Careers in the Arts

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.

Want to learn more about other types of careers? Check out our "Careers by Interest Area" page here!

RIASEC Categories: Artistic, Realistic, Investigative

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Occupation Information

Local / Statewide Programs

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.