Careers in Art

The back of three MWCC Art graduates with decorated mortar boards

Many ask, “What can I do with an art degree?” You love to draw, paint, and sculpt, but you’re not sure how to translate your passion into a career. Pursuing a career as a full-time artist, designer or scholar is possible, if you have the tenacity. About 62% of artists are self-employed. Many, however, find work with museums, galleries, schools, advertising agencies, magazines, newspapers, and movie studios.

Being an original and creative thinker and problem-solver is valuable in almost any field. These abilities ensure success in any number of fields after graduation. The list below corresponds to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and details many different career paths for art majors.

Careers in Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture

  • Animator
  • Art Acquisition Specialist
  • Artist Agent
  • Art Instructor
  • Art Therapy *with a minor in Psychology
  • Audiovisual Specialist
  • Billboard Artist
  • Craftsperson
  • Custom Decorator
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Floral Designer
  • Freelance Artist
  • Furniture Designer
  • Gallery Director
  • Jewelry Designer
  • Museum/Gallery Manager or Administrator
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Museum Technician/Preparator
  • Museum Curator
  • Photographer
  • Picture Framer
  • Portrait Artist
  • Potter
  • Press Operator
  • Printing Craftsman
  • Production Artist
  • Production Potter
  • Production Coordinator
  • Professor of Art/Art History
  • Set Designer
  • Stylist
  • Tattoo Artist
  • Textile Designer

Careers in Graphic Design and Illustration

  • Advertising Artist
  • Book Designer
  • Book Jacket Designer
  • Cartoonist
  • CD/Record Cover Designer
  • Children’s Book Illustrator
  • CAD Designer
  • Comic Strip Artist
  • Corporate Designer
  • Desktop Publishing Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Greeting Card Artist
  • Illustrator
  • Journalistic Artist
  • Magazine Designer
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Package/Industrial Designer
  • Technical Illustrator
  • TV Graphic Designer
  • Video Game Designer
  • Web Designer

Careers in Art History and Museum Studies

  • Art Acquisition Specialist
  • Artist Agent
  • Collection Manager
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Gallery Director
  • Museum Archivist
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Director
  • Museum/Gallery Manager or Administrator
  • Professor of Art/Art History
  • Visual Resources Librarian

Art Related Job Listings

The College Art Association Lists jobs and opportunities in art-related fields monthly.

Bachelor Degree Programs

The National Portfolio Day Association lists Bachelor Degree majors and concentrations.