Your love of drawing doesn’t have to end after high school art class; your skill with a pencil and paper can lead to job opportunities in a range of fields. While some independent artists may be able to find work by simply having a strong portfolio and word-of-mouth recommendations, many aspiring creatives aim to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. College provides talented artists with time to hone their skills, receive constructive criticism from professionals, and develop that essential portfolio in addition to expanding employment opportunities.
What does a drawing career involve?
A solid understanding of a particular art form and medium, like oil pastels, painting, or acrylics, as well as proficiency with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, are prerequisites for the majority of drawing careers. The amount of actual drawing or sketching done on a computer varies depending on the product, clientele, and needs of the company. An illustrator must be well-versed in their target market and depict a product design with the user in mind.
List of drawing related careers
Here are 14 common careers requiring drawing skills:
Fashion designers’ main responsibilities include using CAD software or hand drawing to illustrate new trends for their target clients. Intricate, avant-garde designs are typically hand-drawn by high-end fashion designers. The majority of fashion designers draw their inspiration from runway shows, luxury brands, and transient trends while working for apparel companies that mass-produce clothing. They might begin by hand-sketching a new season’s collection, but they frequently have to finish it in a CAD program to present to customers and the team responsible for developing apparel products. Additionally, fashion designers select the hues and materials that go into their creations.
An animator’s main responsibilities are to produce the moving images for cartoons, video games, and animated movies. They frequently begin with hand drawings but end up creating two- and three-dimensional animated characters and stories using computer software and graphics. The animator is in charge of creating the character, foreground, background, and any other moving objects in the animation. The artist begins by coming up with a design concept, drawing up a storyboard, and pitching the concept to the production or creative teams. The artistic team then transforms each image into a moving picture and visual effect.
Graphic designers’ main responsibilities are to produce distinctive, original images for apparel, websites, print media, signs, and logos. They must gain a thorough understanding of the brand they are designing for and make sure the graphic is unified and appealing to the eye. The graphic designer typically uses CAD software to make the graphic easily adaptable to the necessary print medium, but they can also start by hand drawing if they prefer. As printing is frequently limited to eight or fewer colors, they use creativity to display color in a straightforward but noticeable way.
Primary responsibilities: Art teachers instruct students about a range of artistic techniques at all educational levels, from elementary to college. A state certification is required to teach. They frequently adhere to the state-provided curriculum, but they also create their own unique projects and homework. Art teachers encourage children to express themselves through drawing, painting, and sculpture as a way of sharing their love of the arts with them. They must be excellent communicators who employ a variety of strategies to adapt their teaching methods to the different learning preferences of each student.
Fabric designers’ main responsibilities include creating repeat patterns by hand illustration or with CAD software. These patterns are either printed, knitted, or woven into the fabric yardage that will be used for upholstery, curtains, or clothing. They are frequently independent contractors, but a fabric manufacturer or clothing company may hire them. The task of researching and predicting trends for their line of business falls to textile designers.
An illustrator’s main responsibilities are to produce illustrations for publications, books, magazines, and other businesses that need them. They create these illustrations for use in reports, print media, store displays, billboards, and commercials in addition to logos, children’s book images, and web advertising. Illustrators may work for a company, a contracting agency, or as independent contractors.
National average salary: No salary data at this time
Technical illustrators’ main responsibilities include producing the sketches, images, and infographics used in textbooks, user guides, and other technical publications. They create an image using descriptions of a thing, an idea, or a method to give visual support. They meticulously hand-illustrate a product, detailed instructions, or any other graphic that aids the reader in understanding the text. If it is appropriate for the project, the technical illustrator can create a rendering or a graphic design using CAD software rather than by hand drawing. Additionally, they produce graphs and charts to present the written data in a visual manner.
Primary responsibilities: A tattoo artist collaborates with clients to design the tattoo they want, then permanently inks the design onto the client’s skin using needles. The customer may have a specific image in mind when they visit the tattoo parlor or they may prefer for the artist to completely design their tattoo. Before the tattoo appointment, the artist will meet with the client several times to develop their ideal design if they are creating a brand-new tattoo.
They consult the client about the design, shape, size, color, and placement using their artistic abilities. A tattoo artist can focus on a particular artistic style and keeps a portfolio of their work to display to potential customers. They are also accountable for keeping their workplace safe and orderly and, if their state of residence so mandates, obtaining a license.
Interior designers’ main responsibilities are to create stunning and practical indoor spaces for use in residences, workplaces, and public buildings. They can work on new developments or existing buildings. They start out by hand-sketching the furniture they want and the arrangements of the rooms.
Custom furniture may be needed for a significant project, which the interior designer is responsible for carrying out by working with custom manufacturing firms. They pay attention to the client’s requirements and design the right furniture and fixtures for the space in accordance with the intended use. A hand drawing or computer rendering of the room’s layout and aesthetic is used by the interior designer to show the client their initial design concepts.
Architectural drafters’ main responsibilities are to create precise building and floor plans in accordance with the lead architect’s and client’s specifications. They create scale drawings of the building’s design using CAD software or by hand drafting. According to size and engineering specifications, the architectural drafter may also plan interior room arrangements.
primary responsibilities: Industrial designers create the looks of automobiles, toys, appliances, and a wide range of other consumer products. They are in charge of fusing business, engineering, and the arts to create a fantastic product. The goal of the industrial designer is to produce useful, consumer-friendly products that are also aesthetically pleasing. They employ creativity to address problems as they arise throughout the design process, ensuring the product realizes its full potential.
Primary responsibilities: Motion graphics designers use visual effects and cinematic techniques to elevate animation and make film artwork appear realistic. Making special effects appear realistic is a relatively new field that is becoming essential for filmmakers and television producers.
Instead of producing a static graphic image, these designers create animated graphics using computer renderings and programming. The people in charge of making fantasy movies and television programs about subjects like space, conflict, and dinosaurs are called motion graphics designers.
The primary responsibilities of the art director, an upper-level executive, include inspiring and directing the design team’s vision and supervising the designers’ artwork. These experts illustrate the main idea and design of a magazine, advertisement, clothing line, or other medium using their strong drawing abilities.
Then it is up to their team to make unique designs and graphics that fit with the overall theme. The artwork is reviewed and approved by the art director at each stage of design. To demonstrate to the team what is needed in the design, they must be able to provide feedback or add their own illustrative touches.
Primary responsibilities: Advertising designers create visually stunning images for use in print and digital publications by combining illustration, calligraphy, photography, and graphic design. Based on the marketing plan and knowledge the public relations team has provided, they create an initial concept.
The designer then creates several layouts to present to their client or marketing team before a final design is approved using their chosen art form, which is typically hand illustration or computer rendering. Then they perfect the final design.
Building a Career with Art
FAQ
What job can you do with drawing?
- Fashion designer.
- Animator.
- Graphic designer.
- Art teacher.
- Textile designer.
- Illustrator.
- Technical illustrator.
- Tattoo artist.
Is drawing a good career?
Drawing Considering the expanding opportunities
Can drawing become career?
A career in drawing can be extremely fulfilling creatively. However, it’s helpful to understand what various positions entail if you’re passionate about sketching or drawing and want to turn it into a career. Illustration and drawing careers may place a strong emphasis on the arts, design, technology, and business.
What is the highest paying career in art?
A career in drawing can be extremely fulfilling creatively. However, it’s helpful to understand what various positions entail if you’re passionate about sketching or drawing and want to turn it into a career. Illustration and drawing careers may place a strong emphasis on the arts, design, technology, and business.
