There
are many kinds of visual artists, but they generally fall into four
main categories: fine artists, art directors, multimedia artists, and
photographers.Fine artists include painters, illustrators, sculptors, sketch artists, and others. Their work may be displayed in museums, galleries, or private homes, or they may work for organizations or companies. A sketch artist, for example, might work for a law enforcement agency sketching courtroom scenes, while an illustrator might work for a greeting card company designing cards, wrapping paper, and accessories.
Art directors are those who develop the design concepts that other artists implement, either for print or digital publications. They decide how to present the information and which photographs or artwork to use so that it is visually appealing.
Multimedia artists create visual images using film, video, and other electronic media. They may work for advertising companies, electronic publishers, and the television and movie industries.
Photographers often specialize in areas such as commercial photography, industrial photography, or portrait photography. Many photographers work in portrait or commercial photography studios, while others are employed by newspapers, magazines, television broadcasters, or advertising agencies.
More than half of all visual artists are self-employed, and visual arts fields are extremely competitive due to the high number of people attracted to a career in the arts.
The types of courses visual arts students take vary depending on the discipline, ranging from graphic design to art history and Web design to watercolor painting.
