Arts and Design Professions

Actor
The Working ActorWhile for many, thoughts of acting evoke images of the big screen and schmoozing with Hollywood stars or Broadway performances in front of packed theaters, for working actors the professional role is often much less glamorous. In addition to cultivating their acting techniques, aspiring actors must also hone their bartending, waiter/waitressing, or secretarial skills, because most actors' meager salaries will not keep the creditors at bay. In fact, fewer than 5 percent of all actors actually make a living at their trade alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Non-Working ActorFar more common than the "working actor" is the actor who finds himself unemployed for long stretches of time and often working menial jobs. Throughout their careers, many actors subsist on part-time or night jobs so that they can have their days free to audition. They work as extras in films or on television shows or even nab small ("bit") speaking parts ("Would you like fries with that?"). Extras or bit part actors are usually paid between $40 and $100 a day, sometimes more if they belong to a trade union. If they are listed by a casting agency--such as Central Casting, a no-fee agency that supplies extras to all the major studios in Hollywood--some actors can rely on regular work. Stage actors often work with small repertory companies and off-off-off Broadway theaters while they wait to be cast in larger, more high-profile productions. For the non-working actor, the "open audition" becomes a way of life. Agents and UnionsThe greatest opportunities for actors are in the nation's theater and film centers, New York City and Hollywood. Most agents are in these cities, and any actor who expects to get anywhere in the industry will eventually require an agent's representation. Most working actors belong to union groups, in fact, some actors complain that you have to belong to a union to get work. The Actors' Equity Association represents stage actors, and the Screen Actors Guild and Screen Extras Guild cover actors in motion pictures, television and commercials. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) represents television and radio performers. Some auditions are union-only; you have to belong to SAG, AEA or AFTRA to earn a chance at the part. Many actors who work more than a set number of weeks per year are covered by one of these unions, which provide health, welfare, and pension funds, including hospitalization insurance. Under some employment agreements, Actors' Equity and AFTRA members have paid vacations and sick leave. Minimum salaries, work hours and other conditions are contingent upon varying agreements between employers and the unions which represent the actor. Career PathAspiring actors should build a strong repertoire of different roles and productions throughout their high school and college careers. Formal dramatic training is not a prerequisite, although the techniques and background education offered in college drama programs and dramatic arts schools in New York and Los Angeles can add to an actor's versatility and credibility. The best way to start is in local and community theaters. Learning to sing and dance (or at least keep rhythm) is essential for stage actors. Sometimes modeling experience is helpful, as it teaches stage presence and movement and assures the potential actor is at least photogenic. Agents are essential in an actor's search for work and contract negotiations; since the agent earns a percentage of an actor's earnings, they have a vested interest in the actor's success. As actors' reputations grow, they work on larger productions or in more prestigious theaters. Assuming a certain amount of talent or luck, actors also advance to lead or key character roles.A few actors move into acting-related jobs as drama coaches or directors of stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions. An actor's career depends on training, skill, versatility, determination and luck. Some actors continue acting throughout their lives, though many leave the business because they cannot make a living. OUR SURVEY SAYSOne respondent stresses "serious training" as a must for anyone pursuing an acting career, since "reputable teachers can properly prepare you for what you're going to be getting into." Beware of strangers trying to persuade you to sign or work with them, "particularly if they have never seen you act." For every nine auditions, you may get one job. This leads to another issue, that of finding an agent. The process can be "disheartening," but agents lend actors street value and credibility. When you do land an agent, "remember you are hiring them, only it won't feel like it." Auditions are grueling: "Other auditionees will try to make you feel little and ugly and try to intimidate you." The best way to deal with such adversity? "Laugh it off," advises one respondent. According to another actor, landing a role is a Catch-22, since "you have to have had jobs to find jobs." Membership with SAG, the Screen Actors Guild, can cost upwards of $2,500, and to get in you must show "past professional work." However, getting that professional work can be difficult without membership—another Catch-22. A seasoned actor gives the following admonition to those pursuing an acting career: "You must: (1) be exceptionally good and know it deep down; (2) have played outstandingly in a very good play, under expert direction, and gotten very good press; (3) be able to afford a long wait while earning a living at other pursuits; and (4) stuff anyone's advice and forge ahead on your own."

