10 Job Types to Make Your Mark In An Art Career

The cliché of the starving artist is so tired. Instead, why not merge your love for art and culture with a cool gig? You can (possibly) feed your soul, and definitely feed your mouth. We’ve rounded up 10 jobs featuring careers in art and design. The list includes art directing, 3D animation, working behind-the-scenes at a killer music venue, and lending your impeccable taste as an interior designer, among other positions.

Your creative energy has to go somewhere—it might as well pay your bills.

Art Director, DITA

This luxury eyewear brand is looking for an ultra-experienced art director to join their creative team. If you have a background in luxury and fashion and a knack for high-end visuals consider this OC, California- based role. Bonus points if you have a head for strategic-thinking.

Artistic Coordinator, Cincinnati Opera

Here you’ll marry your cultural good taste with your organization skills and apply them to the non-profit art scene. Plus, you’ll get to spend time at the gorgeous Cincinnati Music Hall. If you have a  experience in hospitality, or customer service and enjoy working with diverse groups of artists this position based in Cincinnati, Ohio may be a fit. (No singing auditions required.)

Artistic Planning Assistant, Hollywood Bowl Group

Put your project coordinating skills to the test with this artistic operations gig for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is an administrative role for a variety of shows and cool projects that take place at the iconic Hollywood Bowl (a.k.a. the place where a Solange concert blew our minds). If you have a knowledge of classical music, and experience working with executive staff, this Los Angeles- based job is worth scoping out.

Senior Character Artist, PlayStation

Here’s a role for an experienced 3-D artist. As a senior character artist you’ll be working in both art and tech to create animations for one of the biggest names in the gaming industry. If you’re talented in traditional fine arts– think painting, illustration and human anatomy– and familiar with video game development check out this role along the beach in Playa Vista, Calif.

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Arts, University of Tampa

Do you consider yourself a cinephile? This is a beginning of a career teaching future filmmakers at the University of Tampa. You’ll be molding digital storytellers and teaching the fundamentals of film production. At least a master’s degree in fine arts and experience working with professional software is required for this Florida-based position.

Environment Artist, Amazon

How about a job where you get to create your own world? As an environment artist you’ll be responsible for creating 3D models of a game’s setting. If you have at 3 years of experience as an environment artist and a degree in an art related field consider applying for this Irvine, Calif.- based job.

Lead Interior Designer, Restoration Hardware

If beautiful spaces, designer taste and culinary creations are your thing then this position with Restoration Hardware is a match. As the lead interior designer, you’ll help others reimagine their spaces. At least 7 years of interior design experience and a degree in art or architecture is required for this role at their Newport Beach, Calif. location.

Interior Design Intern, WeWork

Here’s one for the newbie interior designer. WeWork is looking for an intern with an artistic eye to work with the lead designers to create welcoming workspaces. You’ll be introduced to every aspect of the project from start to finish, and have the chance to work with a fast-growing startup. This is for the fall semester only, but if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a design-related field this San Francisco-based could be up your alley.

Graphic Designer, Paper Pop Cards

Are you a graphic designer who loves Origami? This company makes paper pop up cards and is looking for someone with keen visual skills. If you’re seeking a start-up environment in Seattle, WA this could be your next big move.

Art Gallery Associate, Artspace Warehouse

Calling all gallerinas: This Los Angeles-based role is perfect for the poised professional who speaks art talk and can cater to artists and customers alike. At least two years of experience handling artwork and art inventory is required for the role.

By Carol Balk
Carol Balk Career Consultant