Art Major

Related Links:  Declare a Minor Visit SU Art Department Academic Requirements (Checklists) for Art    Possible Job Titles Typical Places of Employment Typical Work Activities Employment Links Additional Info in Career Services Alumni Resources (To contact alums, go to SU's Mentor Network) Related Links

Career Information

The Career Profile of a Graphic Designer-From Vault (SU log-in required)
Occupational Outlook HandBook
America's Career Info Net

*Denotes need for additional education

ANIMATOR 
Creates movement for a visual still using illustration skills and computer applications. Most animation sequences are produced for films and entertainment; some are used for industry (i.e. creating logos for television networks or translating machinery drawings into three dimensions). Works for animation studios or on a freelance basis. 
ART BUYER/CONSULTANT 
Assists other people in buying art. Recruits clients, develops familiarity with wide variety of artistic styles, and maintains  network of contacts among artists and gallery owners.
Interviews clients about artistic preferences and presents options to them. Works for consulting firms or on freelance basis. 
ART DIRECTOR, ADVERTISING 
Creates a visual concept that can be developed into a successful print ad, television commercial, or sales campaign.  Analyzes market research data and client specifications and works closely with copywriters. Creates layouts and presents to creative directors or possibly to clients. Works with an illustrator or photographer to develop a final visual. Works for advertising agencies. 
ART DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL 
Directs art and visuals for books, magazines, and newspapers according to specified guidelines. Supervises layout and selects illustrators or photographers to execute the visual effects. Works for publishing companies. 
ART TEACHER 
Instructs students in art skills. Evaluates student artwork and offers constructive criticism and advice concerning future work. May help with curriculum planning. Works for public/private schools or community education programs. 
BOOK DESIGNER 
Organizes a book's format to establish a coherent flow and to make the text inviting to read by designing an aesthetically pleasing page within the restrictions of length, paper weight, and trim size. Chooses a typeface, designs a layout, and may create a book cover. Works for publishing companies. 
CARTOONIST 
Uses humorous illustration style to entertain or convey information. Works for comic book publishers, newspaper syndicates, or on a freelance basis. 
CORPORATE DESIGNER 
Helps a company establish its identity through graphic representation. Works on a wide range of assignments, such as logo development, letterhead design, or illustrating brochures or annual reports. Works for variety of companies. 
CREATIVE DIRECTOR 
Coordinates overall look of an advertising project. Works closely with art director and copywriter to ensure consistency of final product and adherence to deadlines. Works for advertising agencies. 
CRITIC 
Writes articles giving critical analysis of artwork, exhibitions, or art-related issues. Usually writes on a freelance basis and supplements with teaching or museum work. Works for newspapers, magazines, museums, or on freelance basis. 
EXHIBITION DESIGNER 
Designs displays and exhibits for events such as conventions, museum shows, and supermarket promotions. Uses artistic design skills and knowledge of traffic flow and lighting to create original presentations of objects, ideas, and information.  Usually works on a freelance basis. 
FINE ARTIST 
Creates original artworks using a variety of mediums, such as sculpture, painting, or ceramics. Sells work to individuals or organizations. Works on freelance basis. 
FORENSIC ARTIST 
Draws sketches of suspected criminals based on descriptive information from crime victims. Works closely with police officers and other law enforcement officials. Works for federal, state, or local government. 
GRAPHIC SYSTEMS DESIGNER 
Develops symbols and signs to unify a building or public complex (i.e. shopping center, subway) and make it easier to navigate. Also works with architects to design interior and exterior environments. Works for architectural or design firms.
ILLUSTRATOR, ADVERTISING 
Sells products or services by creating an appropriate image for the market the client is trying to reach. Considers headlines, copy, and visual ideas and makes a preliminary sketch. Works with art director to establish size and color limitations and completes illustrations by a specific deadline. Works for advertising agencies or on a freelance basis. 
ILLUSTRATOR, EDITORIAL 
Considers manuscript and visual ideas and makes a preliminary sketch. Works with art director to establish size and color limitations and completes illustrations by a specific deadline.  Works for publishers or on a freelance basis. 
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER 
Designs commercially produced products, ranging from electronics to toys. Works with corporations to style or package products that attract consumers. Acts as a negotiator
between engineers and marketing representatives. Works for variety of companies. 
MAGAZINE DESIGNER 
Consults with editor and publisher on editorial objectives and the consumer market. Determines a format, selects typeface, and establishes approach toward photography and illustration.  May redesign already established magazines. Usually works on a freelance basis. 
PACKAGE DESIGNER 
Designs packaging for variety of products. Often redesigns an existing package by changing color or type treatment or using graphics. Creates three-dimensional prototype to ensure package efficiency. Usually works on a freelance basis. 
SKETCH ARTIST 
Draws quick sketches and first drafts for print or live-action advertisements. Works for advertising agencies. 
TELEVISION GRAPHIC DESIGNER 
Designs images to introduce sports events, nightly news stories, or specials. May use computer technology to produce charts, graphs, or illustrations. Works for television studios. 
TOY DESIGNER 
Uses imagination and childlike perspective to create new toys. Researches safety standards, child psychology, production, packaging, and promotion to create products that are safe, cost-effective, and fun. Works for toy manufacturers. 
TYPEFACE DESIGNER 
Creates new typefaces, often using computer graphics. May modify existing typefaces by creating new weights and proportions or developing new logos for clients. Works for type manufacturers, design studios, and advertising agencies.

These publications must be used in the "Browsing" Library of Career Services.   There are also many brochures and magazines such as Resume Writing, Interviewing and Job Choices that you may take with you.

Alternatives for Art Historians Animation World Network Association for Art History  ArtSource  A Career in Art Therapy Archivists and Curators from the Occupational Outlook Handbook  Careers in Art Career Profile:  Art Therapist Gamasutra- the art and science of making games Graphic Arts and Printing Career Guide Graphic Designers from the Occupational Outlook Handbook  Lucas Arts Museums in the USA The New York Foundation for the Arts Photographers and Camera Operators from the Occupational Outlook Handbook  Photography Careers, Jobs and Employment Information Sample Resumes-Select your major from this page Visual Nation-Careers in Art Visual Arts Career Guide Visual Artist from the Occupational Outlook Handbook World Wide Art Resources