So if you are looking into art colleges or want to know more about expected salaries and possible career paths, this guide might be quite helpful. Here are the most profitable art majors, from lowest to highest, that also offer professional development opportunities. All the data on payment rates and employment outlook is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Graphic Design

This creative field has great earning potential. According to U.S. BLS, the average salary for a graphic designer is $53,380 per year. The range is from $31,720 to $93,440. About 24% of professionals in this sphere are self-employed. It is a more flexible job, so one can work distantly or in the office, on individual projects, or on a permanent basis.

The associated education program allows for a combination of technology and art to create powerful imagery. The only downside is that there is a job outlook decline in this field by -4%, so there will be higher competition in the labor market right now. But it can also change in the future as the number of technology-related occupations is growing.

Interior Design

If you want to create comfortable yet beautiful living spaces, this is a valid opportunity. Interior designer programs are available in many schools and colleges and offer a powerful set of skills. And this major is more affordable than many other art-related degrees.

Usually, an interior designer gets $57,060 annually, with the range from $33,020 to $97,920.

Such a position requires not only artistic vision and understanding of fundamental architecture and color concepts, but it also demands strong communication skills to gather and analyze the client’s expectations and needs. But it is emotionally fulfilling to see designs come to life.

Music

Music is another exciting opportunity to pursue. One can learn to play instruments, write songs and melodies, teach others, or make a solo performing career. For one of the most popular positions in this major, secondary or high-school music teacher, the employment rate is 98.1%. So, it is safe to say that there is decent job security. And the job opportunities grow 4% a year, which is the same as the majority of other spheres.

As a high-school music teacher, one can earn $62,870 per year ($41,330-$102,130). Those who work as music directors and composers earn about $52,250 yearly ($23,820-124,390). Musicians and singers have irregular working hours, but the rate is about $31.40 per hour.

So, whether you want to be a solo performer, teacher, or composer, music is a valid major to choose.

Drawing Studies

This section concerns students that will graduate to become fine artists, craft artists, painters, illustrators, and sculptors. It is one of the classic career choices for creatives. One of the benefits of this sphere is that it is very flexible – one can be a self-employed creator, work for a company, or become a teacher.

According to the U.S. BLS, the average annual payment for craft artists is $49,120 ($22,000 – 112,930). Painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn $52,340 per year ($19,570 – $122,900). High school teachers in this sphere have the same rate as music teachers – $62,870.

Cinematography and Video Production

In this program, students learn film and video production, methods of capturing stories, camera work, etc. It is a versatile field as one can work in many industries, from motion picture production to advertising and marketing.

Film and video editors earn about $67,250 annually. Camera operators for film and television get $57,200 per year.

The job outlook for both of these careers is great – it grows by 18% a year, which is much higher than the average 4%. The top-paying industries are, of course, performing arts and motion pictures. Overall, it is a dashing career choice for those who love cinematography.

Industrial Design

Students interested in art, engineering, and business may consider this education. The focus here is on developing the design for products, whether it is a sports car, milk box, or coffee maker. These professionals work in a wide variety of industries, so the job outlook is pretty good.

The salary rate is $71,640 on average, ranging from $41,860 to $118,440.

Entertainment and Media Management in Arts

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are talking about art majors, but it is definitely worth mentioning. The main career path for individuals in this program is to become an agent or business manager for artists, musicians, athletes, or performers. This profession combines knowledge of art with business and marketing management.

The average annual salary for such agents and managers is $75,420. The range is from $35,840 to 190,500.

Fashion Design 

Majoring in fashion and apparel design opens doors to many opportunities, from becoming a designer yourself to working for high-end brands and manufacturers. It has great potential for career growth and earning. But the industry is quite competitive.

Fashion designers earn $75,810 annually, with the range from $38,570 to $146,300.

Another possible position to look for is purchasing manager or agent for shops or enterprises. Such professionals have an average salary of $72,270 annually ($39,810-$112,170).

The only difficulty for those interested in fashion is that the job outlook is in a small decline right now, so the positions are not as easy to land as others in this list.

Drama and Theatre Arts 

Drama and dramatics are some of the traditional degrees one can acquire in arts. This education program is widely available almost everywhere and offers 77% of employment opportunities. It involves not only actors but also directors that are willing to work in theater production.

According to the U.S. BLS, theatrical producers and directors earn $76,400 per year on average. The range is quite wide – from $36,070 being the lowest rate and $184,600 being the highest. The job outlook is growing by 10% a year, which is higher than average. So there is a place for new professionals in this field.

As for theatrical actors, the average rate is $21.88 per hour. The range is from $10.51 to $64.92. It is hard to evaluate the yearly salary as the working hours for actors are irregular. But it is still a decent payment to look for.

Interactive Media Design

This major allows combining the best parts of both worlds – technology and design. Students that graduate with such diplomas can work in the gaming industry, animation, or multimedia industries.

It is not as widespread among colleges and universities as other programs, but it provides great employment prospects. Salary rates vary greatly as in other art-related majors. It depends on many factors, from skills and experience to projects, industry, and location. Another advantage is the possible flexibility of this career – it allows working individually or being a part of a huge company.

Special effects creators and animators get paid $77,700 annually, with the range from $42,390 to $142,750. The number of job opportunities grows at the usual rate of 4%.

Art Director 

This is one of the most profitable occupations for people with degrees in arts. Of course, for a high-level position, it requires not only a college diploma but also at least 5-7 years of experience in the industry.

Art directors work in magazines, television productions, newspapers, or packaging companies. They are responsible for visual style and imagery. One can become an art director with various art-related degrees, like photography, design, or illustration.

