Let’s dispel with the myth of the starving artist right now. Yes, it’s true that far too many creative people earn far too little for their work. Many of history’s greatest artists were barely recognized in their own lifetimes.
But there’s never been a better time than today to make a good living in the creative arts. That’s due to a constellation of factors, not least of which is the steady proliferation of practical, high-quality, career-oriented arts degrees from digital arts schools like the Centre for Arts and Technology.
Not convinced? Let’s take a look at seven potentially lucrative arts degrees and certifications that could land you a great job right out of college or technical school.
1. Web Development
Demand for web developers is consistently hot, and even entry-level professionals stand to earn an impressive living right out of school. According to Glassdoor, the average U.S. web developer’s salary is about $75,000. Better yet, many employers don’t require web developers to have four-year degrees; two-year degrees or certificates may work just fine.
2. Graphic & Digital Design
What makes a web developer even more marketable? One with a graphic and digital design degree to boot. These days, clients pay eye-popping premiums for websites that work great and look even better.
3. Network Security
Web clients face a constant struggle to keep hackers out of their computer systems and databases. For help, they turn to network security professionals, whose job it is to stay one step ahead of the bad guys (and to think creatively in the process). Not surprisingly, these pros earn good money, though their 9-to-5 grind is stressful in the extreme.
4. Interior Design
Interested in a gentler creative pursuit out of which you can still make a great living (and has the added benefit of not tying you to a computer workstation for most of the day)? Consider interior design. According to Glassdoor, interior designers earn upwards of $50,000 per year in the U.S.
5. Event Management
This is a great degree for “practical creatives” who love supporting other creative professionals by keeping the proverbial trains running on time. If you’re looking to build a business around, say, music promotion or wedding planning, you’ll want to arm yourself with this particular certification.
6. Public Relations
Even as traditional journalism declines, the PR industry is in the midst of a jobs boom. That’s great news for creatives who love to champion brands and artists whose values align with their own. Publicists earn great money, too.
7. Animation Arts
Animation degrees take multiple forms. Depending on the university’s offerings, you’ll find degrees in 2D animation, 3D animation, and perhaps various animation subspecialties.
While much of the nuts-and-bolts work of animation is now done by powerful computer programs, humans are still needed to provide the inspiration and get the ball rolling. Employers are willing to pay a pretty penny for well-trained animators versed in the latest technologies.
Pursue Your Creative Passion
What’s your creative passion? Chances are good that it fits into one of the broad career-oriented boxes outlined here. If that’s the case, there’s no need for you to subsume your artistic drive to the real-world imperative to earn a living, nor to compromise your principles for the sake of your paycheck.
You can pursue your creative passion and make a great living doing it. The only question left to ask is, what’s stopping you?
It’s not an easy field to break into and those who make it typically love it.