The arts communications

Careers and Colleges, Jan-Feb, 2002

THE IMAGE OF THE STARVING ARTIST, THE OUT-OF-work actor, and the struggling writer just might be a thing of the past. Full-time jobs are available for the artistically inclined--many with good salaries and benefits. (Some artists and writers, however, do opt for a flexible, freelance lifestyle.)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in the arts are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next eight years.

"There are definitely opportunities out there," says Elisa Kurland Klyman, director of career services at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. "But the really hot fields are those related to new media and design."

The digital revolution spurred tremendous growth in fields like Web design, says Maryellen Schroeder, director of career services at Massachusetts College of Art. And although many dot-com companies have gone under, non-tech businesses will always have a need for talented graphic artists.

Marc Dennis, an assistant art professor at Elmira College in New York, says companies are looking for creative people who understand a visual medium and are capable of keeping eyes glued to the screen with dazzling graphics and good design. "Many companies are eager to hire qualified people with art, art history, and design backgrounds," he says.

NOT JUST SINGIN' AND DANCIN'

While only a talented few will ever win a Tony, exhibit in a major gallery, or write the Great American Novel, there are plenty of arts jobs that, while perhaps less glamorous, can offer job security and a steady income.

"Students need to remember that jobs in the arts aren't just the ones that are out front--on stage, on exhibit, in concert. That's only a small percentage," says Nancy Shankman, director of creative and performing arts for Bronx high schools in New York. Shankman likes to quote the motto of a New York City high school for the arts: "It ain't just singin' and dancin'."

Some artistic types end up working in unusual or nontraditional fields. Schroeder has placed jewelry design graduates, who are experts at manipulating small pieces of metal, at companies that make musical instruments such as flutes and clarinets. She also has placed fine arts graduates--who are adept at drawing and sculpting--at medical centers where they create prosthetic body parts.

"Lots of people imagine the artist as a person with a beret on his head, standing in front of a blank canvas," says Schroeder. "An artist is actually a problem-solver. You take that artistic skill and solve problems about how to manipulate materials to express your vision."

THE EDUCATION QUESTION

A higher education isn't a necessity for all artists--it depends on your interests and aspirations. A talented actor, dancer, or musician may decide to try his or her luck on the audition circuit, waiting tables or working as a temp to make ends meet. Others may go to a conservatory or a college with a strong performing arts program. Many aspiring writers, filmmakers, and public relations specialists hone their communications skills at liberal arts colleges. According to the BLS, most writing jobs require a liberal arts degree with a major such as communications, journalism, or English.

Schroeder believes college provides an atmosphere that fosters all young creative people. "Being around a community of artists and instructors will help you develop your own aesthetic and abilities," she says. She adds that a healthy dose of liberal arts courses in literature, philosophy, and history can only fortify an artist's sensibility and marketability.

Regardless of your career path, Schroeder advises that once you get to campus, stop by the career office early. "We tell people to come in their freshman year," she says. "Take advantage of the internship and freelance opportunities while you're in school."

Traci Mosser

RELATED ARTICLE: CHEF

LIZ TARDITI

AGE: 34

LOCATION: Seattle, WA

JOB: President and executive chef, Today's Gourmet, a catering company

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Villanova University in Pennsylvania; associate's degree in culinary arts from The Art Institute of Seattle. To get their training, many chefs study culinary arts at two- or four-year colleges or take advantage of apprenticeship programs offered by culinary institutes.

SALARY: According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for executive chefs is $66,172.

ON THE JOB: As a personal chef, Tarditi drives her van, stocked with ingredients and kitchen equipment, to the homes of her clients where she prepares one- to two- weeks worth of gourmet meals, which she leaves in the refrigerator or freezer. When she first meets with clients, Tarditi takes a 26-page profile that will help her keep track of likes, dislikes, food allergies, and dietary restrictions. A typical day begins with an early morning trip to the grocery store where Tarditi will stock up on supplies. She may also have to stop by a specialty store to pick up unusual foods, such as the lean cuts of alligator, ostrich, and snake meat, which she serves to clients who have had heart problems. Tarditi says it's important that chefs are physically prepared for spending a long time on their feet. It can also be hot, dangerous work. "It's a physically and mentally demanding job that takes a lot of adrenaline." Since Tarditi is her own boss, she must also keep up with accounting, promotion, and updating her Web s ite (www.todaysgourmet.com). "It's hard to find enough time to do everything."