Career Summary

Art occupations involve working with forms, designs, and patterns. Artists integrate and develop visual elements to achieve desired effect resulting in works of art. Fine artists customarily work on the free-lance bases and seek to sell their work through galleries or agents. Commercial or in-house artists receive a salary for their work and creative ideas. Potential for career growth in the field of art is virtually unlimited. Freelance artists develop a clientele who regularly contract artists for their work. These artists can earn high incomes and specialize in the type of work they love to do. In-house artists and illustrators usually create their work at the direction of others and advance as their work circulates and as they establish a reputation. Long-term employability may be significantly improved with additional training in a related field, i.e., art teaching, art conservation, art history, photography, anthropology, classical studies, comparative literature, philosophy, sociology, telecommunications, computer graphics, etc.
 
Program Description

The goal of the GCC Art program is to provide students with an essential learning experience in the field of art and to develop their awareness of visual expression within the humanist tradition. The art program will enable students to interpret and express visual concepts through the manipulation of forms and materials. Individuals will be introduced to art history and artistic traditions in architecture, painting, and sculpture from prehistoric times to modern era. The coursework is intended to acquaint students with fundamental concepts of design, materials and tools of the fine arts and crafts and encourage the student to explore a wide variety of visual media through a series of elective courses. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in areas such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics. Hands-on studio courses will give students a chance to see each other’s work and to trade creative ideas. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well positioned to develop a comprehensive portfolio of work, a thorough understanding of the formal elements of art, and artistic skills according to their individual abilities so they can focus on pursuing various career options or a 4-year college transfer.

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should consult with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss their specific university transfer requirements. 

Key Skills and Characteristics

• Ability to interpret the nonverbal language of art and design.
• Capacity to conceptualize both rationally and intuitively.
• Awareness of major achievements in history of art and how art reflects and affects cultural values.
• Imagination and creativity in relaying ideas and emotions by visual means of expression.
• Aptitude for spatial relationships and ability to recognize differences in shapes, shading, and color.
• Studio competencies in a number of art and design techniques.
• Resourcefulness and perseverance.

Related Career Titles

*Art Director  *Artist  *Handcrafter  *Sculptor  *Painter  *Technical Illustrator  *Archivist  *Antique Dealer  *Art Historian  *Art Appraiser  *Art Journalist  *Art Consultant  *Computer Graphic Designer  *Art Critic  *Curator  *Free-lance Artist  *Art Gallery Director  *Art Teacher  *Photographer

Potential Employers

Film Industry, Greeting Card Companies, Interior Design Companies, Restoration Firms, Public Relations Firms, Newspapers Magazines, Advertising Firms, Publishing Companies, Radio/TV Industries, Architectural Firms, Photography Studios, Art Galleries, Museums, Sign Shops, Art Supply Stores, Printing Firms, Textile Industries


Please visit the GCC Career Center to research specific occupational information and learn more about your selected career path.