Extraordinary Careers in Art and Design You Never Knew Existed

A career in art and design is not linear. Success in the arts can look different for each artist. Examples of success can range from a famous artist associated with popular auction houses to launching successful fashion labels, a published author topping lists or turning into a definitive authority on a subject-- success in the arts just like career opportunities are abundant. As the world evolves and adapts to new changes, artists tend to be the most resilient and adaptable in these climates of uncertainty and shifts.

The wonderful (and sometimes overwhelming) thing about the arts is the many niches and choices available to artists, designers, researchers, thinkers and teachers. Artists are more likely to succeed when they approach their fields from an interdisciplinary perspective --- a notable aspect of art education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Types of Art Trajectories

Careers in art can broadly be categorised into fine art, design, applied arts and research-based practices. Fine art is traditionally associated with creating something for aesthetic or intellectual purposes. This includes being a painter, sculptor, photographer, ceramicist, printmaker, lithographer, metalworker, etc. While a significant part of their career can hinge on showing and selling their work through galleries and museums, it doesn't limit them to that space.

Meanwhile, design is tied a lot more closely to mainstream culture than fine art since it often intersects with everyday life. Examples of careers in design include graphic designer, animator, set designer, costume designer, fashion designer, illustrator, comic designer, etc.

Applied arts on the other hand is about translating abstract ideas into tangible concepts using a combination of unconventional ideas to solve everyday problems. Careers in this field would include (but not limited to) architects, furniture designers, automotive designers, landscape architects, interior designers, urban designers or even toy designers.

This still doesn't cover the entire field. We still have those more inclined to research and niches in the field such as art educators, art therapists, curators, gallerists, historians, teachers, restoration experts, sound designers, etc. There is also a rapidly growing field such as Artificial Intelligence and its application in everyday life. This too intersects with art and design as it opens up numerous avenues for exploration through sound, new media, technology and research.

A Catch-22: Passion vs Employability

Art is all around us. Artists and designers are part of everything we encounter on a daily basis; from the packaging on food products, advertisements, transportation, and clothing to applications we use on our cell phones have been created or designed by someone. All the different careers mentioned above contribute to a better society aesthetically and functionally.

Parents are often deterred by the idea that becoming an artist can be tough because it's largely driven by 'passion' and intangible things like imagination and creativity.

The image of a struggling artist to pay his bills is a common trope associated with art graduates. This can be the result of a multitude of reasons including a lack of career guidance and adequate support both emotionally and financially. SAIC understands these common pitfalls and misconceptions. We often address these in classrooms through active discussions, workshops, and events so our students are equipped for the world outside. Academic advising and the Career and Professional Experience (CAPEX) at SAIC often work together to help students plan for life after college. A recent study showed that 96% of SAIC graduates were employed or in higher education within the first 6 months of graduation.

What Next

Being resilient and adaptable is a skill cultivated over time, just like art and design is a craft learned over time and with the right experience. Both of these require an environment that truly believes in the power of how art can change the world. Finding a passion or cultivating an interest in art is only the beginning of the journey. It's what happens next when students take the leap to invest time and resources in their skills that they learn how to truly succeed in art and design. If there is a particular area that you are passionate about then we at SAIC encourage you to be bold, stay ambitious, and curious so you can nurture it into a thriving career.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

With world-renowned faculty, access to cutting-edge technology, incredible resources, and global internship opportunities, the possibilities of what you can study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago are endless. It is accredited by several prestigious organizations like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1944 (charter member), the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) since the association's founding in 1991 and the National Architectural Accrediting Board. It has also been named the most influential school in the United States. With over 40 areas of study, more than 20 undergraduate, and over 30 graduate programs, the options are endless. Notable alumni include influential contemporary artists and historians like Nick Cave, James Elkins, Claire Ashley, Candida Alvarez, Jeff Koons, Georgia O'Keefe, Grant Wood, Michelle Grabner, and Richard Hunt to name a few.