Art Dealer
Not your standard job On television series Sex and the City, Kirstin Davis plays an intelligent art dealer named Charlotte York. Unique access to top art collections from around the world and sophisticated social and professional circles give art dealers a certain shine—enough to be idealized on television, anyway. The Charlotte Yorks of the world must have an eye for what's hot and keep their fingers on the pulse of trends in the art world. They must also anticipate what will appeal to their current and prospective clients and which artists will make or break their galleries. Success at the job also entails playing to people's personalities to build a base of clients. In the art business, much of a dealer's success depends on her network, which includes artists, critics and collectors. Concentration Most dealers concentrate on a specific genre of art, such as expressionist, pop, folk (outsider) or contemporary art. Many art dealers who are starting their collections and galleries have a safety net of savings, trust funds or loans to sustain them while they go through the difficult process of acquiring clients and building a reputation. The business isn’t for wallflowers, as meetings between dealers and prospective clients and artists take place at parties, auctions and gallery openings. It also helps to be a bit of a risk taker because the profession is anything but stable. The art market depends on the health of the economy, and one dip in the market can force a small gallery owner or independent art dealer out of business. Most dealers have degrees in art history and start out in the industry as assistants. Others have extensive collections themselves and then decide to get into the business. Career path After obtaining undergraduate or graduate degrees in art history, or after having cultivated a specialization, individuals who want to become art dealers get in on the ground floor at galleries or auction houses such as Christie’s or Sotheby’s as assistants. It’s at this point that they learn how to develop the business and interpersonal skills that will allow them to establish their own businesses. Would-be art dealers also work in art museums as curators or even docents as they decide what to specialize in. After a few years, an aspiring dealer should be confident that he or she can spot the artists that will be successful. People who are able to withstand market shifts and build their clientele after 10 years should have a strong reputation and count museum curators among their clients. Our survey says The art dealership field "is not easy to earn a living in by any means." It’s expensive to run a gallery and to "run it right." Those who succeed usually do so because they know how to "pinch pennies where it counts." Unfortunately, "staffing falls into this [penny-pinching] area," so don't expect to make much and "you won't be disappointed." One insider notes that many "gallery people" could "very easily earn more waiting tables in a restaurant." As dealers' sales abilities and expertise grow, they experience "slight income increases," and it "doesn't hurt to build a client base." As far as the perks go, "there are few if any." The job consists of "long hours, hard work, tough negotiations, possibly a great deal of travel and very little time to yourself." One art dealer says that some days he "feels like a babysitter to the rich and famous who treat you like the favorite house pet of the moment." Art dealers "grow tired" of telling "would-be artists that they just don't have what you're looking for and possibly permanently destroy the hopes someone may have had about making art their life." On the upside, they do "see lots of wonderful art" and meet "high-profile, fascinating people," some of whom "will actually become friends." The art world is "fun and trendy," and galleries are "pretty chi-chi." Also, the art field seems to be "one of those few vocations where what you do and who you know matters more than what the color of your skin or your gender is." In sum, insiders say, "the job is not all bad, but it's hardly a glamorous life." If you survive "with sanity intact," you "might be able to look back on your life and say it was all worth it."

Artist
Ever dream of being the next Jackson Pollock or Jeff Koons? Having your work on display at the world’s most renowned museums and galleries? While the upsides of being an artist can be great—fame, fortune and a jet-setting lifestyle—the reality is somewhat further from the glamorous ideal. Clichés of the starving artist eating potatoes aside, becoming a famous artist takes not only an enormous amount of talent, but also hard work and an innovative mind. Whatever the medium an artist chooses: painting, sculpture photography or other, artists also need to be expert self-marketers. People will often buy an artist’s work because of his acclaim, so amassing press and critic acclaim is essential to success.

