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Art & Design Overview
Although robots are becoming more proficient in math and science analysis, they cannot generate entirely new and creative concepts. This is where your skills come into play. Whether you’re an animator, creative director, fine artist, engineer, or architect, there’s a significant demand for creative thinking and innovative solutions that cater to various industries.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Getting a degree in Special Effects Artists and Animators is a fantastic choice for those aiming for careers like art director, animator, craft or fine artist, graphic designer, or web developer. Animation careers are available in advertising, gaming, TV or film, and even in fields like live events and medicine. After graduation, you could become a Visual Effects Supervisor, Lighting Director, Motion Graphics Designer, 3D Modeler, and more. For those looking to further their education, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is also an option.
Role & Responsibility
- Utilize computer software and illustrations to craft graphics and animations.
- Collaborate with a team of artists and animators to develop movies, games, or visual effects.
- Study upcoming projects to generate authentic designs and animations.
- Revise animations and effects based on input from directors, fellow animators, game designers, or clients.
- Meet with clients, fellow animators, game designers, directors, and other team members (including actors) to discuss deadlines and project progress.
2022 Median Pay | $98,950 per year / $47.57 per hour | |
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None | |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 89,300 | |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 8% (Faster than average) | |
Employment Change 2022-32 | 7,400 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Most special effects artists and animators need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills many employers prefer.
Graphic Design
Aspiring graphic designers looking for a prosperous career should consider getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students who opt for a bachelor’s degree in graphic design will master the use of color, typography, photography, and other elements to convey information in a creative manner. After entering the job field, design experts must keep up with industry trends and technological advancements to stay competitive in the job market.
Role & Responsibility
- Craft designs by using digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout tools.
- Generate visual elements like logos, original images, and illustrations to convey messages effectively.
- Devise layouts, which involve choosing colors, images, and fonts.
- Share design ideas with clients or art directors.
- Integrate modifications suggested by clients or art directors into final designs.
- Thoroughly examine designs for mistakes prior to printing or publishing them.
2022 Median Pay | $57,990 per year / $27.88 per hour | |
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None | |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 270,900 | |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 33% (As fast as average) | |
Employment Change 2022-32 | 8,900 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Graphic designers typically require a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a closely related area. People applying for graphic design roles should have a portfolio showcasing their creativity and unique style.
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians
Individuals aiming for a career in Music Production and Recording Arts can opt for a Bachelor of Science degree as their preparation. Music recording, production, mixing, and mastering skills can be applied in various fields, such as music, film, television, gaming, theater, and multimedia. Upon completing the degree, graduates will possess both hands-on practical skills and the essential theoretical knowledge to stay updated with upcoming technologies.
Role & Responsibility
- Run, watch, and fine-tune audio, video, sound, lighting, and broadcasting equipment to keep quality consistent.
- Assemble and disassemble equipment for events and live shows.
- Record speech, music, and other sounds using recording gear or computers, which might involve using advanced software.
- Match sounds and dialogue with actions in TV or movie scenes.
- Transform video and audio records into digital formats for editing on computers.
- Put audio, video, and lighting systems in hotels, offices, and schools.
- Notify about any issues with complex gear and handle basic repairs.
- Keep track of recordings and the equipment used.
2022 Median Pay | $53,960 per year / $25.94 per hour | |
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None | |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 142,800 | |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 2% (As fast as average) | |
Employment Change 2022-32 | 2,500 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
The educational prerequisites for audio and video, lighting, and sound engineering technicians differ, ranging from a high school diploma (with courses in math, physics, and electronics being beneficial) to a college degree, depending on the specific job. For broadcast technicians, an associate’s degree is usually required. In addition to math and science courses, prospective broadcast technicians should focus on practical skills such as video editing and production management in their coursework.
Fashion Design / Merchandising
The realm of fashion design and merchandising offers a wide range of opportunities through courses and programs that cover visual merchandising, pattern making, textile design, fashion illustration, tailoring, and merchandise marketing. You’ll learn valuable skills, from enhancing outfits with accessories to effective selling strategies, that can be implemented after graduation. A significant aspect of your success will involve obtaining an internship during your studies, allowing you to build connections and apply the skills you’ve acquired in real-world settings.
Role & Responsibility
- Analyze fashion trends and predict designs that will attract consumers.
- Choose a theme for a collection of designs.
- Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to craft designs.
- Go to manufacturers or trade shows to get fabric samples.
- Pick fabrics, decorations, colors, and styles for each garment or accessory.
- Collaborate with fellow designers or team members to create initial designs.
- Present design concepts to creative directors or display them at fashion or trade events.
- Promote designs to clothing retailers or potential buyers.
- Supervise the final manufacturing of their designs.
2022 Median Pay | $76,700 per year / $36.87 per hour | |
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None | |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 24,900 | |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 3% (As fast as average) | |
Employment Change 2022-32 | 800 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Most fashion designers possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, like fashion design or fashion merchandising. Employers typically look for candidates with both creative abilities and a solid understanding of the production methods for clothing, accessories, or footwear.
Communication Design (BFA)
Another alternative for students intrigued by web design is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design. This degree showcases the impact of inventive and persuasive communication using web design, user experience/user interface (UX/UI) concepts, interactive and impactful typography for the web, motion graphics, branding, mobile design strategies, evolving platforms, as well as data visualization, CSS animations, and the most recent mobile design principles and recommendations for both iOS and Android, all for enhancing user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
Role & Responsibility
- Utilize programming languages like HTML or XML to code the website.
- Collaborate with team members to decide what content the site will have.
- Plan the layout, appearance, and atmosphere of the website.
- Incorporate graphics, audio, and video elements into the website.
- Craft models and examples of websites or apps.
- Design and produce graphical elements.
2022 Median Pay | $80,730 per year / $38.81 per hour | |
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None | |
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 216,700 | |
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 16% (Much faster than average) | |
Employment Change 2022-32 | 34,700 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
The educational prerequisites for web developers and digital designers can vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Some employers might prefer web developer candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in a particular field, such as computer science or programming. Web developers should possess a strong grasp of HTML programming. Additionally, many employers expect developers to be familiar with other programming languages like JavaScript or SQL and to have proficiency in multimedia publishing tools like Flash. As their careers progress, web developers must continuously update themselves on new tools and programming languages.