program you pursue, you have a number of different paths available. You could explore a career with:
There are lots of different options available. You could work in art galleries, concert halls, and performing arts centers in various capacities. Some students choose to go on to get their masters or doctoral degree. Depending upon your level of education, you may be eligible to teach. Check with your professors in college to see if they know students who may need private lessons.
There are lots of different things you might be able to pursue with a major in the arts, but it will depend on the other natural competencies and interests that you have. For instance, let’s say you are the type of student that really find fulfillment out of community service. Then you might find work in a community-based organization (some of which are small, local outfits, and some of which are major non-profits) which employ the arts as a vehicle for community-building, youth education and empowerment, or a therapeutic outlet for medical patients. Aside from employees who can actually run their arts programs, these arts organizations may also need grantwriters who can help them convinced various funders that they work they are doing is an important dissemination of arts appreciation and is worthy of the donor’s philanthropy. Another related line of work could be as a program officer with arts foundations, that look to fund many of these types of arts-based community organizations. This would still require a knowledge of the arts that the foundation is particularly concerned with as well as excellent interpersonal skills. There are still more possibilities, but again, it all depends on not only what you’re good at, but what you’re actually interested in.
Art majors have a range of career options and potential employers will look at your degree but also the institution the degree is from and the other experiences you have that will prepare you for specific jobs. Possible alternatives may include work in communications, sales, or marketing. Graduates with art degrees need to market the skills they gained beyond simply their degree.
There are lots of career paths you can take if you major in the Arts, but don’t get work as a full time performer/artist. I have had several friends and colleagues who have majored in Visual Arts or Art History who have chosen to work in galleries. If you are a visual artist, working in an art gallery giving tours or working in the education sector can be a great way to use your knowledge and skills, and still receive a steady paycheck. If you are interested in Performing Arts or Theater, theaters are often looking for knowledgeable people to help with ticket sales, outreach and advertising. Again, a great way to stick with your passion, but have a backup plan in case you don’t get full time performing work. A major in the Arts also teaches valuable skills, like consistency, work ethic, dedication, and on-the-spot performance. Music majors often do very well in business because of these traits.
There are many options for someone with a major in the arts. If you wish to use your art skills, you can pursue teacher certification, work with children’s programs, or gain employment with any number of community arts organizations. If you decide to emphasize other aspects of your degree, you can highlight the creative problem-solving skills you acquired in both the art and non-art portions of your degree, as well as your communication abilities. Often, students who have completed a major in the arts, have also gained a large number of other skills along the way. Did you need to learn how to work with computers? Did your college experience require that you learn project management skills? Did you find yourself in a counseling or mentoring role with your fellow students. Any of these things can be translated into excellent qualifications for many different jobs both in industry and in academia.
There are so many things you can do with a degree in the arts. Think out of the box. Don’t think of yourself as a performer/artist who just performs on a stage. As a performer you have developed self-confidence standing up in front of people. You have the ability to speak, project emotion and capture the attention of an audience. This ability will take you far in any industry. Most industries have a need for that “artistic person”. Think advertising, web design, teaching, creating your own film/play, window display artist, cake design, event planning, interior design, landscape design, wedding planner, theater manager……the sky’s the limit.
When you have a major in the arts you are given excellent preparation for not only art related positions, but also positions that require careful thinking, accurate observation and expression. Some alternative jobs for an artist include interior design, photography and graphic design. Theatre students learn the ability to communicate their ideas and are acquire skills that would do well in many professional careers including advertising, business and teaching.
You can get involved in the business side of the arts either through a box-office positon or publications or marketing. Additionally, if you can swing it to intern or volunteer, there are probably great opportunities to work with community theatre groups or assist in teaching at children’s theatres. Summer camps are also probably a great option.
First of all don’t give up on your dreams. Its always great to have a back up career in mind until you make it full time as a Performer or Artist. Also, if your a performer or artist I’m sure you already have a creative edge to you. Many companies do look for someone with creativity. As an artist you can look for careers in marketing or as a performer you can look for part time theatre work or commerical acting. It all really depends on your interests and the job market. It depends on what type of performer or artist you are ? How about graphic artist or making music CD’s and marketing yourself on the side. For commerical zingles or Phone Apps, games, there are endless possibilities out there. How about blogging part time and sharing your work online ? Lets brainstorm your ideas !