The annual payment rate is $97,270 (from $54,530 to $199,250), with the most profitable industries being motion pictures and advertising.

In Summary

Creative careers are essential for almost any industry and offer splendid opportunities for graduates. The annual salary ranges significantly for almost any major. But the average return on investment for all these educational programs are quite good. They also provide fulfilling and flexible employment options.

Author Bio: Hanna Douglas is a professional essay writer at EssayWritingService with a focus on art and literature who has been working in this field since college graduation. She is passionate about visual art and its expressive means both in her career and everyday life.

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By Bill Crumlic

Before investing in your artwork, many art buyers would like to meet you, the artist, and hear about your experiences. But what about the people who aren’t in the gallery where your artwork is being shown? How can you create opportunities to make connections, build a following, and sell your work?

Art buyers can read about your artistic background and see your work on your website, gallery site, and social media pages, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Instagram. While these digital outlets offer buyers the ability to familiarize themselves with you and your artwork, are they enough to create a lasting connection?

Video has emerged as the most effective way for artists to create an emotional connection when in-person contact isn’t an option. Viewers get to see your work in a setting of your choice, hear your comments about your inspirations, watch you create your art, and get to know you. Hearing your voice provides the viewer with a more intimate connection to you and your work than viewing photos and reading text does.

If you are ready to take advantage of the power of video to communicate with your buyers, you may find the following tips on videography elements helpful in charting the path that works best for you. Investing more in time and equipment will make the final outcome better and easier to produce, and you can quickly get started with consumer-level equipment.

Video Camera

In recent years, consumer video cameras have decreased in price and increased in quality. Automatic settings make it easier for those with no video experience to enjoy high-quality video at a reasonable price. However, I suggest using manual focus; otherwise, the camera constantly tries to autofocus and sometimes ruins important shots.

Storytelling with an Interview

Recording a short interview is not necessary, but it does provide narrative. You can make a one-minute video, with music, showing highlights of your artwork. When you’re ready to include an interview, make sure that viewers immediately see you speaking and then add shots relating to what you are talking about. Reappear occasionally throughout the video and at the end. Briefly answer one question. Tell viewers the key point you want them to know about your artwork. When shooting your interview, place yourself slightly to the side of the center of the frame and look just to the side of the camera, toward an open space. This view is better than a centered one in which you look straight at the camera.

Tripod and Camera Movement

Tripods help keep the camera level and are essential for avoiding shaky, blurry shots. Let the tripod do its job, and keep it simple. Avoid pans, tilts, and zooms at first. Save the fancier techniques for after you have gained some experience.

Lighting

Lighting is especially difficult in art galleries. Gallery walls are well-lit to show the art, but space that is more than two or three feet from the wall may have low lighting. Use a light on your artwork’s “face” or place it within the gallery lighting. Avoid showing shadows on the wall from the lighting. Inexpensive camera lights can light only a few feet. Using light stands helps move illumination to one side of the camera, making for a more dramatic look. Look into the camera’s viewfinder to make sure everything looks good before recording. If your camera is auto-color-balanced for indoor lighting, it will show any light coming through the windows as blue. If your camera is balanced for outdoor light, the indoor lighting will look yellow. Filming at night, when there is no sunlight coming through the windows, makes it easier to adjust the camera to accommodate indoor lighting.

Sound Quality and Microphones

Do not rely on the built-in microphone on the camera for an interview. Instead, when buying a consumer camera, make sure it has a jack to accommodate a microphone. Clip-on lapel microphones are best because they remain close to your mouth and will make your audio clearer. They also help reduce background noise, such as that from air conditioners, street activity, echoes, and footsteps.

Background Music

A melody in the background can set the tone of a video, but you must have a license for any music you use. Professionals buy music from vendors and libraries to ensure that it is available for use. If you use music without paying for the license, YouTube will remove the video, and it will be of no use to you. Look for free music on Google or purchase inexpensive, royalty-free music online. Steer toward ambient music with no lyrics, so that it will not distract the viewer. YouTube also offers music options for your videos.

Editing

Research shows that most viewers watch an online video for about three minutes. Limiting your video to one to two minutes increases the chance that a viewer will watch it all the way through. Professionals use video-editing software to make the videos look and sound great. Consumer-level programs, such as Windows Movie Maker and iMovie, offer a place to start. When searching for freeware, remember that free software often comes with spyware, so use caution. Stay away from cheesy transitions and effects. They may look cool when you first see them, but sticking to the basics will keep your viewer engaged.

Phone Video

With cell phone cameras making great leaps forward in the past five years, it has become possible to make decent videos using your phone. Limit their use to just shots of the works, people looking at the work, and people interacting with you, however. And if you use a phone to record, make sure to use a tripod. You can find inexpensive adapters online that accommodate the use of tripods with cell phones.

Orientation

Record video horizontally, not vertically. Imagine fitting the video you shoot onto a TV screen. Always shoot video in the same orientation as the way in which you watch TV.

I hope these tips are helpful. If the idea still seems overwhelming, or if you simply want to focus on the art and have someone else handle the video, seek the help of a professional videographer.

Artists today have more control than ever for sharing their work. Video can be a fun experience and a large part of an artist’s marketing plan. It is a chance to expand, reach new markets, and connect with buyers. Your art will have a chance of finding the right home if you can spread the word using new media.

Bill Crumlic is owner of CrumlicMedia in New York. He has worked in broadcasting since 1987 and has specialized in video for artists and galleries since 2009. In September 2015, he received the Thumbtack.com Best Video Editor in New York Award. bill@crumlicmedia.com

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