Download Computer Art - SUNY Oneonta

What Can I Do With A Major In…
Computer Art?
Compiled by the staff at the SUNY Oneonta Career Development Center
Introduction
The Computer Art courses cover a wide range of the digital realm, and they continually evolve to
incorporate the latest technological innovations as they pertain to Art. The classes offered provide a
thorough understanding of how the computer can be used as an art tool, and they cover such topics
as Raster and Vector Imaging, 3D Modeling & Animation, Digital Photography, Digital Video, Web
and Graphic Design. The career field for computer art is very broad so there are many different areas
computer art majors are free to research. Artists that adapt to the rapid changes that occur every day
in Computer Art will succeed above the others and develop a successful career. Although there are
many careers that involve computers as a means to create a final project, this compilation focuses on
the artistic spectrum of computers.
Functional Skill Set for Computer Art Majors
Proficiency for accuracy and detail
Ability to concentrate intensely for long periods
Ability to communicate ideas and emotions creatively
Ability to re-create verbal or written ideas graphically
Ability to recognize difference in shapes, shading and color
Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) techniques
Aptitude for spatial relationships
Ability to meet deadlines
Good finger/ eye and manual/visual dexterity
Ability to make keen observations and appropriate decisions
Comfort with working individually
Must be able to develop ideas effectively through using computer as a art tool
Related Career Titles for Computer Art Majors
Advertising
Animator
Antique Dealer
Archivist
Art Appraiser
Art Director
Art Historian
Art Teacher
Architect
Animator
Advertising
Cartoonist
Cinematographer
Commercial Artist
Computer Animator
Computer Art Teacher/
Professor
Computer Programmer
Digital Photographer
Freelance Designer/ Artist
Graphic Designer
Multimedia Developer
Programmer
Web Designer
Video Game Artist
Video Game Designer
Some Organizations that Typically Employ Computer Art Majors:
Advertising Agencies
Architectural Firms
Art Museums
Copyright and Art Law
Design Studios
Magazines
Newspapers
Photography Studios
Print Shops
Schools
Universities
Video Game Studios
Website Design Studios
Start a Strategic Plan
There are many ways to start gaining experience in the artistic field. While in school,
research the type of clubs and organizations that pertain to your interests. For instance,
if you enjoy photography, see about joining a photography club or yearbook club. If
you enjoy layout design, see about joining the newspaper club. Do not forget to make a
portfolio of the work that you do or of a specific medium that you enjoy. Outside of the
classroom there may be the possibility of part-time employment that will also give you
more experience in the art field. There are jobs available from working at a print shop to
making flower arrangements at the local florists. The possibilities are endless.
Developing your computer art outside of the classroom is a must for aspiring artists.
Creating web pages for other artists, such as musicians, is a large market and will add
to your resume and portfolio.
Revised 12/1/10
ART
What can I do with this major?
AREAS
ART MUSEUMS/GALLERIES
Education
Administration
Curatorial
Conservation
Registrar
Collections Management
Sales
Publications
Development
Public Relations
Exhibit Design/Preparation
Archivist
Tour Guides/Docent
FINE ARTS
COMMERCIAL ART
Graphic Art
Computer Graphics
Illustration
Advertising
EMPLOYERS
Government or private museums
Local historical societies
Galleries
STRATEGIES
Intern or volunteer in an art museum.
Develop strength in art history areas.
Enhance computer skills.
Earn a business minor.
Acquire strong skills in research, fund-raising,
speaking, and writing.
Earn an advanced degree in an academic discipline
or museum studies for greater career
opportunities.
Each specialty has varying qualifications and
required training.
Develop good interpersonal skills, including the
ability to work well on teams.
Self-employed
Shared studios
Historic sites
School/Community programs
Prepare a strong portfolio.
Participate in juried shows.
Secure guild membership.
Consider developing a source of supplemental
income.
Learn to network and make contacts.
Develop strong skills in area of interest.
Obtain experience through apprenticeships, internships, or volunteering.
Newspapers
Publishing houses
Advertising agencies
Design firms
Large companies - product design divisions
Department stores
Television and motion picture industry
Non-technical and technical books, magazines, and
trade publications
Internet media companies
Self-employed (freelance)
Prepare a strong portfolio.
Gain computer and technical skills.
Find an internship in a design firm.
Work on campus publications in design or layout.
Obtain summer or part-time experience with book,
magazine, or newspaper publishers.
Develop attention to detail and ability to meet
deadlines.