If you have a music or art performance major, there are several ways you can go. If you want to get a teaching certificate, it will take approximately one additional year to complete that degree. However, without that certificate there are many paid positions in church and community performing arts centers. Taking on private students and working in community theater also provide small salaries.
There are many options for art majors. There are even more possibilities if there the student plans ahead and thinks of options while still studying. Depending on the specific art medium, options can include but are not limited to art teacher, art therapy, music therapy, critic, reporter, photographer, graphic designer, publishing, advertising, animation, web designer, set designer, packaging, auction house, art investor, art law, writer (creative or reporting), announcers, lighting designers, makeup arts, media planners, entertainment managers, agents, choreographer, or press agent.
There are many directions that you can go with a major in the arts as long as you select a minor in an area that compliments your art major. The list is endless when it comes to careers in the arts. Consider working as an art or music therapist, an animator or art administrator, a curator or graphic designer, a television director or an exhibit designer. You can use your creativity to design your own niche within this unlimited field. Of course, you can always get a teaching credential and teach.
You can get a job as an art teacher or theater teacher in any level of school and perform in community plays while you continue to tryout for full time performing work. Also, you can set up your own art school at home or work for religious agencies teaching art on a part time basis- they often have programs on weekends. Once you get your foot in the door you can sometimes work into a full time position.
Really it depends on where you live or where you are willing to live. If you wish to live in a more urban area, there will be many opportunities, but you have to be willing to start at the ground level. Most artists, reagrdless of where they live, have a “day job” and then they have a freelance/part time career with their art. This is really where most artists, thespians, and musicians start. Another thought is teaching art or music. Most artists like this don’t like this idea initially, but it is a steady job with benefits, and due to an educator’s calendar, there is always the summer to practice your art. Also, most of the typical art students in secondary and post-secondary levels are there because they want to be there and they chose your class. As the person scheduling students from the other end, I can tell you that you rarely have classroom control issues or the strain of trying to motivate kids.
Many college graduates are happily engaged in careers that have very little to do with the major they pursued in college. Art majors are eligble to apply for many occupations simply because they have earned a college degree (an achievement that demonstrates dedication and focus to many potential employers). Many art classes require subsets of skills that are transferable into numerous occupations…including such fields as advertising, communications, fashion, education, marketing, sales, journalism, public relations, and hundreds of others. The founder of Apple once took a calligraphy class as an elective…a class he considered pivotal in Apple’s success (because Apple used the most creative and innovative fonts…thanks to that calligraphy class). Former art students (both fine and peforming arts) are and will continue to be happily employed in many occupations that have everything, nothing, and all things in-between to do with their undergaduate course sequences. Other opportunities include graduate studies, including law, business, and medicine.
Many college graduates are happily engaged in careers that have very little to do with the major they pursued in college. Art majors are eligble to apply for many occupations simply because they have earned a college degree (an achievement that demonstrates dedication and focus to many potential employers). Many art classes require subsets of skills that are transferable into numerous occupations…including such fields as advertising, communications, fashion, education, marketing, sales, journalism, public relations, and hundreds of others. The founder of Apple once took a calligraphy class as an elective…a class he considered pivotal in Apple’s success (because Apple used the most creative and innovative fonts…thanks to that calligraphy class). Former art students (both fine and peforming arts) are and will continue to be happily employed in many occupations that have everything, nothing, and all things in-between to do with their undergaduate course sequences.
Many college graduates are happily engaged in careers that have very little to do with the major they pursued in college. Art majors are eligble to apply for many occupations simply because they have earned a college degree (an achievement that demonstrates dedication and focus to many potential employers). Many art classes require subsets of skills that are transferable into numerous occupations…including advertising, communications, fashion, education, marketing, sales, journalism, and public relations. The founder of Apple once took a calligraphy class as an elective…a class he considered pivotal in making Apple computers a success (because Apple used the most creative and innovative fonts…thanks to calligraphy). Former art students (both fine and peforming arts) are and will continue to be happily employed in many occupations that have everything, nothing, and everything in-between to do with their undergaduate course sequences. Other opportunities include graduate studies, including law, business, and medicine.