Curator
Like many glamorous jobs portrayed in movies, the likelihood of an actor playing a museum curator is disproportionately higher than the odds of a real person landing a career as one.Art history buffs are attracted to the beautiful workspace, research opportunities and the cultural diversity of working in a museum or art gallery. Experienced curators conduct extensive research on the permanent collections, conceptualize exhibits and write for museum publications and displays.Curators also help to develop new exhibitions, find new art and artists, and implement special projects and events.Many additionally meet with potential donors and take on a marketing/public relations role by planning and executing special tours, publications, lectures and websites.On their way up the ladder to curator, interns and curatorial assistants will have the opportunity to pitch ideas and implement approved concepts; however, many get more familiar with paperwork and loan collections than publications and art collections. A passion for the subject matter and a knack for interpreting the pieces to the public are required.Students considering a career developing exhibits should major in art history their undergraduate years, and pick up as many related summer internships and part-time jobs as possible along the way.Start saving early and sharpening those claws too.Competition is fierce, and a minimum of a master's degree is almost always required for advanced positions.

Fashion Design
Fashion is a $250 billion industry in the U.S. alone, employing over four million people, of which designers play an integral role and quite rightly, since the industry can't function without the designers who are responsible for conceptualizing the styles you’ll be wearing next season. When starting out, most designers attend fashion school, building a portfolio of looks and honing their technical and creative skills. The next step is deciding whether to set up your own label or work for someone else. Usually, designers work under an established label for several years to gain further insight into the fashion industry before branching out on their own.While most people can name at least a few designers, there are many thousands more who either work on their own small labels or design for big companies.One perk of being a self-employed designer is the freedom to create whatever aesthetic he pleases, as his only commitment is to the customer.On the other hand, when designing for a brand, there are many considerations a designer must keep in mind and creative freedom comes secondary to the brand’s vision.

Graphic Arts and Design
A dream life Many people dream of turning something they love, such as an art form, into a living. Graphic designers are among the few professionals who manage to do just that. And because of the rapid ascent of the Internet into our day-to-day lives, designers who work with websites are now among the hottest of commodities. Traditional graphic artists create print products such as packaging, promotional displays, marketing brochures, magazines or books. Many graphic designers work on the visual designs of annual reports and other corporate publications. They also design logos and graphic identities for products and businesses. Increasingly, graphic designers are channeling their artistic talents into the lucrative and fast-evolving profession of web design. Web designers use a combination of technical know-how and a keen eye for design to create the snazzy sites on the Internet. Broadcast/motion designers create animated graphics for film and television, as well as for websites and electronic devices, like iPods and cell phones. Free to be Because they often work on projects that eventually end—such as a seasonal catalog or redesign of a website—graphic design jobs are often staffed on a freelance basis. About 25 percent of graphic designers are freelancers; they sell their skills and pitch their designs to advertising agencies, retailers, design firms, magazines, newspapers and Internet companies. While freelancing offers many advantages, such as the opportunity to take off large chunks of time and the chance to work in many different environments, working on a project-to-project basis is far from a breeze. Freelancers must be versatile enough to market their skills to a wide variety of businesses and must also be shrewd businesspeople. A freelance artist's ability to meet deadlines and work within a budget is important to a company. Artists who prove themselves earn repeat business and invaluable word-of-mouth advertisement. In-house graphic designers, who work on salary from one company, often work in the creative departments of advertising agencies and design firms and often are assigned less glamorous tasks to start. After an “apprenticeship” period, they will be able to work on actual designs and layouts. Although becoming an established graphic designer is difficult, successful freelance artists can make a comfortable living and tend to enjoy their freedom. In-house graphic designers, such as those who become art directors at magazines or ad agencies, can command high salaries. Career path A strong portfolio is essential for any aspiring graphic designer. The portfolio is a collection of the artist's best work; some graphic artists include new takes on existing ads or logos to demonstrate their ability within a certain industry. In fact, many graphic designers freelance while still in school in order to develop experience and a portfolio of published work. Although no formal education is required for graphic or web design, a bachelor's degree program in fine art, graphic design or visual communications is valuable training for both traditional graphic designers and web designers. (An associate’s degree will also be serviceable for some positions.) For web design, courses in languages such as HTML, CSS and Java add highly sought-after skills. Internships are a good way to acquire hands-on experience and to gain contacts within the industry. Designers hired into advertising agencies or graphic design studios often start with relatively routine work. While doing this work, however, they can hone their skills and learn all aspects of the business first-hand. Many graphic artists work full-time jobs in other industries while working part-time as freelancers to establish themselves. Survey says Graphic designers “love their jobs” but complain of exhaustion as well. The strain of “constantly having to sell [themselves] and their work” “takes a toll on [their] confidence and sense of self-worth.” The amount of work that they get is “proportionate to how hard” they pitch their designs. They are “happiest when working on a project.” Many graphic designers realize that they “won't be raking in the cash” but seeing their work used in national campaigns and logos fills them with “tremendous pride.” Constant rejection is part of the job also. “A lot of people lose faith in themselves or burn out early,” according to one veteran designer. But those who “make a reputation for themselves” can look forward to a long career if they are versatile and diligent.

