100 Exciting Careers for Artists

If you’re passionate about art but wondering, “Can I really make a career out of this?”—the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, pursuing an art degree can open the door to dozens of creative and fulfilling career paths. Whether you’re drawn to design, storytelling, technology, education, or hands-on craftsmanship, there’s a path that fits your unique skills and vision.

At ArtBound.org, we help students build portfolios for art school—but we also help them imagine what comes next. Here’s a comprehensive list of careers for high school students who are considering an art degree.

Fine Art & Studio-Based Careers

1. Fine Artist (Painter, Sculptor, Printmaker)

2. Illustrator

3. Muralist

4. Installation Artist

5. Mixed Media Artist

6. Conceptual Artist

7. Art Therapist (with further training)

8. Ceramicist / Pottery Artist

9. Glassblower

10. Textile Artist

Digital, Graphic, & UX Design Careers

1. Graphic Designer

2. User Experience (UX) Designer

3. User Interface (UI) Designer

4. Motion Graphics Designer

5. Web Designer

6. App Designer

7. Brand Identity Designer

8. Product Designer

9. Visual Designer

10. Data Visualization Specialist

Gallery, Museum, & Art World Careers

1. Museum Curator

2. Art Gallery Manager

3. Exhibition Designer

4. Art Conservator

5. Museum Educator

6. Art Handler

7. Registrar (Collections Management)

8. Art Auction Specialist

9. Art Historian

10. Cultural Heritage Specialist

Illustration & Publishing Careers

1. Book Illustrator

2. Editorial Illustrator

3. Children’s Book Artist

4. Comic Artist

5. Graphic Novelist

6. Storyboard Artist

7. Medical Illustrator

8. Scientific Illustrator

9. Fashion Illustrator

10. Technical Illustrator

Animation, Film & Gaming Careers

1. Animator (2D / 3D)

2. Game Designer

3. Concept Artist (Games/Film)

4. Character Designer

5. Environment Artist

6. Visual Effects (VFX) Artist

7. Stop Motion Animator

8. Art Director (Film/Gaming)

9. Storyboard Artist

10. Set Designer

Fashion & Textile Careers

1. Fashion Designer

2. Textile Designer

3. Costume Designer

4. Fashion Illustrator

5. Footwear Designer

6. Accessories Designer

7. Fashion Stylist (with a design background)

Architecture, Interior, & Spatial Design Careers

1. Architect (requires further study)

2. Interior Designer

3. Landscape Designer

4. Urban Planner

5. Exhibition or Installation Designer

6. Set or Stage Designer

Craft & Applied Art Careers

1. Furniture Designer

2. Jewelry Designer

3. Industrial/Product Designer

4. Toy Designer

5. Leatherworker

6. Metalsmith

Education & Community Arts Careers

1. Art Teacher (K–12 or college)

2. Teaching Artist

3. Community Arts Organizer

4. Art Therapist (with advanced degree)

5. Workshop Facilitator

6. Museum Education Coordinator

Photography & Imaging Careers

1. Photographer (Commercial, Editorial, Fine Art)

2. Photojournalist

3. Fashion Photographer

4. Forensic Photographer

5. Retoucher / Post-Production Specialist

6. Drone Photographer

Art-Related Business, Tech & Marketing Roles

1. Creative Director

2. Art Director (Advertising / Marketing)

3. Content Creator

4. Social Media Manager (Creative Focus)

5. Marketing Designer

6. Art Licensing Agent

7. Art Appraiser

8. Art Law Specialist (with further training)

9. Visual Merchandiser

Your art degree isn’t just a path to a single career—it’s a passport to a whole creative economy. Whether you want to work in a studio, a startup, a classroom, or a museum, your ability to think visually and solve problems creatively will always be in demand.

Need help preparing for art school or building a portfolio that opens doors?
At ArtBound.org, we offer 1:1 mentoring, portfolio reviews, and an online course designed to help you take the next step with confidence.