Types of Artist Jobs
The field of artistry is vast and varied, encompassing a multitude of disciplines and mediums. From traditional fine arts to digital and commercial applications, artist job titles reflect the diverse nature of the creative industry. Each role carries its own set of skills, responsibilities, and artistic focuses, offering a spectrum of career opportunities for those with a passion for creating. Whether you are just starting out or looking to specialize, understanding these titles can provide valuable insight into the potential paths your artistic journey can take.
Illustrator
Illustrators bring concepts to life through their drawings and designs, often working with authors, publishers, and advertising agencies. They may specialize in various styles and mediums, from children's books to medical illustrations.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers create visual content to communicate messages. They use typography, imagery, color, and layout to solve problems and create visually engaging designs for a wide range of media.
Concept Artist
Concept Artists are key players in the pre-production stage of visual media projects, such as video games and films. They visualize ideas and create renderings that guide the production of the final visual elements.
3D Modeler
3D Modelers sculpt and build digital models for video games, movies, and animations. They work closely with animators and game designers to bring characters and environments to life in a three-dimensional space.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.
Animator
Animators create multiple images, known as frames, which give the illusion of movement when sequenced. They work in various fields, including film, television, video games, and online media.
Fine Artist
Fine Artists, such as painters, sculptors, and illustrators, create original works of art for aesthetic value rather than functional value. They often exhibit their work in galleries and museums.
Curator
Curators manage collections of artwork for institutions such as museums and galleries. They research, acquire, and arrange exhibits, and they often engage in educational outreach and public programming.
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia Artists combine multiple forms of media, from live footage to animation, to create visual effects for the entertainment industry. They are often at the forefront of technological and artistic innovation.
Each artist job title is a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and vision. As the art world continues to evolve with new technologies and mediums, so too do the opportunities for artists to explore and define their careers within this vibrant field.
Artist Job Title Hierarchy
Junior Artist
Entry-Level Artist
Art Assistant
Production Artist
Mid-Level Artist
Concept Artist
3D Artist
Illustrator
Senior Artist
Senior Graphic Designer
Lead Character Artist
Senior Animator
Art Director
Creative Lead
Lead Environment Artist
Visual Development Lead
Creative Director
Director of Art
Head of Creative
Chief Creative OfficerTop Artist Job Titles by Level
Entry Level Job Titles
Embarking on a career in the arts can be both thrilling and challenging, as the industry offers a wide array of opportunities for creative expression and professional growth. For those fresh out of school or transitioning into the art world, entry-level positions provide essential experience and exposure to various artistic disciplines. These roles are tailored to nurture talent, refine skills, and offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of art-related careers. Here are five common entry-level job titles for artists, each serving as a potential gateway to a fulfilling and dynamic career in the arts.
Junior Graphic Designer
Junior Graphic Designers are the creative engines behind visual communication projects. They collaborate with senior designers to create compelling graphics for various media, including digital, print, and social platforms. This role is instrumental in building a strong design foundation and understanding client needs and branding strategies.
Art Assistant
Art Assistants provide support to established artists or art directors, often helping with the preparation of materials, maintaining studio spaces, and assisting in the creative process. This position offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at artistic production and the day-to-day operations of the art world.
Production Artist
Production Artists play a crucial role in the final stages of creative projects, ensuring that designs are ready for print or digital publication. They are responsible for the technical aspects of art, such as formatting, scaling, and retouching, providing a practical understanding of the production side of art and design.
3D Modeler Trainee
3D Modeler Trainees work under the guidance of experienced modelers to create three-dimensional representations for games, films, or animation. This entry-level position allows artists to develop their technical skills in 3D software and gain an understanding of the industry's standards and workflows.
Art Department Intern
Internships within an Art Department offer aspiring artists a comprehensive experience in various aspects of art production, from concept development to execution. Interns may work on real projects, gaining insights into creative collaboration and the day-to-day demands of a professional art setting.
Mid Level Job Titles
Transitioning to mid-level positions in the art industry signifies a blend of honing one's craft and expanding into more collaborative and strategic roles. Mid-level artists are expected to take on projects with greater complexity, lead smaller teams or initiatives, and contribute to the creative direction of their department. They are the linchpins in the creative process, ensuring that artistic vision is executed with both technical proficiency and innovative flair. Below are five key mid-level job titles in the art field, each representing a significant role in an artist's career development.
Concept Artist
Concept Artists are pivotal in the pre-production stages of visual media projects, such as video games, movies, and animations. They create the initial visual representations of ideas, characters, environments, and props, setting the tone and style for the creative work to follow.
3D Modeler
3D Modelers are skilled in sculpting and building detailed three-dimensional representations for various applications, from video games to film. They bring concepts to life, ensuring that models are both aesthetically pleasing and technically accurate to project specifications.
Animation Artist
Animation Artists, or Animators, breathe life into characters and scenes, creating the illusion of movement in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. They apply principles of animation to convey emotions and actions, contributing to storytelling through their dynamic creations.
