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Arts and Design Careers

Workers in this group create products and concepts that have practical or aesthetic purposes.

Overall employment in arts and design occupations is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations; though slow, the increase is expected to result in about 20,500 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 94,500 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

The median annual wage for art and design occupations is $48,220, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

Art Directors

Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.

Craft and Fine Artists

Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create original works of art for sale and exhibition. Craft artists create objects, such as pottery, glassware, and textiles, that are designed to be functional. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create pieces of art more for aesthetics than for function.

Fashion Designers

Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.

Floral Designers

Floral designers, also called florists, arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers and containers, ribbons, and other accessories.

Graphic Designers

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.

Industrial Designers

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers consider the function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability of products when developing new product concepts.

Interior Designers

Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They must be able to draw, read, and edit blueprints. They also must be aware of building codes, inspection regulations, and other considerations, such as accessibility standards.

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.

Additional Arts and Design Occupations

Designers (all other)

All designers not listed separately.

Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers (all other)

All entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

Set and Exhibit Designers

Set and Exhibit Designers design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets.

Find Arts and Design degrees

Get the education and training you need for an Arts and Design career.

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