Meet Your Future - Art & Music

The Arts and Careers

When you think of “the arts, ” you may first think of an artist, painting someone ’ s portrait or drawing an outdoor scene. You may also think of a sculptor making a statue out of a block of marble or other material. These are two traditional images of artists The Arts, however, go far beyond these traditional images. It is a very diverse field, with people skilled in the arts working in many different industries in numerous jobs. If you are interested in a career in the arts, there are numerous opportunities, and those opportunities will grow as technology, the workforce and the economy expand.

People with skills in visual and performing arts work as graphic designers, illustrators, theater or film actors or directors, interior designers, photographers, fashion designers, landscape architects… the list goes on and on. Individuals with skills in music may have exciting careers, performing on stage, under bright lights to the applause of adoring fans. A career in music production, involving the behind the scenes artists, is also an option. A career in production may be just as rewarding to some people as a job in performance. Imagine yourself designing stage lighting and sets or running sound for your favorite band: all involve careers in music production.

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The amount of formal training and required internships will be determined by the specific career you choose No matter which arts-related career you enter, you will need artistic talent and the motivation to refine your skills. Since technology is invading many arts-related fields, expertise in using the computer may also help you perform your job better and more easily

No matter which specific career or industry you decide to enter, a knowledge of the arts may help you. Even if you enter a highly technical field such as engineering, an artistic sense can help you produce better designs for projects such as bridges and land development. Also, the ability to understand and appreciate the arts makes you a more well-rounded person and contributes to your enjoyment of life.

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The Faces of The Arts Careers

graphic designer

conservator

conductor

illustrator

director

interior designer

photographer

dancer

fashion designer

trombonist

set designer

landscape architect

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The Arts at Work

The techniques you learn, and skills you develop in Art class can be used in any career. Look over the list of careers below. Write a brief explanation of how each might involve the use of art techniques and skills.

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THE ARTS HEADLINES

Classical music can expand your mind. According to recent research, listening to the complicated compositions of Mozart and other classical musicians can enhance a person ’ s I.Q. Many scientists believe exposing young children to classical music could increase their brain power.

Have you ever seen a work of art painted by an ape?

Arecent gallery exhibit in California displayed paintings by two gorillas. The gorillas used art to express their ideas and emotions. Some of the paintings even contained recognizable images like spiders, bananas and buses.

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How can you visit the greatest museums of the world without leaving your home? Use the Internet. You can now view some of the greatest paintings and works of art ever created by surfing the Web. Many museums now post samplings of their extensive collections on their Web sites. Some even offer glimpses of works that are in storage and not on display to the general public.

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The Arts In The News

Exciting events happen in the Arts every day. Auctioneers sell paintings for millions of dollars, movie studios compete to see who will have the top sales at the box office, and musical groups perform live via satellite to people around the world. Find an article in a newspaper or magazine or a story from a television or radio news broadcast about the arts

Take notes of the important details and then answer the questions below.

Who is involved in this news story? What are the main participants’ occupations?

What are the main facts of the story?

Why is the story important?

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When did it occur?

Where did it happen?

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Career Profiles

On the following pages, you will find profiles on five young career professionals. Read each profile and answer the corresponding questions

Brenden Ward

JOB DESCRIPTION

I am a senior advertising art director with an advertising firm in New York. I create the visual look for advertising campaigns. I work closely with the writer of the campaign to develop the concept for the ad. Most of my work is in print or for Web pages. We create several ideas and present our work to the client. The client then approves one of our strategies, and I put the ad together. I often work with outside photographers and illustrators. I have a staff of graphic artists who help me complete the campaigns. We usually work on about six different accounts at a time.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Most art directors have a bachelor’s degree in art or design. Experience and talent are probably more important than education. You have to stay up with the latest technology. Computer design software is important to the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to be creative thinker. My work is much more than art; it’s an expression of ideas. I have to know about a wide range of topics. Having a diverse educational background helps. You can ’ t cover up a bad idea with good art direction.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

The best reward of my job is seeing a produced advertising campaign. It’s nice to look at something tangible that represents my long hours of work.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

Deadlines can be difficult. I have to do whatever it takes to meet my deadlines. I may have to work weekends or give up important after-work plans. I also have to know how to take criticism. People sometimes cut down ideas that I think are really good. It’s all part of the job.

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GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I would like to start my own business one day.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Math and Art

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I am creative, humorous and thick-skinned.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$28,000

What is an Art Director

Use the career profile on the previous page to answer the questions below.

