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What are some good career paths for an Artsy student who loves visual arts, fashion and humanities that wouldn't be affected by AI? The career path don't have to relate directly to arts -- top priority is for the job to pay really well, LOL.

I am going to be in 10th grade in the fall, and I honestly don't have a dream career or job in mind. I used to want to be an artist or do fashion-related jobs, but they don't pay as well as I would want. I am seeking advice for a career path that ensures me financial independence and stability (so I can spend it on my artsy hobbies;)HAHA), while still being something that I'm good at. Also, what are some fields that are less likely to be affected by AI in the next 20-30 years? Please share your ideas and thoughts. Thanks a lot!!


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Larry’s Answer

Auria, you have plenty of time to choose a career. It's normal to explore different options and change your mind along the way. Don't worry that you don't have a career in mind now.

For now, focus on what interests you and what you're good at. Join clubs and try out activities you enjoy and feel skilled in.

As you learn more about yourself, you will move toward a career that reflects your talents and aspirations. Enjoy growing and exploring now. You can decide on a career later.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Larry! Auria
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Mike’s Answer

Hi Auria,

Many things will be impacted by AI. But the careers you are interested in are the ones that will tend to be less impacted by AI. In the fields of Visual Arts and fashion, anything that an artist creates can have a copyright applied to it. It truly belongs to the artist, and the property rights are protected by the law.

Everyone is trying to use AI to reduce costs in every way possible. But famous visual artists and famous fashion designers will always be with us.

Art and fashion design are very competitive fields, so it can take some time before people notice you. If you have someone to help you while you are trying to establish yourself, this will be a huge help to you. If not, you may need a source of income while you work on becoming famous.

Some other areas that are easier to break into and most likely will not be impacted by AI are: healthcare workers, caregivers, and construction workers.

The most important thing is to love what you are doing and believe in yourself.

I hope this advice is helpful to you.

Good Luck in all that you do.

Mike

Mike recommends the following next steps:

Here is a site that might be helpful when searching for a career: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Skills/skills-matcher.aspx
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Auria
Thank you comment icon @Mike Spaur - Very well said ! Michelle M.
Thank you comment icon @Mike Spaur, wonderful advice on doing what you love and believing in oneself. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your POV), most designers, illustrators, photographers, et al. work for hire, so they usually don't own their intellectual property. In many cases it's also bound by confidentiality agreements, so it can't even be used in the artist's portfolio of work examples. Some artists do license their work and may negotiate better deals for themselves depending on how in demand they are. But the thing about copyright is that all comes down to who can afford the better lawyer, and the advent of NFTs and AI have only made matters worse. The only way to win that war is to keep doing better and better work and doing everything possible to get credit for it. Kim Matthews
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Auria,

Those are great questions for any creative person right now. Several internet sources suggest that people change careers several times over their working lives, so maybe it's best to focus on "staples"--meaning ingredients you always keep on hand that enable you to make any "dish." I'm talking about the basics: being able to express yourself clearly in as many media as possible, and becoming a strong problem solver and developing the interpersonal skills needed to apply your art education and demonstrate value to clients and bosses easily. Also, as an artist or designer of any kind, you need a point of view. What sets you apart from the others?

Rather than finishing my studio art degree in progress, I went to a tech school for graphic design, thinking it would lead me to a secure future, but the field has been changing radically from the time I entered my program all the way up to the present. After leaving a long-term graphic design job eleven years ago for a contract role, I'm now a freelancer, which means I'm always looking for work, and I offer a range of services so I can fill very narrow production roles or do end-to-end projects that include writing, designing, and production. I'm not suggesting that's a path for you, but to show how intentions and reality unfold over time.

I think that any kind of hands-on experience you can get is great. It will make you a more well-rounded person and develop skills you can't get by typing commands in a program. We don't know how long it will take before AI develops to the point that it can work as well as people, but based on what I'm seeing in terms of what passes for writing these days, it's going to take a while!

In the end, what will serve you best is what you love. Following your heart doesn't require turning off your brain--it takes more skill and courage to fully engage hand, heart, and mind. As you focus on your studies, also take some time to read and investigate anything that piques your interest on your own, and take note of the things that excite you: Those are the stepping stones on your path.

Hope this helps! Wishing you all the best.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Kim. Auria
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Auria !

I totally agree with the advice that Advisor Mike Spaur provided for you and have a bit of advice for you from an additional perspective. It will be real "Michelle" style advice that I hope will be food for thought.

Your approach in deciding upon a career is very important right now while you're just contemplating it and not active in trying it or if you are doing it, not seeing it as serious.. It is fruitless to use foretold, predicted or imagined potential income in order to choose a career. You'll end up doing nothing that way. Go with your instincts. You love Fashion and Art and that is why you should start doing it now, looking at it seriously, and being involved, honing the skills you will need for a fabulous career. There is no user manual to become famous or rich. That is one mindset that will cause barriers and roadblocks. The work is what needs to be focused on, doing what you love.