Often it is the case that students wishing to major it the arts can only imagine themselves as practicing artists when, in fact, a degree in the arts opens up a world of possibilities. In this emerging “creative economy” many artists can find gainful and rewarding employment in a wide variety of fields as companies seek thoughtful, innovative thinkers who will bring a creative perspective to their work. When Steve Jobs was creating the first MacIntosh computers, he worked with an industrial designer to make it look attractive – something people would enjoy looking at – and the rest is, as they say, history. So, for the arts major who is unable to find full-time employment as a performer/artist, tremendous opportunities exist in the workforce for the right-brained thinker. Here’s a link to an article from the Harvard Business Review that discusses 4 things an MBA could learn from an MFA http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2008/04/the_mfa_is_the_new_mba.html
This is a great question and one I asked myself many times during my major in arts. The CBC addressed this question in September 2010 in a very interesting article about the jobs you don’t hear about: HTTP://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/09/07/f-vp-handler.html Most artists have to make ends meet with day jobs while they wait for the big break and there are many ways to do this. I, myself, am an arts major and have had varied experiences from working in West Africa as a Foreign Aid intern to working for a major Bank as a Strategist. How? What many people will not tell you is that most of the training required for any job will happen on the job itself. The key is your aptitude to learn and adapt to new situations. This is your most valuable asset when looking for temporary work. Do not undersell yourself because you do not have a specialized degree/diploma; most graduates are not specialists. Remember: Van Morrison was a window cleaner (check out the 1982 song Cleaning Windows) and composer Philip Glass was a plumber until the age of 41. Before undertaking any job, ask yourself this: is becoming an artist more important to you than a comfortable standard of living? If so, you may want to stick to shift work which can be more accommodating when arranging for auditions, etc… whereas a 9 to 5 job may provide little to no flexibility meaning you will miss out on auditions or risk losing your income. If not, there are many long-term opportunities for an Arts Major and the key is to be open to them and not pigeon-hole yourself into what you think you can do because you will surprise yourself!
Would-be artists, musicians, dancers, and actors have been supporting themselves financially through other kinds of work throughout history. Many find work in fields unrelated to the arts, often part-time or temporary, where the time commitment enables continued pursuit of their artistic craft during non-work hours. Armed with a college degree however, others choose to seek more career-oriented work in areas aligned with the arts, but in non-performing capacities. Interesting opportunities are available as teachers, arts/music librarians, exhibition curators, and as administrators/fund raisers for museums, theaters, and orchestras. In these positions, an academic background in visual/performing arts can be highly valuable. While pursuing an undergraduate degree in the visual or performing arts, you may want to consider a minor or other course combinations that might broaden and enhance your education – and employability – in another area(s) of interest: e.g., business administration, art/music history, technical theater, etc.
True, there is competition in the arts. However, skills are transferable. One may want to be in a professional dance group but that same person can teach dance. An actor has communication skills that can be used in many careers in addition to acting. Those who are in the fine arts have visual and design skills that can be used in the now popular graphic design and web page design fields. Some in the art field find jobs in museums or arts management. There are options if one looks at their skills and use those skills in a related area.
Work for a non profit theatre company, volunteer as a director for a children’s theatre company
An extremely important point to remember is that if you have a bachelor’s degree in the arts, you are a college grad. This means that you can qualify for any job in which a college degree is a requirement. That being said, there are a number of things people with arts degrees can do: teach elementary, junior high, high school, private school, tutor. If you’ve graduated from a top arts program, e.g., North Carolina School of the Arts, you can make $50-$100/hour tutoring other students. A degree in the arts also helps if you’re looking to apply to competitive graduate programs. Because many programs (e.g., law, business, etc.) are looking to diversify their student body, tie a nice story around your degree and you’ll stand out like a diamond in the rough!
