“Real Jobs in Art”: Let’s Talk About It
Because Yes — There Are Many.
Not long ago, I got a comment on TikTok that said something along the lines of:
“The only real jobs in art are graphic design and animation.”
Now, I know comments like that often come from a place of misunderstanding, or maybe someone’s just repeating what they’ve been told. But it stuck with me—because it’s so common to see creativity treated like a hobby, or a luxury, or something that only very specific people get to “succeed” in.
So let’s set the record straight: art is everywhere, and real jobs in art exist across every corner of the creative landscape.
This isn’t just a defense—it’s a celebration.
Let’s Start with the Obvious Ones (Yes, Including Graphic Design and Animation!)
First off: Yes, graphic design and animation are absolutely real and incredible jobs in art.
Designers build the visual language of the world we live in—from packaging and websites to branding and signage. Animators breathe life into our favorite shows, films, ads, and even apps. These roles require both technical skill and creative storytelling.
But they’re just the tip of the paintbrush.
Fine Artists and Craftspeople
Painters, sculptors, illustrators, ceramicists, jewelers, woodworkers, printmakers—the list goes on. These artists show in galleries (like ours at The Longview Gallery), work on commissions, collaborate with interior designers, license their work, teach, sell online, and create public art installations.
Every mug you buy from a potter, every print you hang on your wall, every piece of handmade jewelry you cherish—that’s someone’s job. Their real job.
Art Educators and Teaching Artists
Art teachers (from elementary school through university), community arts facilitators, teaching artists in museums or after-school programs—they shape creative minds and make art accessible to the next generation.
Without them, how many people would even know they loved making things?
Curators, Conservators, and Art Historians
Behind every museum exhibit is a team of people who research, interpret, care for, and contextualize art.
They preserve history, amplify underrepresented voices, and help us make meaning of the visual world.
Photographers and Videographers
From weddings and documentaries to fashion shoots and content creation—this field is massive. Many photographers work freelance, run their own studios, or work in-house for brands and media outlets. Same goes for filmmakers, editors, and content producers.
Tattoo Artists, Makeup Artists, and Hair Designers
Yes—body art is art. These professions take visual creativity and apply it in deeply personal, collaborative, and skilled ways. They require artistic training, client management, and often their own branding/business savvy.
Set Designers, Costume Designers, and Scenic Artists
Theater, film, television, concerts, theme parks—none of these exist without people designing the physical and visual world of the experience. These are jobs that combine art, architecture, fashion, and engineering.
UX/UI Designers and Creative Technologists
This is where art meets tech. These folks design intuitive, beautiful digital experiences. They think about human behavior and accessibility. Their work shows up in everything from apps to smartwatches to museum touchscreens.
Artists in Health, Therapy, and Social Practice
Art therapists, community muralists, hospital artists-in-residence—creative work can also heal, advocate, and transform. These roles center human connection and use creativity as a tool for care and change.
Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Creative Small Business Owners
So many artists forge their own paths—selling on Etsy, vending at markets, starting creative agencies, running art galleries or studios, or turning their practice into a brand. These roles require serious hustle, strategy, and vision—and they're just as “real” as any salaried 9-to-5.
So… Why Do People Still Think There Are Only a Few “Real” Jobs in Art?
Honestly? It’s partly a cultural thing. We’re taught from a young age that success means a certain kind of career path—preferably one that fits neatly on a résumé and sounds “stable.” But creative careers often look different. They might be freelance, nonlinear, or entrepreneurial. And that can feel unfamiliar or even scary to people outside of that world.
But different doesn’t mean less real.
And passion doesn’t mean you’re not professional.
In Conclusion: The Art World Is So Much Bigger Than You Think
If you’re someone who loves to create and wonders if there’s space for you: there is.
If you’re already on a creative path and someone tells you it’s not a “real” job: it is.
And if you’re someone who used to love art and let it go because you thought it wasn’t practical—maybe this is your sign to reconnect with it.
Art is not a backup plan.
It’s not just a dream.
It’s a real job, and a real calling—and it deserves real respect.
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