Artists

The channels of advancement for self-employed fine artists are not as well-defined as they would be for an artist employed at a company. An artist may become increasingly well known, both nationally and internationally, and may be able to command higher prices for his or her work. The success of a fine artist depends on a variety of factors, including talent, drive, and determination. However, luck often seems to play a role in many artists' successes, and some artists do not achieve recognition until late in life, if at all. Artists with business skills may open galleries to display their own and others' work. Those with the appropriate educational backgrounds may become art teachers, agents, or critics.

Commercial artists can start out in publishing or advertising as graphic designers and with experience become art directors or account executives.