You can do just about anything. An education in the arts allows you to do three things: 1. When you major in the arts you put yourself “out there” — you get rejected, accepted, evaluated, and you build a layer which allows you to do anything 2. You can work part-time as a performer — life is about following a passion and doing whatever you have to do to get that “fix” 3. Go to medical school, law school or anything else that you feel passionate about. Majoring in the arts is very difficult — and if you can do this — you can do anything.
You can also consider a work within a non-profit organization or a governmental entity which supports the arts. The arts are typically funded through public-private partnerships within a ciy or other locale, and are in need of practitioners who understand the aesthetic value of the various art genres, as well as the cultural value to the public. Many former performers and artists find quite fulfilling work in non-profit arts organizations or city departments such as ‘cultural affairs’ or ‘arts and letters’.
In college, arts majors hone wonderfully creative approaches to problem-solving. These skills are keys to success in education, retail sales, hospitality, consulting…
You should always consider work in organizations which support or fund the arts. There are a number of non-profit organizations and publicly-funded (city, county, or other municipal government) departments with very gratifying and fulfilling professional opportunities where expertise and/or experience in the arts is not only requested, but required. For many performers/artists who also have strong fundraising, people management, and leadership capabilities, professional opportunities within professional arts organizations, have been a great match.
You could enter a career in education, seek employment in the arts community working at museums, libraries, or visual art galleries. If your degree is in the area of the arts that involve music, instrumentation or visual performances, such as acting, be sure to hone your craft and remain committed to performing at local playhouses and performing troops. Most successful artist achieve notoriety and recognition after enduring a substantial amount of set backs, trials and tribulations that often test their committment to their chosen craft. Be prepared to work hard and focus on what you are out to accomplish.
Art majors are well positioned to work in a variety of fields particularly if their major is grounded with a strong liberal arts education. Art majors can find work in managing arts organizations, being part of an art acquisition team in a corporation or working in areas such as design and facilities/space planning. Other natural fits include working in a museum or art gallery. An art major might make a wonderful admissions counselor at an art college or pursue a career as an art therapist or art teacher. What is key is identifying overall skills and strengths. I know artists who are also good writers who find work in marketing and public relations or publishing. The possibilities are limitless.
Depending on the type of art you have studied, you may be able to get into advertising, creating eye-catching posters. You may find a fit in the retail industry if you create eye-catching displays in store windows. Another option might be to work for a high end jewelry distributor if you are interested in creating unique pieces to market. There really are countless possibilities if you think broadly about different aspects of all careers.
As a performer/artist you have developed an amazing set of transferrable skills. You have not only developed your creativity, you have learned to think outside of the box. You know that there is usually more than one way to solve a problem and your education has taught you how to think critically as well as creatively. You have a unique perspective on issues, have developed strong communication skills, can create interesting associations between ideas and are knowledgeable about popular culture. All of these skills are valuable in wide variety of settings. You may want to consider looking into positions in sales or marketing, advertising, public relations, human resources, art or performing art thearapy. Exhibit designers, tour guides, archivists and buyers all use the very skills that you have developed. As you start to explore options outside of the traditional “performer/artist” box you will want to take a closer look at the transferrable skills that you have developed and give future employers concrete examples of how these skills may be applied to the position you are seeking. You may also want to continue to develop your artist/performer talent by joining a professional organization, volunteering with fundraising efforts for the arts and looking for additional internships. All of these activities will enhance your resume should you decide to continue to pursue full-time work as a performer/artist.
Teaching is always the best alternative for majors such as the arts. Whether in the private or public school system, there are many opportunities for after school programs. Also, you can start your own business teaching your choreography to other aspiring students or even try your luck with celebrities. The key is to create a brand for your style and market yourself to the right audience and making a good living will follow.
The most obvious answer would be to teach or to be a tutor in your particular area. There are many opportunities available that need teaching or tutoring. Parents tend to think that their children are extremely talented and are the next American Idol, so it is very common for tutoring to be a sought out avenue for their “talented” children.
