Careers in Art

Follow your passion into the workplace with a career in the arts. 

Following graduation, our students have moved into leadership positions at local arts institutions from the Rauschenberg Residency on Captiva to the Baker Museum in Naples. Their talents support regional companies in marketing and sales through print, online and media promotion. They have launched their own successful businesses making and selling their work. Our students have pursued graduate studies in studio art, art therapy, arts management, graphic design, education, library science and business, and our alumni are training a new generation of artists and designers through teaching appointments across Florida and the nation.

A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions. Here are some tips from What Can I do with This Major from our Career Services page:

• An art degree can and should be tailored to areas of specialization.
• Save artwork for a strong portfolio – too much is better than too little.
• Be prepared to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist.
• Join art-related professional and student organizations.
• Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts.
• Gain valuable experience through volunteering, internships, part-time and summer jobs, and apprenticeships.
• Seek exposure to art by visiting museums around the country and world.
• Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas. Learn to network.
• Pair an art degree with other career interests to increase opportunities and provide supplemental income.
• According to the Department of Labor, many Artists are self-employed.
• Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability.
• A career in the arts takes dedication, patience, and flexibility.