1. What does an art director at an advertising agency do?

2. What other careers work with art directors?

3. Why are deadlines important?

4 Other than creativity, what skills are important for an art director to have?

5. Why would Brendan Ward have to work irregular hours?

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6. How do art directors use communication skills?

7. How do art directors use problem-solving skills?

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8. How does Brendan Ward use a computer for his job?

9. What is the average starting salary for art directors?

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10. What high school classes could help you prepare for a career as an art director?

JOB DESCRIPTION

I play lead guitar and sing in an alternative band called the Wiglets. I also write some of the songs the band plays. We travel around the country performing in different towns. We spend a lot of time rehearsing and putting our show together. About once a year we have an intensive studio session to record a new album.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Being a good musician is all about talent. You have to love music and work hard to be a success. I’ve been playing the guitar since I was in junior high school.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Successful musicians are part entertainers and part business people. Knowing how to market yourself is very important

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

I love knowing that I am out on the road playing my own music. It was such a thrill for me to go into a studio and record our first album

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

Playing shows is great, but traveling can really bring you down. Our schedule is really tight. We don’t have much time to do any sightseeing. The music business is very uncertain. Even if I work hard, I might never have a best-selling song.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I want to become a superstar. I just want to keep playing my music as long as people will listen to it. It’s a great feeling to know that people actually listen to the lyrics I write. I hope that some of them take my ideas to heart. I put a lot of love into my songs.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Music and English

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WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I like to think of myself as talented, humorous and devoted.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

Depends on talent, success and area of the country

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What Is A Musician?

Use the career profile on the previous page to answer the questions below.

1. What style of music does Suzanne Ralston play?

2. Why is traveling important to a musician’s career?

3. How does Suzette Ralston use writing skills?

4 How do musicians use creative thinking skills?

5. How could a good self esteem help a musician’s career?

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6. Why is it important for a musician to practice?

7. What is the average starting salary for a musician?

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8. What does Suzette Ralston consider to be the worst part of her job?

9 What personal traits would make someone a good musician?

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10. What other careers should someone interested in music consider?

JOB DESCRIPTION

I work for myself as an actor and writer of performance material. People hire me to perform my show at special events like fairs and conventions. I do magic, juggle, ride a unicycle and perform comedy skits. I work special “gigs” all across the country. I also work as my own manager, so I have to be a good salesperson, organizer and accountant. Finding jobs takes a lot of work.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Acting takes talent and commitment. Many actors have college degrees and others learn from years of work.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to be able to entertain in front of large groups. Actors can ’ t be shy. My routines involve skills like juggling, magic and dance I have to know how to make audiences excited I am hired to keep people entertained.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

My job gives me freedom I get to plan events around my own schedule

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I really have to hustle to find jobs. I work a lot more than most people I know, and I still have a hard time making ends meet. Sometimes I have to work part-time doing other jobs just to pay my bills.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. I just want to keep doing more of the same. I would like to become better known. Then it would make it easier for me to line up work.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Drama, Art and Speech

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WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I think that I am funny, talented and committed.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

Depends on talent, success and area of the country

What Is An Actor?

Use the career profile on the previous page to answer the questions below.

1. What does Ed Stein do?

2. How do actors use problem-solving skills?

3. How do actors use math skills?

4 What were Ed Stein’s favorite subjects in school?

5. What other careers would be a good match for Ed Stein?

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6. Why are organizational skills important to Ed Stein’s success?

7. What is the average starting salary for actors?

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8. What personal traits would make someone a good actor?

9 Why would the organizers of a convention hire Ed Stein?

10. What suggestions could you give Ed Stein to help him reach his goals for the future?

JOB DESCRIPTION

I’m a staff photographer with Around the World travel magazine. I get monthly assignments from the magazine’s editor. I usually work with a staff writer on the assignment. We travel together to work on the magazine piece. I try to capture images that will match the theme of the writer’s article. Sometimes I have to take hundreds of shots to get the perfect picture.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Most of the jobs I’ve had required a bachelor’s degree. I suppose if you were talented enough and had experience you could get work without a degree. But I think education expands your mind and that certainly helps you in this field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to know all about cameras, lighting and film On one side, photographers are very technical. But we also have to be artists. I believe I can communicate through my work. I’m sure you ’ ve heard the old saying, “A picture’s worth a thousand words ”

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

Every photo I take is an expression of myself. I have great creative control over my work.