Storyboard Artist
Storyboard Artists are essential for visualizing scenes and sequences in film, television, and animation. They translate scripts into a series of panels, providing a visual blueprint that guides directors, cinematographers, and the production team through the filming process.
Character Artist
Character Artists specialize in designing and creating characters for various media. They focus on crafting the visual appearance, personality traits, and costumes of characters, ensuring consistency and believability across the project's narrative.
Senior Level Job Titles
Embarking on a career in the arts can be both thrilling and challenging, as the industry offers a wide array of opportunities for creative expression and professional growth. For those fresh out of school or transitioning into the art world, entry-level positions provide essential experience and exposure to various artistic disciplines. These roles are tailored to nurture talent, refine skills, and offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of art-related careers. Here are five common entry-level job titles for artists, each serving as a potential gateway to a fulfilling and dynamic career in the arts.
Junior Graphic Designer
Junior Graphic Designers are the creative engines behind visual communication projects. They collaborate with senior designers to create compelling graphics for various media, including digital, print, and social platforms. This role is instrumental in building a strong design foundation and understanding client needs and branding strategies.
Art Assistant
Art Assistants provide support to established artists or art directors, often helping with the preparation of materials, maintaining studio spaces, and assisting in the creative process. This position offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at artistic production and the day-to-day operations of the art world.
Production Artist
Production Artists play a crucial role in the final stages of creative projects, ensuring that designs are ready for print or digital publication. They are responsible for the technical aspects of art, such as formatting, scaling, and retouching, providing a practical understanding of the production side of art and design.
3D Modeler Trainee
3D Modeler Trainees work under the guidance of experienced modelers to create three-dimensional representations for games, films, or animation. This entry-level position allows artists to develop their technical skills in 3D software and gain an understanding of the industry's standards and workflows.
Art Department Intern
Internships within an Art Department offer aspiring artists a comprehensive experience in various aspects of art production, from concept development to execution. Interns may work on real projects, gaining insights into creative collaboration and the day-to-day demands of a professional art setting.
Director Level Job Titles
Director-level roles in the Artistic field are marked by a profound understanding of the creative process, a strong vision for artistic direction, and the ability to lead and inspire teams of creative professionals. These roles demand not only exceptional artistic talent but also leadership qualities, strategic planning abilities, and the capacity to drive innovative projects that resonate with audiences. Here are five prominent director-level job titles in the realm of Artistic careers.
Art Director
The Art Director is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts, ensuring that the collective vision is realized and consistent across all visual elements.
Creative Director
A Creative Director guides all creative projects within an organization, overseeing the creative process and giving direction to the creative team. They develop the artistic approach and style to meet the company's branding objectives, often working closely with marketing and design teams to produce compelling content.
Director of Animation
The Director of Animation leads and supervises the animation team to create high-quality animations for various media platforms. This role involves storyboarding, conceptualizing, and ensuring that the final products are in line with the creative vision and storytelling objectives.
Director of Photography (DP)
Also known as a Cinematographer, the Director of Photography is in charge of the visual elements of a film, television show, or commercial. The DP makes decisions on lighting, shot selection, camera movement, and other aspects of image-making that are crucial to the visual storytelling of the project.
Visual Effects Director
The Visual Effects Director oversees the creation and integration of visual effects in film, television, or video games. They collaborate with other directors and production staff to ensure that the visual effects are of high quality, enhance the narrative, and are completed on time and within budget.
VP Level Job Titles
Ascending to a VP-level position in the artistic domain is a testament to a professional's creative leadership and strategic vision within the creative industry. Individuals at this level are pivotal in shaping the artistic direction of their organizations, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the artistic output aligns with the overarching business goals. Here are five prominent VP-level job titles in the artistic field, each reflecting a significant role in guiding the company's creative endeavors and artistic excellence.
Vice President of Creative Services
This title signifies a top-tier executive who leads the creative services department. The individual is responsible for setting the creative vision, managing a team of artists and designers, and ensuring that all creative outputs are aligned with the company's brand strategy and objectives.
VP of Art Direction
Focusing on the visual aspects of company projects, this role involves guiding the conceptual and stylistic direction for the company's products or services. The VP of Art Direction collaborates with various departments to ensure that the visual representation of the company's offerings is compelling and cohesive.
VP of Design
This role is central to the design strategy and execution within the company. The VP of Design oversees the design team, develops design policies, and ensures that design practices lead to innovative and user-friendly products that stand out in the market.
VP of Creative Operations
Bridging the gap between creative vision and operational efficiency, this role involves leading the systems and processes that enable the creative team to produce high-quality work. The VP of Creative Operations ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the company's standards.
VP of Content Production
This role typically exists in companies that produce a significant amount of media or content. The VP of Content Production oversees the creation and curation of artistic content, ensuring it aligns with the company's narrative and meets the highest standards of artistic expression and technical quality.
