2 answers
Chloe
Student
Lumberton, North Carolina
3
Questions
Updated
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What is the most difficult part of getting a job in the art field at this point and time? and what can I do to get it done efficiently?
What is the most difficult part of getting a job in the art field at this point and time? and what can I do to get it done efficiently? #Fall25
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2 answers
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
109
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Chloe--and others with similar questions--you'll get better answers if you're more specific when you ask questions. "The art field" could encompass anything from decorating cakes at Hyvee to being a photo stylist at a studio, and the answers could vary wildly depending on which area you want to work in.
Everything is changing dramatically and rapidly. Hopefully by the time you finish school, AI will have settled in and every business won't be trying to solve every problem with it. But for now, lots of companies are investing in AI and laying people off or paying them less than they used to. People who are constantly upskilling and are flexible will fare better than those who aren't. And maybe one way to future-proof your career is to learn skills that machines can't do well yet--or at all.
To increase efficiency in a job search, write down your top skills and interests and see how they align with job posts. Make sure when you apply, you tailor your resume and work samples to the job description and use the keywords from the job post. Apply for jobs you're mostly--if not completely--qualified for and make sure you can demonstrate your fitness for the role. If you want a job in graphic design, illustration, or photography, start building a portfolio now, and keep updating it as your work improves.
It's a challenging time for all of us--but even more so for creative people. I hope you'll find a way to do what you love and that this helps. Write back if you have more to add so we can help you brainstorm some ways to get your creative career going.
Best to you.
Everything is changing dramatically and rapidly. Hopefully by the time you finish school, AI will have settled in and every business won't be trying to solve every problem with it. But for now, lots of companies are investing in AI and laying people off or paying them less than they used to. People who are constantly upskilling and are flexible will fare better than those who aren't. And maybe one way to future-proof your career is to learn skills that machines can't do well yet--or at all.
To increase efficiency in a job search, write down your top skills and interests and see how they align with job posts. Make sure when you apply, you tailor your resume and work samples to the job description and use the keywords from the job post. Apply for jobs you're mostly--if not completely--qualified for and make sure you can demonstrate your fitness for the role. If you want a job in graphic design, illustration, or photography, start building a portfolio now, and keep updating it as your work improves.
It's a challenging time for all of us--but even more so for creative people. I hope you'll find a way to do what you love and that this helps. Write back if you have more to add so we can help you brainstorm some ways to get your creative career going.
Best to you.
Thank you so much for the advice and yeah looking back on the question I wrote I definitely should of been more specific,What I've been practicing and working hard at for 7/8 years is painting and drawing .Since high school started I've been practicing/participating in art class and in art club for two years,while talking to people who work in art that visit the school along with anyone who wants to listen to me ramble about my interests .Now that I'm graduating high school soon in 2026 I'm definitely going to take your advice.When it comes to looking at what's going on in art fields today its very hard to see but even if keeps getting worse i'll still do whatever it takes to keep doing what I love to do.
Chloe
This is helpful--thanks. Right now you can start looking for exhibition opportunities on sites like CaFE or see what's available to you locally and learn how to prepare for and show your work professionally. Learning how to navigate the world of exhibitions and developing good habits like documenting your works as you complete them will help you stay organized. Regardless of the career path you choose, you can have a professional art practice--but it takes commitment, focus, time, and patience. Keep up the good work!
Kim Matthews
Christopher Mckiernan
2D/3D Character/ Motion Graphics Animator/ digital Artist, Background Artist
16
Answers
Mount Olive Township, New Jersey
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
What is the most difficult part of getting a job in the art field at this point and time?
Basically everything.
The USA's economy is in a very bad place right now between generative ai and corporate politics. Its basically all luck and knowing the right people after graduating college..
The only advice I can give you is draw...draw....draw...and never stop.
Download photoshop and other art software and learn it. Buy a stylus and tablet.
You cannot get a job in the arts without computer and software expertise (mostly adobe software).
Drawing and painting on canvas is not enough anymore in this day and age.
Depending on what art field your interested in...raise your skills through practice and keep going.
Their is absolutely NO WAY to get it done efficiently. Their is no magic answer that will give you an instant dependable job.
The art/creative industries are way too un-balanced and chaotic right now to give you a clear answer.
If your still in high school, join the art club and talk to a counselor/teacher about colleges/universities after graduating.
Look at internships, grants, and scholarships.
You have no serious way of getting a job in an art field without a "bachelor's degree" in graphic design, animation, fine art, or art education.
Art education might be the most dependable job-wise after high school and college.
If you can't afford to go to college and your interested in a art field that requires actual skill...then create in your spare time and build an online portfolio of work.
If your an animator create a demo reel.
Never stop creating.
The creative industries are defined by skill and quality.
If your skilled enough, a miracle might occur and you might get that job, even without a degree.
Basically everything.
The USA's economy is in a very bad place right now between generative ai and corporate politics. Its basically all luck and knowing the right people after graduating college..
The only advice I can give you is draw...draw....draw...and never stop.
Download photoshop and other art software and learn it. Buy a stylus and tablet.
You cannot get a job in the arts without computer and software expertise (mostly adobe software).
Drawing and painting on canvas is not enough anymore in this day and age.
Depending on what art field your interested in...raise your skills through practice and keep going.
Their is absolutely NO WAY to get it done efficiently. Their is no magic answer that will give you an instant dependable job.
The art/creative industries are way too un-balanced and chaotic right now to give you a clear answer.
If your still in high school, join the art club and talk to a counselor/teacher about colleges/universities after graduating.
Look at internships, grants, and scholarships.
You have no serious way of getting a job in an art field without a "bachelor's degree" in graphic design, animation, fine art, or art education.
Art education might be the most dependable job-wise after high school and college.
If you can't afford to go to college and your interested in a art field that requires actual skill...then create in your spare time and build an online portfolio of work.
If your an animator create a demo reel.
Never stop creating.
The creative industries are defined by skill and quality.
If your skilled enough, a miracle might occur and you might get that job, even without a degree.
Thank you so much for responding I will take this advice I will never stop learning, creating and working on visual arts to whatever I may be interested in the future revolving around the subject when I'm in University despite everything in those fields at the moment being a hot mess I will still practice and do what I love no matter the case.
Chloe