Visual Arts

As long as the visual arts continue to be an outlet for creative expression, people with artistic skills and dreams will continue to work in this field. The large number of art exhibits, galleries, and Web sites will continue to offer employment opportunities to skilled visual artists. Those who aspire to a career in this field, however, should recognize that although the possibilities of success exist and can be fulfilling, the potential for disappointment is also real. About 60 percent of artists are self-employed, and those who are not tend to work in the advertising, computer, film, publishing, and software industries. The employment picture for graphic artists is clouded by fierce competition and an abundance of applicants, for both salaried positions and freelance work. Fine artists and crafters often find it difficult to support themselves financially by their artwork alone. The visual arts are a highly subjective area, and success depends a lot on the aesthetic perceptions and choices of the audiences who view works of art. Other job options in visual artists include teaching, art conservation, art curation, and creative arts therapy.

Job opportunities in arts and design careers are projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The outlook for employment of artists in the coming years varies depending on art disciplines and industries.

The DOL predicts that job opportunities for fine artists (including painters, sculptors, and illustrators) will increase by 4 percent (as fast as the average) from 2023 through 2033. "Employment growth for artists depends largely on the overall state of the economy and whether people are willing to spend money on art," according to the DOL. "During good economic times, people and businesses are interested in buying more artwork; during economic downturns, they generally buy less. However, there is always some demand for art by private collectors and museums." Employment for craft artists is expected to grow more slowly than average through 2033. Chances for artists to exhibit their work also often depend on the amount of government funding available. The National Endowment for the Arts and local arts agencies offer various financial grants to artists, for which competition is strong.

Job opportunities for photographers in the arts, entertainment, and recreation will grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2033, according to the DOL. The popularity of stock photography services has hindered demand for photography services. Additionally, the proliferation of digital cameras has lowered the bar for entry to the field and competition for salaried positions will be fierce. Photographers who are multitalented, and well versed in image editing software and capturing video, will have the edge in the job market.

The DOL reports that special effects artists and animators will experience average employment growth of 4 percent from 2023 through 2033. Demand will be strong, however, for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, television, and for games and applications for mobile devices. Many companies are sending animation work overseas to save money, so the competition for the work that's available in the states will be even more intense.

The DOL predicts that employment for graphic designers will grow more slowly than the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033. "As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites," according to the DOL. "However, automated design tools, such as AI, may reduce the need for companies to contract with freelance graphic designers."

Many visual artists pursue second careers, while also working as artists. Employment for college art, drama, and music teachers is expected to grow by 3 percent (as fast as the average) through 2033. Job opportunities for recreational therapists (including visual arts therapists) are projected to grow 4 percent through 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Much-faster-than-average employment growth is expected for museum curators and conservators through 20033. "Continued public interest in museums and other cultural centers is expected to increase the demand for curators, museum technicians, and conservators," according to the DOL. But it also reports that "archives and museums that receive federal funds may be affected by changes to the federal budget, which in turn might impact employment of archivists, curators, museum technicians, and conservators."

The mean annual wage of all art and design workers was $65,190 in May 2023, according to the DOL. The national average for all private sector workers was $63,098. Here are average salaries for various professions in the visual arts:

• special effects artists and animators: $109,630
• college art, drama, and music teachers: $100,840
• fine artists (including painters, sculptors, and illustrators): $71,420
• museum curators: $68,430
• graphic designers: $64,700
• recreational therapists: $60,910
• conservators: $54,890
• craft artists: $43,610