How to Advance Your Current Artist Title
In the dynamic world of art, advancing your title as an Artist in 2024 is about honing your craft, expanding your network, and building a strong personal brand. Whether you're aiming to become a Senior Artist, Art Director, or a recognized name in your field, the following insights will guide you in elevating your artistic career to the next level.
Master Diverse Artistic Techniques
To stand out as an artist, it's crucial to have a broad skill set. Continuously refine your existing techniques and embrace new mediums. This versatility not only enriches your portfolio but also opens doors to opportunities that require a diverse range of artistic abilities.
Build a Strong Professional Network
Connections can be as valuable as talent in the art world. Attend gallery openings, art fairs, and industry events to meet peers, mentors, and potential clients. Engage with the community both online and offline to foster relationships that can lead to collaborations and commissions.
Develop a Distinct Artistic Voice
Your unique perspective is your trademark. Invest time in developing a signature style or theme that distinguishes your work from others. A recognizable artistic voice can significantly boost your reputation and help you progress to more prestigious titles and projects.
Utilize Digital Platforms and Social Media
In the digital age, an online presence is essential. Use social media, online galleries, and portfolio websites to showcase your work and reach a global audience. Regularly update your followers on your latest projects and achievements to maintain engagement and interest.
Seek Out Mentorship and Critique
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and constructive criticism to help you refine your art. Being receptive to critique and using it to improve your work is a sign of professionalism that can accelerate your advancement in the art world.
Exhibit Leadership in Collaborative Projects
As you aim for higher titles, your ability to lead and inspire others becomes crucial. Take the initiative in collaborative projects and demonstrate your capacity to bring a creative vision to life. Leadership experience is invaluable when moving towards roles like Art Director or Creative Lead.
Similar Artist Careers & Titles
The journey of an artist is often non-linear and deeply personal, yet there are common pathways and career transitions that can lead to advancement and growth. As artists develop their craft, they may find that their skills and interests align with a variety of related roles that offer new challenges and opportunities. Understanding these roles can help artists to expand their professional network, diversify their skill set, and potentially move up to the next title in their artistic career.
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts. For artists looking to advance, this role requires a keen eye for design and the ability to guide and inspire a creative team, leveraging their artistic background to achieve a cohesive vision.
Curator
Curators are the custodians of museums and galleries, responsible for assembling, cataloging, and managing collections of artwork. Artists with a deep understanding of art history and a knack for exhibition design can find this role a rewarding advancement, as it allows them to influence the art that is displayed to the public and to educate others about art.
Art Therapist
Art Therapists use the creative process of making art to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. Artists who are passionate about helping others and have an interest in psychology may find this career path both fulfilling and a natural progression from creating art for self-expression to facilitating it for therapeutic purposes.
Concept Artist
Concept Artists are key players in the entertainment industry, creating visual representations of ideas for films, video games, and animation. Artists with a talent for storytelling and a passion for these industries can leverage their skills to advance into this role, where they will bring ideas to life and set the visual tone for projects.
Art Educator
Art Educators teach students about art in schools, museums, and community settings. Artists with a desire to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation can find a rewarding career in education. This role allows them to influence budding artists while continuing to develop their own practice and reputation in the art community.
FAQs about Artist Titles
How do Artist job titles vary across industries?
Artist job titles reflect the diverse contexts in which art is produced and consumed. In entertainment, you might encounter 'Concept Artist' or 'Storyboard Artist', roles that contribute to visual storytelling. Advertising may use 'Commercial Artist', focusing on brand communication. The tech industry often seeks 'UX/UI Artists', blending art with user interface design. Museums and galleries employ 'Exhibition Artists' or 'Resident Artists', highlighting curatorial and creative residency aspects. Each sector adapts artist roles to fit its specific artistic needs and audience engagement goals, while preserving the essence of creativity and visual expression.
Are there any emerging job titles for Artists that are gaining popularity?
Certainly, the artistic landscape is continually evolving, leading to the creation of new job titles. 'Digital Installation Artist' reflects the growing intersection of art and technology, focusing on immersive digital experiences. 'Virtual Reality (VR) Artist' is a cutting-edge role for those skilled in creating 3D environments for VR platforms. 'Artistic Data Visualizer' combines art with data science, transforming complex data into visually compelling narratives. These roles showcase the industry's adaptation to digital advancements and the blending of art with other disciplines, highlighting the dynamic nature of artistic careers.
Which Artist job title has the highest salary potential?
In the art world, salary potential often correlates with reputation and commercial success rather than specific job titles. However, roles like 'Art Director' or 'Creative Director' tend to offer higher salaries due to their leadership positions within companies or agencies. These titles involve overseeing artistic projects, managing teams, and strategic planning, which are responsibilities that command higher compensation. Renowned 'Fine Artists'—such as painters or sculptors—can also achieve significant earnings, but their income is more variable and dependent on the market demand for their work.
