What Kind of Career Can I Have With a Commercial Art Degree?
- Most commercial artists have a post-secondary degree in graphic design or commercial art, though some may have a degree in fine art or a related field. Training in commercial art differs somewhat from training in the fine arts because it stresses communication with the public more than aesthetics or self-expression. Commercial art is visual design that is directed at specific communication goals.
- A commercial artist might work in fields as varied as advertising, packaging design, video games, Internet, and book and magazine design. Advertising is a good field for people who are interested in both graphic design and writing and language, while the related field of packaging design combines visual creation with an understanding of consumer motivations. Video games are one of the fastest growing and most competitive industries in the world of design and commercial art. Commercial artists with certain technical skills may apply their artistic ability to website design. Book and magazine design can lead a commercial artist to a career that involves contact with writers, editors and other creative people.
- Commercial artists are engaged in all aspects of visual communication and promotion. This includes drawing, painting, layout, computer graphics, typography, font design and color theory. A lot of commercial art is focused on the problem of how to stand out in the sea of other commercial art that is out there. In this competitive environment, creativity and originality of thought are highly valued by employers.
- A keen eye for visual harmony and catchy design is a great asset in the field of commercial art. A natural affinity for art and design needs to be trained and honed to the needs of the market to be useful in the commercial world. An understanding of marketing and the needs and desires of the buying public are also necessary.
- The income of a commercial artist can vary widely depending on the nature of the work and the employer or client. The website PayScale reports that commercial artists earned anywhere from $26,000 to $65,000 annually as of October 2010.