School Spotlight

Choosing an Art/Design/Fashion Career Path

Maybe you are one of the lucky few who knew at a young age exactly what career was intended for you.  Then again, maybe you're a curious, open experimenter who still hasn't found a niche.  Regardless of your personality or your dreams, if you're planning on making a career out of art, design, or fashion, it is beneficial to have a broad understanding of what your options are. 

The art and design world is a diverse, collaborative, rich, and multi-faceted industry where change can happen quickly.  Modern times call for careers that can solve many different problems at the same time.  As a potential employee or a freelance artist, you will need varied skills to adapt to an assortment of challenges and multiple deadlines.  In your art, design, or fashion school program, you will learn about the range of careers available to you, depending on what type of degree you obtain.

The following is a list of a select number of careers available in the realm of art, design, and fashion:

Animator

Game designer

Audio production manager

Graphic designer

Children's book illustrator

Illustrator

Commercial artist

Industrial designer

Commercial photographer

Interactive artist

Computer graphics consultant

Interior designer

Computer programmer

Interior decorator

Design consultant

Marketing manager

Fashion buyer

Printmaker

Fashion consultant

Product designer

Fashion designer

Set designer

Film producer

Teacher, fine or visual arts

Freelance photographer

Web designer

Use our search box in the top right hand corner of the page to request information from an art school about any of the above degree programs.

As you know by now, the number of career opportunities available to you will be numerous if you dedicate yourself to your program courses, network within your local academic and professional community, and work diligently as an intern or apprentice.  Of course, short or long-term jobs during a part-time program or during summers also add significant depth to your résumé. 

On your journey to becoming a successful photographer or set designer, it is necessary to set short-term goals and be realistic.  Upon completion of a degree program, don't be afraid to start small and pay your dues.  Many people start in one career and end up trying out several others before finding the one that fulfills them.  Job switches can happen due to economic survival, competition in the job market, job availability, long work hours, benefits, or a simple change of heart.  Product designers dabble in cost analysis, graphic designers take on jobs as web designers, and interior designers may end up focusing primarily on decorating.  Whatever your area of artistic interest, a degree program is available to help you gain the foundation of skills you'll need to start building your career in art or design.

There is a giant constellation of art and design jobs in our bustling society.  In fact, Innovator's Guide claims that jobs in the arts and other related industries will increase by 16% until the year 2016.  Just think about the recent growth of real-life video games, high definition technologies, and special effects in movies.  As our society demands creative outlets with more depth and action, artists and designers will need to rise to the challenge, constantly creating and developing inventive and original programs.  Likewise, the fashion and interior design industries are blossoming due to several television reality shows.  Have no doubt that the time to start your education and path towards becoming a successful artist or designer is now!