
Art is one of the most fulfilling pursuits of life.
If you are creative and imaginative, a degree in Art could be just what you are looking for to express yourself. It provides a way for self-expression, creative fulfilment and enjoyment; it may not lead to a specific career but there are multiple career paths you can choose from. In the society we live in there is an idea that art is only something to be pursued for pleasure and that art as a profession gives very limited financial prospects.
But that is not true if we look into the opportunities that exist today. The art industry is thriving and is a great place for people that are dedicated and creative to find relevant work. As we know that not all artists are cut from the same mould, we will list down all the professions you can choose from. There are many career paths that can be rewarding, depending on your interests, talent and skills.
Art and Design Sub Fields
Art is a field that encompasses many different sub-categories, each has its own unique demand and opportunities. Below are some of the sub-fields you can pursue that match well with your interest.
Fields | Universities |
Applied Art | Stanford University Chelsea School of Arts Florence Design Academy Converse College |
Arts Educations | Rhode Island School of Design Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design The Berlin University of the Arts |
Fine Art | Glasgow School of Art Royal College of Art Aalto University Pratt Institute Politecnico di Milano |
Culinary | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Culinary Arts Academy (Switzerland) Culinary Institute of America Apicius (Italy) Westminster Kingsway College (UK) |
Digital Art | Visual College of Art and Design Harvard University Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design Glasgow School of Art |
Fashion | Parsons, The New School for Design Fashion Institute of Technology Central Saint Martins London College of Fashion Istituto Marangoni ESMOD Bunka Fashion College |
Drama & Theatre/ Film & Television | University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna The Juilliard School American Film Institute Toronto Film School National Film and Television School (NFTS) Academy of Performing Arts, Film and Tv School |
Music | Royal College of Music University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna Guildhall School of Music and Drama Berklee College of Music |
Photography |
Top Paying Art Jobs
$86,250 average annual salary. |
$94,600 average annual salary. |
$97,270 average annual salary. |
$90,224 average annual salary. |
$56,355 average annual salary. |
$57,276 average annual salary. |
$70,034 average annual salary. |
$57,337 average annual salary. |
$65,020 average annual salary. |
$47,877 average annual salary. |
$104,172 average annual salary. |
$59,039 average annual salary. |
$48,969 average annual salary. |
Art Career List
These are the careers that you can choose from once you have completed your degree.
Applied arts
The term “applied arts” refers to the use of arts and crafts in our modern and everyday life. It can be seen in multiple areas but it is commonly applied to architecture, multimedia, design and fashion. These are some of the career paths that you could be walking on one day.
Architect | Automotive Designer | Furniture Designer |
Interior Designer | Landscape Architect | Naval Architect |
Product Designer | Urban Designer | Transportation Designer |
Art Education

It is a myth that art degrees have limited career options. Seriously, I have never heard something as absurd as this. The truth is if you pursue higher education in art it can lead to employment in several career fields.
Art Auctioneer | Art Dealers | Art Teacher |
Journalist | Novelist | Poet |
Talent Agent | Art Historian | Curator |
Fine Art
If you are interested and enjoy the process of creating tangible objects then Craft and Fine Art is THE field for you! There are also a plethora of employment opportunities as well.
Fine Artist | Museum/Gallery Exhibitions Office | Printmaker |
Illustrator/ Sculptor | Art Therapist | Conservator |
Art Director | Animator |
Culinary
A recipe for success
Anything can go out of style but the food is something that we will always need, so you will never be out of job opportunities if you have a passion for cooking and creativity, an outstanding work ethic and enjoy learning from new challenges.
Restaurant Chef | Personal Chef | Caterer |
Baking and Pastry Chef | Food Stylist | Culinary Artist |
Digital Art
As the world continues to become more technology-driven, the demand for digital artists keeps on growing too. The skills you will gain can be used for multiple purposes such as entertainment, advertising, retail and information etc.
Graphic Designer | User Interface Artist | Technical Artist |
Visual Effects Artist | Storyboard Artist | Environment Artist |
Digital Art Director | FX Artist | Digital Production Artist |
3D Designer | 3D Artist | Web Developer and Designer |
Typographer | 3D Modeller | Layout Artist |
Digital Technician | Multimedia Designer | Product Designer |
Fashion
Lead the future of Fashion
The fashion industry is full of opportunities and exciting places to work. The frontmen of the fashion world are indeed fashion designers and models but there are many other careers in this field that are required to make the whole process successful.
Fashion Designer | Fashion Consultant | Fashion Merchandiser | |
Accessories/Jewellery Designer | Makeup Artist | Shoe Designer | |
Textile Designer | Fashion Journalist | Dressmaker/Tailor | |
Fashion Model | Pattern Maker |
Drama and Theatre/ Film and Television
Careers in the entertainment industry are full of excitement and energy.
If you dream of a life in the theatre or a career in the film industry, there are many career options available to make that happen.
Actor | Set Designer | Costume Designer |
Casting Director | Theatre Director | Playwright |
Screenwriter | Cinematography | Film Director |
Film Editor | Video Editor | Opera Singers |
Dancers |
Music
Although the traditional role of the musician is still very much alive, however, technology has made it possible to launch a career without ever picking up an instrument.
Audio Engineer | Sound Effect Artist | Foley Artist |
Voice Over Artist | Music Composer | Singer/Musicians |
Photographer
A photography career can lead to a wide range of career paths. There is quite a lot that goes into becoming successful in this field and if you are passionate enough to go through all that then you will be successful without a doubt.
Photographer | Photojournalist | Fine Art Photographer |
Commercial/ Industrial Photographer | Studio/Portrait Photographer | Videographer |
Digital Photo Editor |
These are some of the art careers you can choose from the ever-growing list of art careers.