The Ultimate List of Artworks: 46 Career Ideas (2023)

career development

How many times have you been told that art is a dead end career choice? I know I've heard this many times from people and it's just not true. If you're wondering if art is a realistic and viable career option, you've come to the right place to learn more. It is possible to turn your art into a successful career. As with most things, it's not always easy, but there are plenty of opportunities now if you have a plan and are focused on taking it seriously as a career.

Do you love art and creativity, but have no idea how to practice this profession? Or maybe you just graduated college with art and aren't sure how to use it in the real world. Don't worry! I've got you covered! I have created the ultimate list of works of art for any artist looking to turn her skill and passion into an extraordinary career. There are 46 art-related jobs that can come to mind, each offering plenty of opportunities to bring out the best in yourself. From starting her own commissioned art business to collaborating with the film and food industries. There's something here for everyone, so take your pick and get on with your art career!

1. Commission Artist

A commission artist is an artist commissioned by someone to create a custom piece of art to their specifications. Most artists are open to commissions as they offer good salaries and a guaranteed sale. That's what I decided to do and even wrote a book to help other artists do it! Subscribe at the bottom of this blog post.

2. Visual artist

The most common idea that comes to mind when you think of an artist. Visual artists create original works of art in their preferred medium and subject matter. As a visual artist, you can earn commissions or sell your work directly to collectors through a gallery or your website.

Artist Brooke Cormier is a great example of this career. Click on the image to learn more about her and her work.

3. Portraits of tigers

Clients commission pet portrait artists to create original artwork of their pets. Like me! Click on the image to see my website and my work as an artist.

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4. Curator

Curators are responsible for compiling, cataloging, and exhibiting art collections for private collectors, galleries, and museums.

5. Art Therapist

How interesting does that sound? Art therapists are a form of expression therapy that uses art as a tool to help clients communicate underlying thoughts and resolve psychological issues.

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6. Art Teacher

Art teachers work in schools or conduct private classes and workshops to help people develop their artistic skills and appreciate the creative arts. Super inspiring for others!

Kirsty Partridge is a great example of that career. Click on the image to learn more about her and her work.

7. Pastry chef

It's more like that now! A pastry chef uses their artistic and design skills to create visually interesting and custom cakes for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Hmm!

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8. Art professor at a university.

Art professors at universities teach high-level arts and art-related subjects to college students and conduct academic research in artistic fields.

9. Art historian

Very interesting. Art historians study and document the evolution of artistic styles and media over time. They are hired as independent consultants and by libraries, museums, publishers and auction houses as specialists in a specific artistic genre.

10. Art technician

Art technicians help facilitate art programs, whether in the commercial world or in an educational setting. This is a hands-on role that can include setting up equipment, working with materials, creating exhibits and exhibits, and supporting faculty.

11. Art Appraiser/Auctioneer

Art appraisers are experts in a specific type of art and use this knowledge to value pieces for sale, investment or insurance purposes. Auctioneers (usually the appraisers themselves) sell art on behalf of their clients at auction.

12. potter

Potters use pottery and pottery to create art out of clay. Often working from their own home studio, some work as part of larger companies that make and decorate ceramics.

13. Conservative

An art conservator (sometimes called a conservator) is responsible for the preservation of important art and cultural objects. Conservators typically specialize in a particular technique or medium and must be highly trained to work on valuable and fragile works of art.

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14. Art Director

Art directors work for film, magazine, publishing, fashion, and television to define and bring together the artistic vision for a project or company.

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15. Art Agent / General Manager

Ok, that sounds really cool! An art agent represents artists to help them find sales, exhibition, and promotional opportunities.

16. Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is responsible for the design of branding, packaging, advertising, and marketing materials using a variety of visual communication tools.

17. Interior Designer

Interior designers use their design skills to improve the interiors of buildings, making them healthier and more comfortable.

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18. Commercial Artist

Commercial artists work primarily in the advertising industry to create visually striking images and use art to spread ideas.

19. photographer

A photographer uses cameras to create visually striking and artistic images. Photographers can work as freelancers or in the commercial world.

20. Animator

Animators work on television, film, and video to create moving images from their artwork. Animation can be very time consuming, which means animators often work in teams on a production. Yes, you could work for Disney!

21. Art Dealer

Art dealers buy and sell works of art. Dealers build a client list over time, often those who collect a specific type of art. Some merchants open their own galleries. Art trading requires excellent market knowledge and the ability to build long-lasting relationships.

22. Advertising Designer

Advertising designers work in a variety of media to deliver creative advertising to their clients. This role requires you to be creative and original while responding to a client briefing.

23. Cultural Worker

Community arts workers design and operate community programs that use the arts and creativity to encourage people to get involved in their communities and improve their lives.