LOOK FOR LOCAL ART GALLERIES, THEATERS AND MUSEUMS WHERE YOUR KNOWLEDGE CAN BE PUT INTO USE. YOU CAN ALSO GO TO YOUR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE THEY USUALLY HAVE LIST OF INTERESTED EMPLOYERS THAT WILL GIVE YOU A HEADS UP ON HWERE TO LOOK FOR A JOB.
Museums, galleries, art promotion, art based charities, foundations for the arts, design (wed, graphic, game, advertising, etc.), and teaching are all viable routes to pursue outside of actual performing.
Going to school to get a degree in arts is one of those subjects that we dont like to talk about to much around the dinner table these days. I personally think that the preforming arts world still needs young, fresh minded individuals to go forth into the world. The funny things is there are plenty of jobs that you can get working in the performing arts field, provided you have done enough work to find those opportunitites. Television and radio stations are always looking for people to help build the creative brand of thier companies as well as other media and entertainment related business. I recieved my degree in Film Studies from the UNiversity of Missouri and find myself working in my field but more on the music side than actually working film. Although, my minor is in music. However, if you plan on seriously considering a career of uncertainity at times but the chacnes of great income incites then a major in arts is for you. But condisering the safe choice like med or law school is always an option when considering the monies paid out during college versus the monies recieved after.
As a theatre arts major, you can always teach full time. High schools typically have a theatre arts department. Also, if you were to be a work as an artist, the school calendar could be beneficial because you would have evenings and weekends free to rehearse and/or perform.
if pursuing a career as a full time perfomer or artist is your passion, and you have already completed your undergraduate degree in the arts field, go for it! While it is a competitive industry, there are many different outlets for all kinds of talented individuals. If at some point you decide performing is not “in your stars” and its time to use the degree you earned for a different type of job, there are still many options availabe to you. There are theater jobs from local theater companies to touring productions to Broadway itself that range from costume and set design, to musical directors and perfomers themselves. You can work in museums, as curators or guides, in the TV or movie industry, writing, costuming, directing, etc.. You can teach in the private sector or go back to school to earn your licensure to teach in the public schools. A degree in the arts will also allow you to go to graduate school in just about any field. In fact, many graduate schools and programs try to diversy their candidate pool with many diffferent undergraduate degrees and majors. A degree in the arts can open the door to many different opportunities.
Let’s be clear here. Are you referring to the performing arts/ theater? There are plenty of jobs available outside of the performing arts industry … but if you wish to remain in the industry, try the following sites:
Students who receive a critique-based arts education, in which they are constantly critiquing and evaluating one another (and their own) work, giving and receiving feedback, learning interpersonal skills are being recognized more and more as great leaders by major companies NOT directly involved in the arts.
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There are many options for arts majors. Many non-profit organizations center on fundraising and increasing exposure for the arts, and would love to have on their staff a college graduate with a demonstrated passion for their mission. You could also teach art, although depending on your state, you may need to be certified as well.
Definitely. The College Board offers students with documented learning disabilities/ADHD several helpful accommodations, including extended time, more frequent breaks and longer breaks. Students with a writing disability may also ask for use of a computer to type responses on essays.
Try being an instructor, tutor or work “behind the scenes” at theaters, galleries or museums.
If you cannot get full-time work as a performer/artist, there are a few things you can do:
Many people will advise you that you can go into teaching. Some people will say you should go into or continue as an actor/waiter or actress/waitress, patiently awaiting your “big break” while working night and day in one of the big cities. Dig a little deeper, is my recommendation.
I must ask a clarifying question in order to effectively answer this question. When you say you will major in the “arts” that leaves me with a broad brush and the world as my canvas “pun intended”. Do you mean literally you want to major in the visual arts i.e. painting, drawing, or computer graphics, or do you me the performing arts i.e. dance, acting, music, etc., or do you mean take a major in a college of the liberal arts which all can lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree however now you are talking about fields that are not a part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) sectors like psychology, philosophy, sociology soocial work, biology, education, etc.
