Working in the arts is a unique and rewarding experience that goes far beyond the creative process. Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, performer, or writer, pursuing a career in this field offers opportunities for personal expression, collaboration, and innovation. However, it also presents its own set of challenges, such as financial instability, competitive job markets, and the need for ongoing skill development. In this article, we’ll explore some interesting facts about what it’s really like to work in the arts, shedding light on both the inspiring aspects and the realities professionals face in this vibrant industry.
8 Art Industry Facts
1. Artists are 3.6 times as likely as others to be self-employed. (Source)
Making art as a freelancer or owning a small business is a common career path for artists. In fact, between 2012 and 2016, 34% of artists were self-employed.
2. The arts contribute $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy. (Source)
The U.S. is a global hotspot for the film and publishing industries alone. Add our vibrant performing arts and fine arts culture to the mix and it’s easy to see how the arts contribute so heavily to the economy.
3. There are about 84,900 job openings in the arts every year. (Source)
These jobs might include art instructors, curators, gallery managers, and designers. There are many specialized roles across industries that may involve animation, engineering, textiles, dance, woodworking, and much more.
4. Artists can flourish by specializing or generalizing. (Source)
The arts have some of the most diverse career paths. A hot-button issue in the field is whether generalization or specialization leads to success, but truthfully, artists have made careers on both paths. Specialists can achieve strong niche success because they face little competition, while generalists are adaptable across a range of jobs.
5. The arts and entertainment industries have the highest hiring and discharge/layoff rates. (Source)
Unfortunately, this means that the arts have a high turnover. This is a combination of the nature of gig work, which is common in the arts, and the unfortunate working conditions it entails. The film industry, in particular, cycles through employees quickly.
6. Architects are the most likely to remain in the arts industry long-term. (Source)
Architecture is a highly technical art form that requires strong engineering knowledge as well as design skills. It’s a high-paying job with strong demand, so it’s no surprise that architects stick to their career path.
7. Artists are self-motivated and disciplined, making them employable across industries. (Source)
The good news for artists who want to pivot to a new industry is that they bring many employable skills with them. Employers recognize the discipline it takes to hone art skills, but artists also bring boldness, aesthetic sense, communication skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability to the table.
8. Some of the highest-paying jobs in the visual arts are creative directors and art directors. (Source)
These roles can involve a lot of corporate and desk work, but they do pay off with higher salaries.
Featured image photo credit: Xhemi Photo
