Tips for Life-Creative Arts
Transforming & Celebrating Your Journey!
The Creative Edge
The creative arts tips are based on the many interests of both enthusiastic hobbyists as well as professional artisans. Included in these tips are selected resources such as media helps, galleries, museum, and other show places where the arts are welcomed and supported.
Whether you are a young one or among the elders of our citizenry, you will find help for most if not all creative interests here and the creative arts resources for life. May these helpful tips serve to inform, encourage, and provide opportunity for seeking, reaching, and achieving your art goals and a life filled with creativity and fulfillment.
You are encouraged to believe and experience the uniquely creative abilities resident in you. You may also find these assessment and life satisfaction tools helpful, Personality Profile System and Wellness Inventory, that may prove valuable toward incorporating the various free Tips for Life (see disclaimer).
| Creative Arts Area | Tips for Life |
|---|---|
| General- Creative Arts | The Impact of the Creative Arts on Cash & Community: In order to more fully understand how much creative arts, whether performing, literary, or visual, impact our communities and our nation, let’s gain a glimpse of how much Americans spend their time and money related to the arts, through visits to galleries and museum, on the job and as artists, and other services within the community. According to the Americans for the Arts organization’s 2002 report, nonprofit arts groups generated more than $134 billion annually across our nation with $80.8 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences. The $134 billion is represented by the following economic outcomes: |
| Averaging $22.87 per local person and $38.05 per non-local person in spending for hotels, restaurants, parking, souvenirs, refreshments, etc. 4.85 million full-time equivalent jobs $89.4 billion in household income $6.6 billion in local government tax revenues $7.3 billion in state government tax revenues $10.5 billion in federal income tax revenues | |
| According to the National Assembly of State Art Agencies, after three years of sharp declines, state funding for the arts during 2006 marked the second year of small gains at$327.5 million, or about $1.09 per capita. Among the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies, 37 reported growth in their appropriations (in comparison to 29 in previous year). Seven state arts agencies reported flat funding in 2006, and 12 reported declines (https://www.nasaa-arts.org). On a national scale, cultural and heritage tourists spend almost 40% more on hotels, motels, B&Bs, etc. (2005 Position Paper for US Cultural & Heritage Tourism Summit, US Dept. of Commerce and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities) | |
| How the artist fairs economically in our nation: Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm#nature) About 63 percent of artists and related workers are self-employed. Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work; the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability. Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design. Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art. Creative Artists include a variety of venues—the performing arts, literary arts, and visual arts. All artists create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. | |
| Working Conditions for Artists—Many artists work in settings under a variety of conditions: Fine arts or commercial art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts Private studios in their homes Fine artists who share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work Studio surroundings usually are well lighted and ventilated; however, fine artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials, dust or residue from filings, splattered paint, or spilled fluids. Artists who sit at drafting tables or who use computers for extended periods may experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue. Artists employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, and design firms generally work a standard workweek. During busy periods, they may work overtime to meet deadlines. Self-employed artists can set their own hours, but may spend much time and effort promoting and selling their artwork to potential customers or clients and building a reputation. | |
| Training & Qualifications for Artists — Artists advance their creative talents through a variety of training venues, such as: Self-taught and mentoring relationships with other established artists On the Job training—for Art directors starting as entry-level artists in advertising, publishing, design, and motion picture production firms. (some art schools offer art direction and art administration coursework). | |
| Postsecondary training—bachelor’s and master’s degree at colleges and universities in fine arts, multi-media, crafts, design, illustrators, teaching, art direction, art administration, computer techniques (Computers are used widely in the visual arts, and knowledge and training in computer graphics and other visual display software are critical elements of many jobs in these fields). Advanced degrees combining art and premedical courses for medical illustrators (demonstrating both artistic ability and a detailed knowledge of living organisms, surgical and medical procedures, and human and animal anatomy (degrees offered in five accredited schools in the United States). | |
| Independent/private schools of art and design—offering specialty certification, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs (usually more intensive focus on studio work than on academics (ref: The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, https://nasad.arts-accredit.org/) Evidence of appropriate talent and skill—displayed in an artist’s portfolio (an important factor used by art directors, clients, and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or to contract out work. The portfolio is a collection of handmade, computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed through postsecondary training and internships in art or visual communications. | |