Industrial Designer
Industrial designers are the people who design and create the products that power everyday life. Every industry that creates products, such as automobile manufacturing and computer design, employs industrial designers. Not only do they bring a product from a paper outline to real, 3D object, but industrial designers also figure out how to do it in the most cost-effective way, and help determine price and other specifications. To begin a career as an industrial designer, a bachelor’s degree in the field is required, though supplemental technology training is often later required to master the complexities of design programs.

Interior Designer
Not just decoration As their name implies, interior designers design interiors. It's not just about shopping for antiques and picking out curtains. They determine the functionality and safety of a space as well as its aesthetic, which all determine in how the space makes one feel. Their work encompasses a wide range of specialized knowledge, including structural engineering and basic architectural principles. Interior design requires an eye for spatial relations, color, texture and fashion, as well as the intuition to know what a client will enjoy. In their assessments, interior designers consider size, safety, ease of use and cost, among other things. They must also be good listeners and visionaries, with the know-how to execute their clients' sometimes vague and fantastic requirements. Interior designers engineer spaces for homes, hotels, offices, art galleries and fashion shows. Most specialize in a certain area, such as residential design, and some have more specific specialties, like kitchen or bathroom design. The main difference between interior designers and interior decorators is that designers are responsible for the internal operations of the spaces they design, including electrical wiring, stress levels and installation procedures. They have to think like architects, as clients often call in interior designers to begin working on sketches and models before a space is built, with only a blueprint to guide them. Designers aren't just concerned with whether the structures will hold up: All of their designs must be in accordance with federal, state and local laws, including building codes and accessibility standards for the elderly and disabled. Thus a career in interior design requires a license in many states. The tools of the interior design trade include CAD (computer-aided design) programs to create and visualize the final product. CAD tools also allow clients to see what changes can be made at any stage of design without affecting costs. Career path Almost all interior designers have a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of applied arts, and additional formal interior design training and accreditation. Few clients, especially commercial clients, are willing to entrust responsibility for designing living and working spaces, not to mention huge budgets, to a designer with no formal credentials. Formal training for interior designers is available in two- and three-year professional schools that award certificates or associate degrees in design. Graduates of two-year programs generally start as assistants to designers. The curriculum in four-year bachelor of fine arts degree programs includes art and art history, principles of design, designing and sketching, as well as specialized studies for individual design disciplines such as textiles, mechanical and architectural drawing, computerized design, sculpture, architecture and basic engineering. A liberal arts education, with courses in merchandising, business administration, marketing and psychology, along with training in art is also a good background for interior design. And those with training or experience in architecture have an advantage in interior design. Beginning designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally need two to three years of training before they advance to higher level positions. Experienced designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, design department head, or other supervisory positions, while some experienced designers seek out the big money by opening their own businesses. Licensing Interior design is the only design field subject to government regulation; 21 states and the District of Columbia require licensure. Because licensing is not mandatory in all states, membership in a professional association is universally recognized as a mark of achievement for designers. Professional membership usually requires the completion of three or four years of postsecondary education in design, at least two years of practical experience in the field, and completion of the National Council for Interior Design qualification examination. Survey says A career in interior design "allows your creative juices to flow." Insiders describe it as a "highly competitive line of work," particularly in big cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. Most designers who make "big bucks" are those with "exceptional talent, experience, backers, money to help them get started" and, of course, "clients who are willing to pay." Clients and other designers can be "a joy" or "very difficult to work with;" regardless, interior designers have to "know a lot about people and public relations." Most designers agree that they derive the most enjoyment from "creating fantasy spaces." Assignments range from designing "the inside of a spaceship to designing cartoon landscapes for toy companies." The hours in interior design are "never 9 to 5," especially for new graduates who have to learn on the job about detailing and space planning material. Dress code varies between firms, but the general rule is "funky but sophisticated." Often, "the perks are unreal, particularly if you're working for a big company," insiders say. One recent design school grad was "driven around in a limousine, taken to bars, and showered with champagne on the way back to the airport.

