Art and Design

Multimedia Artist or Animator

About 60 percent of multimedia artists and animators are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work 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 their services.

About 60 percent of art directors are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work 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 their services.

About 60 percent of craft artists are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work 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.

About 60 percent of fine artists are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work 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.

Keen competition is expected for jobs because many talented individuals are attracted to this occupation.
Self employment is common; many interior designers work in small firms or on a contract basis.
Postsecondary education—either an associate or a bachelor’s degree—is necessary for entry-level positions; some States license interior designers.

Despite the projected decline in employment, job opportunities should be good as many people leave this occupation, due to relatively low wages and limited advancement opportunities.
Floral design is the only design specialty that does not require formal postsecondary training.
Many floral designers work long hours on weekends and holidays, filling orders and setting up decorations for weddings and other events.

Commercial and industrial designers usually work closely with a range of specialists including engineers, materials scientists, marketing and corporate strategy staff, cost estimators, and accountants.
A bachelor's degree is usually required for entry.
Keen competition for jobs is expected.

The highest numbers of fashion designers were employed in New York and California.
Employers usually seek designers with a 2-year or 4-year degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends.
Keen competition for jobs is expected as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation.

Part-time schedules—typically at night and on weekends—intermittent unemployment, and rejection when auditioning for work are common; many musicians and singers supplement their income with earnings from other sources.
Aspiring musicians and singers begin studying an instrument or training their voice at an early age.
Competition for jobs, especially full-time jobs, is keen; talented individuals who can play several instruments and perform a wide range of musical styles should enjoy the best job prospects.

Competition for jobs is expected to be keen because the work is attractive to many people.
Technical expertise, a “good eye,” and creativity, are essential, and some photographers need a college degree.
More than half of all photographers are self-employed, a much higher proportion than for most occupations.