As for Artificial Intelligence, since people are thinking about the future of it a lot, I think that what will happen will be that some companies or independent workers will use it and some won't. As a person in Fashion or the Arts, you could choose not to use it and many people in those fields are independent, work for themselves, have their own company. That's just my own personal projection of Artificial Intelligence. You can use it or not.

You first have to come to terms with realizing that no one has ever set in stone, predicted or limited themselves by thinking that they have to have a certain income. You have to start your education, take advantage of every opportunity and build up and go as far as you want. That takes a lot of effort, focus, time, energy and tenacity. Any career with professional growth potential would require that. I say this as an actress that formed a philosophy early on which helped me deal with the ins and outs, ups and downs of the Acting career. There is NO WAY that you can know your experience now. You just have to have the certain amount of drive and passion to start and continue with the work you love.

Something like art or fashion is great because it is something you can do in your own time, your own schedule if you want to simultaneously have a side job for money while you're starting out. Fashion School is a must !

While enrolled in Fashion School, you are going to start to see that this career is real and it's not just a thought. Through this education, you will have real projects to work on and a large pool of networking with companies, industry professionals and many others that will be valuable contacts for your career. It doesn't happen just thinking about it - there are definite steps to take to make it real. It's not about striving for fame and fortune, it's about taking the steps towards the real career. What may come of it, no one knows for sure.

Sorry to be frank, but nothing will assure you of "financial independence and stability". Those are things that you give to yourself, no matter what career you choose. The path for Fashion is a four year Bachelors Degree, but if you wanted to be a doctor, that'd be about 12 years or a lawyer would be 7 years in college. Maybe first figuring out how many years of college you want would help you decide. But I have a feeling that Fashion and the Arts is what you really may want and that's great !

As a sophomore in high school, you have lots of time to decide upon a career. You do have to start trying things, however because deciding just based on money achievement is not helpful. Many people do that and end up not liking the path or the work and end up quitting. You're going to need to choose something that you will stay with through the entire education and confident that you will want to spend decades doing that work.

I hope this is something to think about as you make some decisions about your future. I wish you all the best moving forward !
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Michelle! This really helps. Auria
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Auria ! Michelle M.
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Ladan’s Answer

Hey there! I totally get wanting a career that pays well, stays relevant despite AI, and still lets you enjoy your creative side. Fields that blend creativity with human-focused or strategic skills tend to be more AI-resistant — think UX/UI design, product design, occupational or art therapy, law (especially intellectual property or fashion law), architecture with a sustainability focus, or trend analysis for brands. These paths value judgment, empathy, and cultural insight — things AI struggles to fully replace.

Whatever you choose, make learning AI part of your toolkit. You don’t have to become a programmer, but knowing how to use AI effectively in your field will keep your skills future-proof and give you an edge. Think of your future career as the engine that funds your artsy hobbies — and AI as the sidekick that helps you go further, faster.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Ladan for the advice. Auria
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hey Auria,

Your desire for both financial security and artistic freedom is admirable; it's an ideal mindset, especially for someone starting the tenth grade. You simply want the "best of both worlds": a stable paycheck combined with the flexibility to pursue your artistic interests.

As a career advisor, here is how I would go about it:

1. Think of Your Career as Your Financial Engine, Not Your Only Identity
Your work doesn't have to be the source of all your creativity. Some people decide to pursue solid, well-paying careers that support their artistic interests, making being creative a source of joy rather than worry. This is particularly wise if you're concerned about how AI will affect employment.

2. Careers Less Likely to Be Taken Over by AI (in the next 20–30 years)
Artificial intelligence excels at repetitive activities but falls far short in jobs requiring human judgment, empathy, cultural awareness, physical presence, or complex problem-solving. A few instances that pay well:
- Healthcare & Medicine - Doctor, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Medical Researcher (these require human connection and complex decision-making).
- Law & Policy - Corporate Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, International Law (involves strategy and people skills).
- Specialized STEM Fields—Data Science (with ethics specialization), Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Science, and Renewable Energy Engineering.
- Creative-Strategic Hybrids - Brand Strategist, UX Designer, Marketing Director (AI can help, but human insight still wins).
- Skilled Trades with Creativity - High-end Interior Designer, Custom Furniture Maker, Luxury Jewelry Designer, areas where personalization and taste matter.

3. If You Still Want a Fashion or Visual Arts Connection
You could combine your artsy side with fields that have stronger job security, like:
- Fashion Technology - merging style with wearable tech.
- Museum or Gallery Management - art knowledge + business skills.
- Creative Director in Advertising - where your taste and vision guide big campaigns.