24. Special Effects Technician

Special effects technicians work in film and television to create pyrotechnic, visual, and physical effects to create specific impressions. This requires a creative mind and a good technical understanding of the different methods.

25. Conceptual artist

Concept artists are responsible for creating the initial images that serve to inspire and visualize everything from vehicle design to movies and costumes. It takes a lot of imagination and a good understanding of different design elements to create strong concept art in a variety of media.

26. jewelry designer

Jewelry designers design and create jewelry independently or for established jewelry brands. Sometimes this also includes a custom made product. Working as a jewelry designer requires a high level of skill and attention to detail.

27. Art Manager

Arts administrators are responsible for managing the delivery of arts and culture programs and exhibitions in the public and private sectors. Strong organizational skills are required, as well as a passion and understanding of the arts.

28. Sculptor

A sculptor is an artist who uses materials in three dimensions to create a work of art. Sculptors operate out of a studio and often work independently on sculpture projects, repairs, and original commissions.

29. garden designer

Landscape designers need a strong artistic and design background to conceive and communicate their designs to clients. In addition to artistic skills, an understanding of plant and landscape techniques is required.

30. Drucker

A printer creates works of art through the printing process, usually on paper. Recently, printing has evolved to include the creation of giclée fine art prints alongside traditional screen printing.

31. fashion designer

A fashion designer is responsible for designing the appearance, shape, style, and materials of clothing, shoes, and accessories. As a fashion designer, he has a great understanding of trends and how to apply them to a variety of materials, often following a brief and specification.

32. Retailer of art supplies

As an art supply retailer, you buy and sell art supplies for your customers. The best retailers are experts in a variety of different materials and can advise you on purchasing materials.

33. Picture framer

Framers are responsible for mounting, framing, and sometimes hanging the artwork. Framing requires practical skills and an understanding of art. Many conspirators are self-employed or in galleries with a regular clientele of local artists.

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34. Food-Stylistin

A food stylist prepares food for film, television, and camera. Food stylists use their creativity to arrange food to appear photogenic, often as part of a larger artistic vision. Good food stylists are in high demand. It would be hard not to eat the food!

35. Blumen Arrangement

Floral arrangers are those in charge of creating artistic floral arrangements. Most florists work as part of a retail or event florist team.

36. Cartoonist

A cartoonist creates portrait drawings of people with exaggerated facial features. Many events hire cartoonists to entertain guests, or you can create and sell your own work of famous people.

37. Tattoo artist

A tattoo artist designs and applies tattoos with a needle and tattoo machine. Becoming a tattoo artist requires a high level of skill and practice, and training is often structured as an apprenticeship. Apply your art permanently to people! Incredible!

38. Wall Artist

Muralists work with builders to create large-scale works of art on the walls. Being a muralist requires a head for heights, as some jobs will be exceptionally large, and the ability to make your designs large-scale. Murals are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to enhance the appearance of urban areas and brands recognize the power of a large mural.

Andrea Ehrhardt is a great example of what can be achieved in this profession. Click on the image below to learn more about her and her work.

39. filmmaker

A filmmaker uses moving images to convey a story or information. Filmmaking is an extremely creative and imaginative career that can combine many different artistic skills. Technology has made it easier than ever to start making movies, but solid technical knowledge and training will help.

40. Illustrator

An illustrator specializes in using their art to enhance writing or provide a visual representation to explain a text or idea.

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41. Schenografía

Set designers are responsible for the design and construction of sets used in theater, film, television, and photography. Set designers must work with the director and art director to build a set that complements the production in a creative and inspiring way.

42. Stationery/Textile Designer

Stationery and textile designers create works of art that are printed on fabrics and paper products. From curtains to notebooks, this is a chance to see your art transformed into usable products that light up the world. Ideal for artists who enjoy creating stylistic patterns and designs.

43. Typesetter

Cold A typographer designs and arranges typeface and text to create interesting, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing work.

44. art critic

An art critic is responsible for the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of works of art. With their in-depth knowledge of art and artistic methods, art critics visit exhibitions and galleries and write about the pieces they see, often for magazines and newspapers. Art critics are well connected in the arts industry, so the ability to write and build relationships comes in handy.

45. Invitation Maker

Invitation designers create artistically designed invitations and stationery for weddings and events. Personalized invitations that match the theme and style of an event are becoming increasingly popular.

46. ​​​​​​​​​​​​Arts and cultural policy planner

Artists and cultural policy planners work within local government to help shape and implement policies related to the arts and our cultural heritage.

What career idea appeals to you the most?

I chose the path of starting my own commissioned art business, which allowed me to work with clients from all over the world and build my name as an artist. I find the commission process incredibly rewarding and I love that my work means so much to my clients.

Thank you for reading!