Overview

Do you like to create things or draw? Do you enjoy writing music or singing? Pursuing a career in the arts can be tremendously satisfying but often requires outside-the-box thinking. A degree program is usually not as important as a strong portfolio of high-quality work. Many artists supplement their income through teaching, leading workshops and selling their work online.

On this page you can learn more about how to make a living in the arts as well as information on specific careers and where you can obtain training or educational experience. 

TOP RIASEC Categories: ​Artistic
CTE Industry Sector(s):
Arts, Media and Entertainment
Fashion and Interior Design
Manufacturing and Product Development

Intro Video

Career and Occupation Information

​Occupations to Explore

• Graphic Designer​
• Illustrator
• Musician or Singer
• Multimedia Artist or Animator
• Careers in Game Design
• Video Game Designer
• Cosmetologist / Hair Stylist
• Makeup Artist
• Writer
• TV Writer
• Director (TV, Movies, Stage)​
• Visual Effects
• Fashion Designer
• Interior Designer

Explore More Careers

• Careers in Art, Audio/Video and Communications
• Careers in Art
• 150+ Art Careers
• 5 Trendy Industries that hire Cosmetologists
• 3 Keys to Making It as an Artist (Without Starving)​
• 8 Innovative Ways to Make Money From Your Art
• Making Money In Music Through Music Licensing

​Pathways to Explore

• ​Careers in Animation
• Careers in 3D Modeling
• Careers in Digital Painting
• Careers in Visual Effects
• Careers in Game Development

Local / Statewide Programs

• ​Arts and Multimedia Programs - Butte College
• Art Programs and Degrees - CSU Chico
• Computer Animation and Game Development - CSU Chico​

Get Experience Now!

You can get experience in this field in the following ways:

• Take art-related CTE courses at your local high school, such as Digital Arts or Graphic Design. 
• Take art classes from a local organization like the Chico Art Center. 
• Create art, music or write on your own! Experiment with different types, genres, materials and styles. 
• Follow artists on social media to learn more about their process.
• Do Internet research on how artists in the field you are interested in make a living. 
• Listen to podcasts on art and artists. 

Career Videos

Video Game Designer

Graphic Designer

Producers and Directors

Makeup Artist

Even More: Career Ideas based on RIASEC Score 

• Realistic: Set Builder, Sound Technician, Stagehand, Prop Maker, Costume Fabricator
• Investigative: Art Historian, Musicologist, Theater Researcher, Film Critic, Cultural Anthropologist in Arts
• Artistic: Actor, Musician, Dancer, Painter, Film Director
• Social: Art Teacher, Music Therapist, Community Arts Organizer, Museum Educator, Drama Therapist
• Enterprising: Art Gallery Owner, Music Producer, Film Producer, Talent Agent, Arts Festival Coordinator
• Conventional: Museum Registrar, Theater Box Office Manager, Art Gallery Assistant, Entertainment Booking Agent, Film Distribution Coordinator