Well, you just graduated with a bachelor of arts degree. Congratulations! Now is the time to think about how you can use your creative talents and artistic skills in the working world. There are many rewarding career paths open to art graduates here in the UK. In this article, we'll explore seven possible jobs you should consider.
1. Artist
Becoming a professional artist is the classic career choice for many art graduates. As a good artist, you would spend your time creating paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and other works of art to display and sell. It takes dedication and persistence to become a good artist, but your art degree has provided you with the skills and techniques needed to develop your own aesthetic style and creative vision. You'll be able to fully immerse yourself in your craft while building your reputation and portfolio. British art stars like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin show that it's possible to make it big as an artist here, but it's often a career that people do on the side when they're first starting out.
2. Art Teacher
Consider sharing your artistic knowledge and inspiring the next generation of British artists by becoming an art teacher. You can work in primary or secondary schools, colleges, universities, museums or private art schools. With your degree, you will be qualified to teach foundational art courses or more specialized subjects such as painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design and art history. It is a rewarding career path for those who have a passion for educating others about art. Famous British pioneers of the pop art movement, such as Richard Hamilton, began their careers as art teachers.
3. Graphic designer
Let your creativity flourish as a graphic designer creating visual ideas for websites, advertising, corporate branding, publications, product packaging and more. An art background helps you pay attention to aesthetics, composition and style. You will be able to solve problems and find effective ways to communicate messages visually. As a graphic designer in the UK, you could work for design firms, advertising agencies, publishing companies or as a freelancer. Knowledge of software such as Adobe Creative Suite is a plus for this career.
4. Illustrator
Combine your artistic ability with your storytelling skills as an illustrator. Illustrators produce drawings, paintings, and other illustrations for uses such as children's books, visual novels, advertisements, greeting cards, posters, concepts, comics, and more. Your art degree has improved your illustration techniques and given you a portfolio of work to show clients. In Britain, there are opportunities to work with publishers such as Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, Oxford University Press and others to illustrate imaginative new books.
5. Gallery Curator
For art graduates with a deep passion for art history, becoming a curator at an art gallery allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of art. Curators research, evaluate and acquire pieces for inclusion in gallery exhibitions. You will conceptualize and design engaging exhibits that educate visitors about art movements, styles, and individual artists. Top galleries such as the Tate Modern and Serpentine Galleries would appreciate your artistic knowledge and educational background. Curating gives you influence in the art world itself.
6. Art Therapist
Harness the healing potential of art by becoming an art therapist. This growing field uses art and the creative process to help improve people's mental health and well-being. With further training, an art degree and an understanding of visual expression can enable you to work with children, adults, families or groups facing emotional or psychological challenges. Your guidance helps them use art to explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress and more. It is a meaningful way to enable positive change through art.
7. Art Critic
Finally, consider using your artistic discernment, art historical knowledge, and writing skills to work as an art critic. Art critics analyze and evaluate works of art and exhibitions through published reviews and comments. As a critic, you can influence opinions, uncover meaning in works of art, and guide the discourse on the art world. The degree provides you with the basis to confidently assess aesthetic quality, techniques and artistic genres. Look to famous British art critics like John Berger and Matthew Collings for inspiration.
There are so many directions that an art degree in Britain can take you today. Whether you work as a fine artist, teacher, designer, illustrator, curator, healer, critic, or in other roles, you now have the skills and experience to bring your creativity to life in exciting new ways. Let your artistic passion lead you to a fulfilling career. The possibilities are endless for talented art graduates like you!