4. Practical Steps for You Now (10th Grade)
- Keep building strong academic skills, especially in math, science, and writing, so you have more options later.
- Learn digital tools (Adobe Suite, 3D design, marketing analytics) because they’re useful across careers.
- Shadow or intern in both creative and business/STEM settings to see what clicks.
- Read up on future job market trends; the more informed you are, the better you can adapt.

The good news is that you don't need to figure out everything at once. You can pay for your fashion shows, art studios, or travel without worrying about rent if you go for a flexible, high-earning career path.

Although AI will alter the labor market, individuals who combine human insight with flexible abilities will always be at a competitive advantage.

Best wishes!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Auria
Thank you comment icon Glad I could help, Auria! Chinyere Okafor
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Erin’s Answer

Hi there! 👋 I totally relate to your question. I’ve always been drawn to the creative world, too. I actually studied Art History in college and graduated back in 2010, before AI was even part of the conversation. I was fascinated by storytelling, design, and how creativity connects people, which is what led me to a career in marketing.

Marketing has been a great path for me because it blends creativity (writing, design, visual strategy) with business impact, and it can pay well as you grow! What’s especially exciting now is that AI isn’t replacing creativity. It’s expanding what’s possible. The key is to embrace it as a tool. For example, AI can help brainstorm ideas faster, analyze audiences, or even generate visual concepts, but the human touch (your taste, judgment, and sense of meaning) is what makes the final work stand out.

If you love visual arts, fashion, or humanities, you might explore:

Brand strategy or marketing — combining storytelling and design thinking.
Creative direction or content creation — shaping visuals, campaigns, or social media.
User experience (UX) design — a creative and well-paid field where empathy meets design.
Trend forecasting or cultural analysis — perfect for someone who sees patterns in art, style, and culture.

AI will change tools, but it won’t replace curiosity, creativity, or taste — those are timeless. Focus on building those, and learn to use AI as your creative assistant, not your competitor.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Auria!

GET KNOWN!
WORK ON THE NETWORKING:- Network methods include: - ‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions ‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people pick your brain at seminars answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences

‣ Join online communities ‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people ‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Have telescopes at an amateur astronomer's star party ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs

‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists. GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS. VOLUNTEER.

SEE https://www.careeraddict.com/10-best-jobs-suited-to-people-with-an-artistic-personality ALSO https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-with-an-art-degree ALSO https://www.future-skills.org/usa/career-us/exploring-the-artistic-career-path-in-the-usa/

How are you at sketching fashion designs? Your eye for detail will improve exponentially with excellent nutrition! So will your hand-eye coordination. Try other things too! You do not need to have a degree to work as a consultant or a tutor. Many people are indecisive and procrastinate. Then they get a rude business surprise. Lack of profits! https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893

Smaller main meals, maintain mid-meal size! [Use 1 to 2 slices of Pumpernickel Rye Bread, not 6 slices of white bread.] {1/2 to 1 cup baked beans, not white pasta, whole meal pasta.} (Try brown noodles.)

By following my small meals every 2 hours, low-glycemic-index-carbohydrate bridging plan, you can become very effective in business! That shall be obvious to all and sundry as you become highly organized and successful! All of a sudden, you have the capacity to manage several projects at once! You will have plenty of money as a result!

SEE https://jobright.ai/blog/jobs-ai-cant-replace/

GOD BLESS!
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Annah’s Answer

Auria, I think it is difficult to predict how much AI will infiltrate our daily lives and determine what careers will be more or less impacted. Even AI experts I have listened to are unsure- though they do know a bit more than I do as a layperson. I do think it is safe to say that AI is not going anywhere, and it does seem to be doing some good in the world. Will this mitigate the dangers? Who knows. As more products become mass produced that are ecologically unfriendly and poorly constructed a yearning for differently made goods is surfacing. People want things that come with a story and are made by hand. Such products are more expensive yet there is a reason for this; they will last a lifetime. Some niches are more likely to be more financially stable, such as bespoke home goods. Anything digital will be more susceptible to AI influence such as graphic arts, music, industrial design, and photography. We are seeing its influence elsewhere online with videos that are obviously questionable. Even fine artists are seeing their work being deconstructed and reproduced in ways they did not approve. Your direction will depend on your particular interests- movement/dance, theater, textiles, architecture, museum studies, conservation, painting, etc. Independence and stability sound great- but it may mean making sacrifices to one or the other. Define this for yourself- what does it mean to be independent? What does stability look like? These are not simple questions. What are you willing to do for your art? Would you exchange a salary for the ability to travel at the drop of a hat or live a nomadic lifestyle? Or are you someone wanting to build equity, buy a home, raise a family? I think it will be wise for you to get a lot of clarity around this. When you envision 'artist' what does this mean? Since you mentioned fashion, find out all you can about the various types of jobs within this industry. It might range from working for a ballet or opera company behind the scenes doing costuming, to a movie set, high-end designing, working for a large company like Mattel, to designing and producing textiles. These are some broad ideas; to learn more you will need to dig deeper. If there is a way you can talk with professionals in your own community or spend more time in a certain environment, I believe it will help. Volunteer, look for internships, visit an art school and sit in on classes. Experience leads to expertise over time and being very good at something will often result in greater opportunities- some more lucrative than others. It all depends on how far you are willing to go.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice!! Auria
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Debbie’s Answer

