Back to School with Joan of Art

Dear Joan of Art:

The following information comes from The Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A Web version is available at http://www.bls.gov/oco.

Visual artists communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings through various methods and materials… They create realistic and abstract works or images of objects, people, nature, topography, or events… Visual artists generally fall into one of two categories-graphic artists or graphic designers, and fine artists-depending not so much on the medium, but on the artist's purpose in creating a work of art.

Graphic artists, many of who own their own studios, put their artistic skills and vision at the service of commercial clients, such as major corporations, retail stores, and advertising, design, or publishing firms. Fine artists, on the other hand, often create art to satisfy their own need for self-expression, and may display their work in museums, corporate collections, art galleries, and private homes.… Fine artists usually work independently, choosing whatever subject matter and medium suits them.…

Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design. In the fine arts field, formal training requirements do not exist, but it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without training. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in fine arts; specialized art schools also offer postsecondary training.… In the graphic arts field, demonstrated artistic ability, appropriate training, or other qualifications are needed for success.

I hope this information will be useful for your assignment.

Sincerely, Joan of Art

Pictured: William H. Johnson, 1901–70, Art Class—Three Men, about 1939–40, tempera on paperboard, 30 1/4 x 20 1/4 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation.