Paintings, sculptures, and other creative methods are used by visual artists to express their ideas or the ideas of their employers. They could work in a variety of mediums, such as oil painting, drawing, computer design, and photography, among others. Although some artists are entirely self-taught, formal training in an artistic field is often a steppingstone for those who want to become visual artists. Attending an art and design school, as well as a university or college art program, can help you become a visual artist.
Art and design schools may offer a variety of programs ranging from certificate programs to master’s degrees in fine arts. Art school programs are frequently much more focused on hands-on studio work than traditional four-year college art programs. Traditional art programs at colleges and universities typically provide a more well-rounded education that includes liberal arts courses as well as studio art classes. Internships may also be available through college programs, and they can expose aspiring visual artists to a variety of career opportunities. Fine-arts artists can gain exposure by having their work shown in galleries through art school and university art programs.
The type of visual artist you want to be will determine what subject you major in during school. If you want to work as a photographer, for example, majoring in photography is a no-brainer. A graphic design or graphic arts degree may be your best bet if you want to create line art, cartoons, briefings, and other visual arts pieces for an ad agency or corporation. Fine artists who want to sell their sculptures, paintings, and other works should probably pursue degrees in fine arts, and those who want to teach fine arts as a hobby or as a supplement to creating art may need a teaching credential or even a master’s degree in fine arts to teach at the college level.
It is critical to keep a portfolio of your best work during your school years, regardless of which area of visual arts you choose. You can keep your portfolio online, in a book that you can bring to interviews, or both. When you’re nearing graduation, start applying for visual arts jobs by emphasizing your art background on your résumé and including a link to your portfolio. If you want to start a career as a self-employed artist, you can use pieces from your portfolio to highlight your work in advertising materials. Your portfolio can also be used to gain access to galleries that might be interested in exhibiting your work.
One of the most obvious skills you’ll need to become a visual artist is talent in your chosen artistic medium. If you want to be a visual artist, computer skills are essential, especially if you plan to work in the computer design field. If you want to work as a self-employed visual artist, having a marketing and business background can help you sell your work and run your business.