Obtaining an education in the arts will provide you with many desirable skills that are transferable to several career areas. If you major in performing arts, or theater, you will gain competency in public speaking, creative expression and critical analysis. Although these skills would be beneficial in many careers, some specific ones to consider might be in advertising and promotions, teaching, broadcasting, news correspondence, and the writing of film or theater reviews for publication. If your major is in the area of visual arts you will have developed an eye for color, balance, and design and also the skill of creating what is appealing to a viewer. You may consider work in such fields as advertising, exhibit,stage or window design, as an art director in publishing, or as a museum interpreter.
Obtaining an education in the arts will provide you many desirable skills that are transferable to several career areas. If you major in performing arts, or theater, you will gain competency in public speaking, creative expression and critical analysis. Although these skills would be beneficial in many careers, some specific ones to consider might be in advertising and promotions, teaching, broadcasting, news correspondence, and the writing of film or theater reviews for publication. If your major is in the area of visual arts you have developed an eye for color, balance, and design and also the skill of creating what is appealing to a viewer. You may consider work in such fields as advertising, exhibit,stage or window design, as an art director in publishing, or as a museum interpreter.
Have you considered teaching?
Many students who major in the arts also receive a teaching certificate so they always have a fall back job position. Until one is established other jobs will probably be necessary at times. I would also suggest a double major, perhaps an entertainment business management or communications degree. In the current job market it is difficult to get a job even if one has a college degree. Plan on working in another field while pursuing your art career.
What can I do with a major in the arts if I don’t get full-time work as a performer /artist ?
While you are waiting to land your dream job you can build your arts resume and develop professional skills in an area that you are skilled in. You will have to be committed to planning your weeks around 12+ hour days. Here is a list of suggestions: 1. Take a look at your living expenses including student loans so you have a realistic idea as to how much income you need to support yourself. 2. Find a paying or volunteer job in a related field that will keep you close to the connections that may land you the big break. Can you work as an arts columnist for the local paper? 3. Volunteer to network, usher at the theater and teach art/ performing art classes to young people in your community. The idea is to stay close to the arts that you love and to keep yourself exposed in the community. 3. If you are young enough, see if you can stay on your parent’s health plan. 4. Be open minded about your future career, you went to college to major in what you love to do. You also went to college to become an educated person. You are not failing your dream if you land a job in a different industry.
We live in a specialized world, even an over-specialized world. The humanities, the arts, philosophy and the qualitative aspects of living have become lost to the quantitative aspect of living and its concentration on specialization and a trade school mentality of training for a particular profession. A major in the arts is not limited to a life on stage or as an artist, unless you take the broadest definition of an artist as being one engaged in the art of truly living. Through developing the creativity, allowing the imagination to roam and explore, a major in the arts instills a fuller and broader sense of life and living. In so doing, the world becomes the student’s oyster, for all avenues are then open to the major in the arts. Even the professional realm of law, medicine, architecture, and others can be more fully encompassed by the major in the arts, for instead of being focused solely on the rote and regurgitation of book learning, the major in the arts has concentrated on the free flow of ideas, thoughts, feelings and sensations. The great organic chemist Kekule von Stradonitz, while working on a chemistry textbook, conceived of the benzene ring when he fell half asleep and saw a row of atoms wriggling and turning like snakes with one of the snakes seizing its own tail. In affirmation of his discovery, Kekule urged his fellow scientists: ‘Let us learn to dream gentlemen’. Some of humankind’s greatest discoveries have come from the imagination, the entrepreneur as artist creating and devising something that had never been before.
It’s true that not everybody who majors in the arts ends up supporting themselves full-time as an artist or a performer. However, there is more to working in the arts than just being a performer or an artist. In cities like New York and Los Angeles, there are thousands upon thousands of people who majored in the arts who work in publicity, administration, management, accounting, advertising, marketing, and so on for non-profits, theaters, galleries, schools, and museums (to name a few). If you major in the arts, be smart about what you minor in so that you come out of college with a skillset that you can fall back on should things not work out for you; think about communications, business, advertising, or marketing as potential minors, and be sure that your writing skills are strong. Also, remember this: if you truly love being a performer/artist, you will always be able to find a way to be involved with that passion, even if it is only on the side. Just make sure you have a way to pay the rent!