A US education site has analysed the growth areas for art and design graduates, noting employment opportunities in old and new areas.
Degrees in art and design are growing in popularity. In fact, in the US the number of bachelor degrees conferred in the field has increased each year since 1999.
But it is not fine arts that are mopping up these graduates. Degrees in art and design are more likely to lead to careers in multimedia, graphics, interiors or fashion.
Design careers in particular are in higher demand than art careers primarily because business is becoming more dependent on technology and internet marketing, which relies on a great deal of visual design to be successful.
But even art majors can find a place in the global workforce if they pursue the right leads. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a 19% rise in jobs by 2020 for interior designers, a career that combines the study of art and design.
Overall, the most promising careers art and design majors can launch are the ones that keep pace with the constantly-changing nature of the global business world, such as graphic design, which can be applied in both printed media like magazines, brochures, and business cards, as well as digital media, such as on websites and social media account layouts.
- Interior designer
Employment of interior designers is expected to increase 19% from 2010 to 2020, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Growth will be due to an increased demand for renovating existing rooms and buildings so they are more environmentally friendly. However, demand for interior designers will fluctuate depending on economic conditions. Yet some companies budget for projects over several years, which means that remodelling assignments may be available regardless of the state of the economy.
- Graphic designer
Graphic design employment is predicted to increase 13% from 2010 to 2020, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. However, this figure varies drastically by industry. Employment by publishing companies is expected to decline 4% due to contraction in the industry. Yet employment by computer systems design firms and specialized design services is expected to grow 61% and 27% respectively. This is due to the increased use of the Internet, which means graphic designers will be needed to help design and create images for websites and digital media.
- Film director
The BLS predicts 11% job growth from 2010 to 2020 for producers and directors. The number of job opportunities for film directors in the motion picture and video industry is expected to increase thanks to the public demand for new movies and television shows. There is also demand overseas for films directed and produced in the U.S. Over time, new technology for video content delivery, including mobile phones and online television, may provide even more career opportunities for film directors across the country.
- Landscape architect
Jobs for landscape architects are expected to grow 13% – about as fast as average job growth from 2010 to 2020. Employment growth will be fueled by new construction and development and public demand for attractive yet functional outdoor environments. A growing global concern for environmentally friendly building practices and sustainable construction will also increase career opportunities for landscape architects.
- Photographer
Employment of photographers is anticipated to grow 13%, or about as fast as average for all occupations, from 2010 to 2020. Overall growth is expected despite the increasing number of amateur photographers and the reduction in cost of high-quality digital cameras, which removes the barriers of entry into the profession. A decline in the newspaper industry will also impact demand for photographers as media organizations are expected to cut staffers. However, demand for wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers will continue.
- Art director
Art directors work in a variety of industries, such as in publishing or advertising but most – about 59% are self-employed. Growth in art directors roles is slowing with growth of only 9% anticipated from 2010 to 2020, 4% lower than average for all occupations. Job opportunities may decline due to the contraction of the print publishing industry, but that may be offset by the expected growth of online media such as websites and digital magazines. The best prospects may be in advertising or public relations.
- Multimedia artist
Employment for animators is predicted to increase due to consumer demand for exciting and ever-more realistic visual effects and animation in video games, movies and, in particular, on mobile devices such as smart phones.But job growth in devoped countries is expected to slow as animator jobs are outsourced to India and China. Growth of only 8% is expected from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.
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Fashion designer
Job figures for fashion designers are predicted to remain steady as consumers with limited opportunities in the developed world. There will be some job growth for fashion designers working for specialized design firms or who are self-employed and market and ship their designs directly to consumers using the Internet.
This research was compiled for the Open Education Database, which compiles online educational opportunities.