Hi Auria, I applaud you for thinking ahead and wanting to make educated choices. I love your passions and the fact that you’d like to use them in your professional life. I’d like to encourage you to take as many classes now in the fields you enjoy. Any extracurricular activities you can participate in and clubs you can join will help you to get a feel for what you really like.

As an artist myself I never really knew exactly what field I’d end up in. My creative passion took me down paths I never expected. I worked as a retail visual display merchandiser for almost a decade. I worked in department store settings where I got to create window displays, dress mannequins, work with models for fashion shows, make props and so much more. It was truly a unique experience. Following that I worked as a wedding coordinator for my church and simultaneously crafted wedding bouquets, headpieces, bridal jewelry, accessories and decorations. Party and event planning may be something you would enjoy. Creating immersive events is an industry that is ever evolving. From fashion shows to conferences this field is very diverse.

Holistic wellness is another industry that is growing daily. I spent 23 years in this field. I was able to use my artistic skills for networking events, speaking engagements, community health fairs and a variety of other activities. Corporate wellness is very popular. So is wellness trends at home. This field allows for so many different types of health and wellbeing practices. Using art, music, vision boards, meditation, visualization, Feng Shui, color therapy etc. , to help others achieve their goals is rewarding.

Another great field is recreational leadership. As a mental health advocate I believe self care and staying active are essential. Working in this field can be very rewarding. From youth to senior citizens you can craft activities to strengthen and stimulate the body, mind and spirit. I’d encourage you to find somewhere that you can volunteer. Veteran organizations, homeschoolers cooperatives, scout troops, and so on. Get your feet wet now and see if it’s something that you want to pursue.

Theme park design, theater, performance arts, hospitality industry (resorts, cruises) there’s so many creative artsy jobs to choose from. I’d encourage you to make a list of your dream job. Make a list of all the things you’re good at. Make a list of your dreams. Then, see where there’s crossover and connections. Make it fun. You’ve got plenty of time to decide and develop your skills.

I use AI on a regular basis. It’s so helpful for creating activities. I see AI as a helping hand. A tool for making tasks easier. Learning AI will only help you. Use it to your advantage if you so desire.

Best of luck in endeavors. Enjoy your high school years. Make them the best. Take steps in the direction of your dreams. Try new things. Explore activities. Get involved. Have fun!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Debbie! Auria
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Wong’s Answer

It's smart to think about a job that pays well and won't be replaced by AI. You can use your art and people skills in these careers:

1. User Experience Designer:
You would create websites and apps that are easy and fun to use. Your art skills help with the look, and your interest in people helps you understand what users need. These jobs pay well and are very safe from AI.

2. Urban or Architectural Designer:
Use your visual skills to plan and design buildings or entire cities. This job needs both art and problem-solving, which AI can't fully do.

3. Healthcare Jobs (like Physical or Occupational Therapist):
These jobs require you to work directly with people to help them heal. They need a lot of human care and touch, so AI can't replace them. Your creativity would be a great hobby, not your main job.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Auria
Thank you comment icon You are welcome. Wong Loke Yuen
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Jerry’s Answer

Auria,

First, there are many fine answers here for you to review and I hope to not offer repetitive advice.

Truly, you are experiencing what I, the other folks who answered you, and about 50 million others on planet Earth also have gone through at your age in their lives. And your "search" may last decades, if I offer my own path as an example.

I'm currently 75. When I was 43, an employer looked at my resume and said my career progression didn't make sense to him because it appeared I had worked across multiple, and seemingly unrelated, jobs. In truth, he was right. I'd moved from Ohio to Los Angeles to the SF Bay area, which meant new employers at each stop. My interests and skills/abilities changed; not only my geographic location. Truly, only I could link together why the shifts in employment had been made. Bottom line, while he kindly took a gamble when he hired me in 2003; I worked for him as an employee and then a contractor for 15 years. My point is that life and career decision-making is not cookie-cutter and uncertainty and life situations tend to be fluid.

That all said, factor this into your decision-making. We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?

Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years

Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.

Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.

Good fortune to you moving forward.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. This is really helpful. Auria
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