| Employment-Job Outlooks-Earnings—There are a variety of ways artists make a living. In 2004, artists held about 208,000 jobs, 63% self-employed. Job Designations: Multi-media artists and animators 94,000 Art directors 71,000 Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators 29,000 Artists and related workers, all other 8,500 Craft artists 6,100 | |
| Employment growth projections for artists and related workers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. However, the competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties, because the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings. Also, because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability, the number of aspiring artists continues to grow. Employers in all industries should be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates. | |
| Job Venues— Artists hired by companies, proving their skills with each assigned job. Freelance artists—part-time or full-time contract/commission basis. Part time artist usually have a full-time job until they are established, or while in school to develop experience and build a portfolio. Freelance artists also develop a set of clients who regularly contract for work, building a reputation in some specialty, while always developing new ideas as their work evolves. Craft and fine artists work may find it difficult to earn a living solely by selling their artwork. Only the most successful craft and fine artists receive major commissions for their work. Competition among artists for the privilege of being shown in galleries is expected to remain acute, and grants from sponsors such as private foundations, State and local arts councils, and the National Endowment for the Arts should remain competitive. Nonetheless, studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Among craft and fine artists, talented individuals who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills will have the best job prospects. Art educators, who also do commissions. Art directors work in a variety of industries, such as advertising, public relations, publishing, and design firms. Despite an expanding number of opportunities, they should experience keen competition for the available openings. Computer graphic artists—The growth in available computer graphics programs and art websites are making it easier for writers, publishers, and art directors to create their own illustrations, but harder for illustrators to be hired. Medical illustrators are the only exception at this point as medical research and related publications continue to grow. In addition, salaried cartoonists will have fewer, but newspapers and magazines are increasingly relying on freelance work. In addition, more cartoonists are posting their work on political websites and online publications, satisfying reader demand for more sophisticated cartoons. Multi-media artists and animators should have better job opportunities than other artists, but still will experience competition. Demand for these artists will increase as the demand for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies grow. Additional jobs will come from an increasing demand for website development and computer graphics adaptation from the growing number of mobile technologies. Lower technology, two-dimensional television cartoons may slow as these jobs will be globally outsourced. | |
| Earnings— Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work. Others, such as well-established freelance fine artists and illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Many, however, find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling paintings or other works of art. Like other self-employed workers, freelance artists must provide their own benefits. As of May 2004, annual earnings have varied by occupation: Salaried art directors $63,840 (range $35,500 to $123,320) Advertising industry & related services $46,810 to $66,900 Salaried craft artists $23,520 (range $14,740 to $44,490) Salaried fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators $38,060 (range $17,390 to $68,860 Salaried medical illustrators $59,000 (year 2005) Salaried multi-media artists and animators $50,360 (range $29,030 to $94,260) Motion picture & video industries $67,390 (median) | |
| Literary Arts | Literary Artists imaginatively use words and language to explore, discover, and express feelings, ideas, and values in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, drama, and other creative writings. A literary arts education is invaluable to all students so they may understand, appreciate, and be proficient in creative processes, expression, and the literary texts of human history. |
| Performing Arts | Performing Artists create in many arenas—theatre, dance, musicals, circus arts, and other live performances. Specialties include acrobatics, busking/street performing, comedy, dance, magic, music, opera, film, juggling, and marching arts/brass bands. including actors, comedians, dancers, musicians, and singers. Performing arts are also supported by workers in related fields, such as songwriting, stagecraft, costuming, and stage makeup. |
| Visual Arts | Who are Visual Artists?—Visual artists use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, or illustration—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists’ works may be realistic, stylized, or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature, or events. Visual Artists generally fall into one of four categories, with graphic designers considered separate but allied. Art directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media. They develop design concepts and review material that is to appear in periodicals, newspapers, and other printed or digital media. They decide how best to present the information visually, so that it is eye catching, appealing, and organized. |