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

My hectic travel schedule can be a real bummer. Sometimes I just want to spend the night at home in my own bed.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I hope to have a gallery showing of some of my photographs sometime in the next year.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

art, photography and math

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

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I’m shy, but very observant. I like to think of myself as a visionary.

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$22,000

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What Is A Photographer?

Use the career profile on the previous page to answer the questions below.

1.Where does Janeane Parker work?

2. How do photographers use mental-visualization skills?

3. How do photographers use math skills?

4 Are photographers artists? Why?

5. How can education help a photographer?

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6. What does Janeane Parker consider to be the best part of her job?

7. What other career people work with Janeane Parker?

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8. What is the average starting salary for a photographer?

9 What are Janeane Parker’s goals for the future?

10. Other than a magazine, where else could a photographer work?

JOB DESCRIPTION

I create jewelry for a living. Most of my work is in silver. I mold and shape metal into unique rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I use tools like drills, pliers and a soldering torch. I sell my art to galleries and stores in five different states.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I have a bachelor’s degree in fine arts Talent and experience are most important You have to have real vision to be an artist.

REQUIRED SKILLS

I have to be good at my craft It took practice to learn the best techniques for creating art out of metal. Creativity is crucial.

BEST ASPECT OF JOB

I am able to picture a work of art in mind and then actually create it

WORST ASPECT OF JOB

I don’t make a lot of money. You really have to love your craft to choose it as a career.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

I hope to open my own store one day. I need to develop a good reputation and following before I can do that.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Art and Social Studies

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME

I guess I would say that I am an artistic, handy, free-

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AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

Depends on talent, success and area of the country

What Is A Metalsmith?

Use the career profile on the previous page to answer the questions below.

1. What does a metalsmith do?

2. How did Leif Bukowski learn his craft?

3. How do metalsmiths use creative-thinking skills?

4 How do metalsmiths use math skills?

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5. What are some tools Leif Bukowski uses in his craft?

6. What is the average starting salary for metalsmiths?

7. What is Leif Bukowski’s goal for the future?

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8. What other careers should someone interested in becoming a metalsmith consider?

9 What personal traits would make someone a good metalsmith?

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10. What does Leif Bukowski consider to be the worst part of his job?

The Arts Skill Drill

Choose one career from the job descriptions you just read. Then look at list of skills below. Write a brief statement explaining why each skill below would be important to that particular arts career.

Career Choice

MATH

READING

WRITING

COMMUNICATION

PROBLEM-SOLVING

MENTAL VISUALIZATION

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The Arts At Work

Look at the list of art careers below. Choose the career that best matches your personal interests. In the space at the bottom of the page, write a story about a typical day at work

Include the following information:

• How do you use art at work?

• Where do you work?

• What special tools or equipment do you use?

• What other careers work with you?

• What are the rewards of your job?

• What is the hardest part of your job?

• What special skills or training did you need to get the job?

Art Careers

1. a graphic designer who works for a fast-food chain

2 a sculptor who sells pieces through an art gallery

3. a dancer in a Broadway show in New York City

4 a violinist with a symphony orchestra

5. a children’s book illustrator

6 a computer graphics specialist who designs web sites

7. a fashion designer

8. an interior designer

9. a chef in a four-star restaurant

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10. a floral designer

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Solving Problems with The Arts

Art can help solve real-life problems. Read the situations on these two pages. In the space after each problem, list the people in art careers who could help find a solution.

1. The Making Waves Surf Shop wants an eye-catching new logo for its chain of stores.

2. Ryan Hahn and Kim Fung plan to get married in two months. They would like a permanent visual record of the ceremony

3 The police are searching for a man who robbed a bank One of the tellers can give a good physical description.

4. The Brickwell Little Theater needs a backdrop and props for its latest production.

5. The Horacetown Symphony Orchestra would like to enhance its performances with some visual accompaniments The conductor thinks it would be interesting to combine the group ’ s music with other forms of art.

6. Film director Laurie Erikson has signed up to make the movie Vampire for Hire. The script calls for some exciting visual effects and frightening creatures.

7. Fred Kramer wants to change the look of his condominium. He would like new furniture and a different color scheme.

8 House Designs, a manufacturer of bed and bath products, would like to add kitchen furniture and accessories to its line.

9. The curator of Shady Palms Botanical Gardens hopes to attract new visitors by redesigning the park’s rose garden and reflecting pools

10 The U S Post Office needs designs for its “Great Figures in History” stamp series