Solidify Your Spot within the Art Industry

By now, you are a well-informed aspiring artist or designer who is ready to invest in a solid education.  According to the Innovator's Guide (www.innovatorsguide.org/careers/artists_training.htm), "In 2007 the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited 282 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most of these schools award a degree in art." Aiming for a certificate in a specialized area or an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in art, design, or fashion entails much hands-on experience.  Typically, these types of programs differ from general liberal arts programs in that they require time in the studio to build artistic fundamentals and the skills necessary to become a successful professional.   

Once you have earned a specific degree and are a competitive member of the art and design workforce, you need to take steps that will secure your spot as a viable and solid freelance artist or employee.  You already know the importance of building a résumé and a creative, strong portfolio.  Both tools showcase your talent and play an integral role in advancing your career.  Yet whether you become a graphic artist, a commercial photographer, or an illustrator, you can also strengthen your worth and your résumé by taking additional courses, passing necessary exams, or joining a union.

Here, we'll reveal specific examples of ways to solidify your spot in your chosen art, design, or fashion career:

• Forensic artists (artists specializing in 2-D and 3-D illustrations of the human body, crime scenes, evidence, and other items aimed to assist the law enforcement community) establish legitimacy through the International Association for Identification's certification process.
• Interior designers can bolster résumés even after working professionally for years in the industry:  the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Exam can be taken after six years in the business to enhance careers financially and to boost reputations.
• Females with careers in industrial design expand networking possibilities by joining AWID (www.awidweb.com), or the Association of Women Industrial Designers.
• Professionals in the film industry gain job security and increase contacts and connections by joining a union.  For a list of film unions, visit http://www.masterguide.com/globalmedia/unions.html.    

Even if your artistic talents land you in a career where special exams or certifications aren't offered or required, you will benefit from furthering your knowledge and skills in areas other than the workplace.  For example, industrial designers often take 3-D imaging and Computer Assisted Design (CAD) classes.  Graphic artists advance their skills by taking frequent updated photoshop and illustrator classes.  Many employers offer to pay for your continuing education, promoting outside software, drawing, or design classes.  Others may bring instructors or coaches in-house to teach and enrich employees, providing you a broader range of design and computer skills.  But whether or not your employer aids you in your quest for higher education, you should continue to grow knowledge in your artistic area to gain expertise.