| Craft artists create or reproduce handmade objects for sale or exhibition. Craft artists hand-make a wide variety of objects that are sold either in their own studios, in retail outlets, or at arts-and-crafts shows. Some craft artists may display their works in galleries and museums. Craft artists work with many different materials—ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, metal, and paper—to create unique pieces of art, such as pottery, stained glass, quilts, tapestries, lace, candles, and clothing. Many craft artists also use fine-art techniques—for example, painting, sketching, and printing—to add finishing touches to their art. | |
| Cartoonists draw political, advertising, social, and sports cartoons. Some cartoonists work with others who create the idea or story and write the captions. Most cartoonists have comic, critical, or dramatic talents in addition to drawing skills. | |
| Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators create original artwork, using a variety of media and techniques. Fine artists generally specialize in one or two art forms, such as painting, illustrating, sketching, sculpting, printmaking, and restoring. Painters, illustrators, cartoonists, and sketch artists work with two-dimensional art forms, using shading, perspective, and color to produce realistic scenes or abstractions. They typically display their work in museums, commercial art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (done on request from clients), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. The gallery and the artist predetermine how much each will earn from the sale. Only the most successful fine artists are able to support themselves solely through the sale of their works. Most fine artists have at least one other job to support their art careers. Some work in museums or art galleries as fine-arts directors or as curators, planning and setting up art exhibits. A few artists work as art critics for newspapers or magazines or as consultants to foundations or institutional collectors. Other artists teach art classes or conduct workshops in schools or in their own studios. Some artists also hold full-time or part-time jobs unrelated to the art field and pursue fine art as a hobby or second career. | |
| Printmakers create printed images from designs cut or etched into wood, stone, or metal. After creating the design, the artist inks the surface of the woodblock, stone, or plate and uses a printing press to roll the image onto paper or fabric. Some make prints by pressing the inked surface onto paper by hand or by graphically encoding and processing data, using a computer. The digitized images are then printed on paper with the use of a computer printer. | |
| Illustrators typically create pictures for books, magazines, and other publications and for commercial products such as textiles, wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Increasingly, illustrators are working in digital format, preparing work directly on a computer. | |
| Related artist designations – Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing skills with knowledge of biology or other sciences. Medical illustrators draw illustrations of human anatomy and surgical procedures. Scientific illustrators draw illustrations of animal and plant life, atomic and molecular structures, and geologic and planetary formations. The illustrations are used in medical and scientific publications and in audiovisual presentations for teaching purposes. Medical illustrators also work for lawyers, producing exhibits for court cases. | |
| Sketch artists create likenesses of subjects with pencil, charcoal, or pastels. Sketches are used by law enforcement agencies to assist in identifying suspects, by the news media to depict courtroom scenes, and by individual patrons for their own enjoyment. | |
| Painting restorers preserve and restore damaged and faded paintings. They apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean the surfaces of the paintings, they reconstruct or retouch damaged areas, and they apply preservatives to protect the paintings. Restoration is highly detailed work and usually is reserved for experts in the field. | |
| Multi-media artists and animators create special effects, animation, or other visual images on film, on video, or with computers or other electronic media. Multi-media artists and animators work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising, and computer systems design services. They draw by hand and use computers to create the large series of pictures that form the animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs, and computer games. Some draw storyboards for television commercials, movies, and animated features. Storyboards present television commercials in a series of scenes similar to a comic strip and allow an advertising agency to evaluate commercials proposed by the company doing the advertising. Storyboards also serve as guides to placing actors and cameras on the television or motion picture set and to other details that need to be taken care of during the production of commercials. | |
| Sculptors design three-dimensional artworks, either by molding and joining materials such as clay, glass, wire, plastic, fabric, or metal or by cutting and carving forms from a block of plaster, wood, or stone. Some sculptors combine various materials to create mixed-media installations. Some incorporate light, sound, and motion into their works. | |
| Graphic designers—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. An increasing number of graphic designers also are developing material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies. |
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