Photographer
Say "Cheese!" We all take photographs, but some of us are paid to do it. And some of the professional photographers who are paid to take pictures also fly around the world, mingle with celebrities and are feted as celebrity artists themselves. But many others struggle to make ends meet as professional photographers: taking a picture of professional caliber requires more than the push of a button. Everything from camera angle to the type of lens can make the difference between a Pulitzer Prize and wasted film. Specialties About half of all photographers work independently and in specialized areas. Commercial photographers are the jet-setters of the profession; their work takes them to exotic locales for everything from the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in the Galapagos Islands to Sudan for The New York Times. Portrait photographers often work in their own studios, schedule appointments and coax smiles from cranky toddlers. Industrial photographers take trade pictures for companies such as automobile manufacturers or engineering firms, which the companies then use in their annual reports and advertisements. Forty percent of photographers are self-employed freelancers. One of the major outlets for freelance photography is stock photo. Stock photos are used by advertising agencies when they don't have the budget to hire a photographer. If a photographer's work is accepted by a stock company, he or she receives a commission every time the photo is used. Newspapers, magazines and ad agencies also frequently hire freelance photographers. Labor of love? For many photographers, their primary concern is photography as art. For these ambitious artists, portrait or commercial photography may simply be a way to make ends meet. It is not unusual for struggling photographers to earn their living taking school pictures while they await their first gallery show. For those with artistic ambitions, the flexible hours afforded by freelancing are ideal, although the search for work can sometimes be as grueling as working an eight-hour day in an office. New technology is offering even more outlets for the ambitious photographer. Digital cameras eliminate the need for film and make it easy to transmit photos directly over the Internet. Using digital technology, photographers can also electronically alter photos for a desired effect, or produce more accurate results for advertisements and scientific photographs than if the photographer had used regular silver-halide film. It certainly wouldn't hurt up-and-coming photographers to learn the ins and outs of computer technology and stay on top of new trends. Career Path Although no formal education is required of photographers, a strong technical understanding of photography techniques and familiarity with film processing is essential. Entry-level positions in photojournalism and in industrial, scientific or technical photography usually call for a college degree in photography, journalism, or the specific field being photographed (archaeology, botany, etc.). Many aspiring photographers get their start as assistants at a studio. As an assistant, they learn to mix chemicals, develop film, print photographs and various other skills vital to running their own businesses. Aspiring photographers should subscribe to photographic newsletters and magazines, join camera clubs, and seek work in camera stores or photo studios. Interning or working part-time for a photographer, newspaper or magazine is an excellent way to make contacts that will be useful when the time comes to strike out alone. Photographers who want to operate their own businesses need to know how to submit bids, write contracts, hire models and gain access to private properties for shoots. Photojournalists require more formal education, since they need to understand the history and the significance of an event to determine whether it is newsworthy. They must act as journalists to recognize a potentially good photograph and capture the moment quickly. Survey says When they think about their careers, most photographers "feel as though it is not a job/work." "While the hours can be long, sometimes it goes by quick," says one photographer. Even though they may be taking photos of Mrs. Jones' sixth grade class for a paycheck, they are still doing what they love—taking photographs. And it's lucky, because in a client-driven industry like this one, one photographer notes, "a positive attitude is also very important. Clients can sense this easily." Photography is a competitive field. "Anyone interested in photography had better be thick-skinned," says one photographer. "The competition is intense." So how do you stay ahead of the pack? "Learn, learn, learn!" Keep on top of technology trends and advances, as well as hone your creativity. In the words of one photographer, "Be as diverse as possible." ]]>