By Ashis Jain


Many visual artists are self-employed according to the available statistics as compared with those who are on payroll. A visual artist has different types of specialization to choose from. These specializations include multimedia, animations, crafts, art direction and animations. A college degree or a post secondary course in visual arts is necessary for one to qualify in most visual art jobs. Many people out there have these qualifications and therefore there is a big competition for jobs in this field.

High school is the best place to begin your career as a visual artist. You can start by taking art related classes such as art history classes. If you are post high school, you can enroll for an art history class at a community college.

Additionally, you will need business classes to help you progress in your job later on. Make sure to hone your English abilities to enhance your writing abilities too. For example should you become an art director, you may want to write a grant application that will help you in your business later on.

Practical experience is equally important in this case. Participate in extra-curricular and leisure activities to add to your visual arts knowledge. Visit photo galleries, photo trade fairs and museums frequently to improve your knowledge. If you are in high school or something, consider joining the school theater groups or work for the school yearbook.

Unlike colleges and universities, art and design schools emphasize generally on practical skills more than the theory part. Some people have succeeded without a certificate or college degree but it is still best to get one for you to improve your chances of being employed. Most studio art classes have lately included computer graphics and software programs to their curricula. It will also be beneficial to take premedical courses if you intend to specialize in medical illustrating specialty. An art director will need to take classes in art direction or art administration.

The most crucial part if you want to develop a career in visual arts is building your portfolio. Your portfolio will be your resume. This is mostly an important element in visual arts programs. Put your photos, painting, prints, drawings or any other own media to promote your portfolio. Your portfolio will showcase your skill either as a freelance illustrator, fine artist, animator or any other of your specialty.

The best way to start a career as a visual artist is by finding an entry level job or looking for freelance clients for instance if you are a freelance illustrator. If you inquire from most successful artists, they will tell you that most of them began working as freelancers while they were still students. Gradually they increased their client base until they became professionals.

It is advisable that you begin with less challenging tasks to help you improve your skills as time goes by. The bureau of labor statistics indicate that jobs for multimedia artists will get more opportunities by the year 2018. The percentage projection of this is around 14 percent job increase.




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