Supplement curriculum with course work in advertising
or business.
(Art, Page 2)
AREAS
EDUCATION
Studio Art
Fine Arts
Art History
ART THERAPY
MEDIA
Sales
Programming
Design
Video
Production
Editing
Art Journalism
Illustration
Art Criticism
Animation/Cartoons
PHOTOGRAPHY
EMPLOYERS
Art schools
Public and private schools (K-12)
Colleges and universities
Adult and community programs
Libraries
Museums
Alternative schools
Group homes
Hospitals, nursing homes
Mental health facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Nonprofit organizations
STRATEGIES
Obtain certification for public school teaching.
Graduate degree usually required for postsecondary teaching.
Develop a specialty area.
Work or volunteer as a tutor, camp counselor, Big
Brother/Sister, or after-school program counselor.
Become a member of art clubs.
Obtain substitute teaching experience.
Develop strength in art history areas.
Requires specialized training and certification, usually
a master's degree in art therapy.
Supplement curriculum with psychology, social work, or
counseling courses.
Gain experience working with diverse populations.
Corporate media departments
Federal, state, and local government
Nonprofit agencies
Public relations and advertising firms
Independent production companies
Art-related publications
Publishing houses
Newspapers and magazines
Compile an up-to-date portfolio.
Gain knowledge of a variety of technical equipment.
Develop strong computer skills.
Participate in student theatrical productions.
Serve as audio-visual aide for campus films and
lectures.
Act as photographer for campus events.
Work on student publications.
Gain experience through internships in media or
related areas.
Supplement curriculum with courses in business,
journalism, or broadcasting/electronic media.
Museums and historical societies
Media organizations
Photo agencies, studios, and auction houses
Libraries
Self-employment
Large corporations
Hospitals
Apprentice with a free-lance photographer.
Prepare a black and white and a color portfolio.
Obtain a staff photographer position with the
yearbook, campus newspaper, or magazine.
Act as an audio-visual assistant or projectionist.
(Art, Page 3)
AREAS
FASHION, TEXTILE,
INTERIOR DESIGN
EMPLOYERS
Pattern companies
Apparel manufacturers/textile mills
Interior design departments
Commercial/residential design firms
Self-employment
STRATEGIES
Prepare a strong portfolio.
Complete an internship in a production firm.
Create and fit costumes for stage productions.
Enter design ideas in magazine contests.
Become a student member of professional
organization(s).
Reseach requirements for entering these fields. Some
may require specialized training or additional
degrees.
ART SALES
Galleries/Museums
Auction houses
Specialty stores
RETAIL
Buying
Store Management
Display Design
Fashion Coordination
Custom Framing
Retail stores, including department, grocery,
drug, specialty, and variety chains
Gain sales experience.
Obtain a business minor.
Develop computer skills.
Establish contacts by attending shows.
Volunteer in museums, membership drives, and
community outreach programs.
Serve as a student assistant in a university gallery.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Gain sales experience.
Enhance curriculum with business courses.
Obtain summer, part-time, or internship positions in
retail.
Secure leadership in campus organizations.
Serve as treasurer or financial officer of an organization.
Obtain a sales position with the yearbook or campus
newspaper.
(Art, Page 4)
GENERAL INFORMATION
• A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions.
• An art degree can and should be tailored to areas of specialization.
• Save artwork for a strong portfolio - too much is better than too little.
• Be prepared to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist.
• Join art related professional and student organizations.
• Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts.
• Gain valuable experience through volunteering, internships, part-time and summer jobs, and apprenticeships.
• Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas.
• Learn to network.
• Be prepared to begin career in entry-level positions.
• Pair an art degree with other career interests to increase opportunities and provide supplemental income.
• Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability.
• A career in the arts takes dedication, patience, flexibility, talent, and some luck.
© 1992 The University of Tennessee
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1992, Revised 1999, Revised 2004)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer
GRAPHIC DESIGN
What can I do with this major?
AREAS
PRINT DESIGN
Type Design
Magazine Design
Newspaper Design
Book Publishing
Publication Design
Brochure/Newsletter Design
Cover Design:
Book
CD
Video
Label Design
Publicity Pieces
Advertising Layout
Photo Editing/Photoshop Art
Illustration
Identity Design
Logo Design
Branding
THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN
Signage
Signage Systems
Packaging
Exhibition Design
Environmental Design
Promotional Display Design
EMPLOYERS
STRATEGIES
Publishers including:
Magazine
Periodical
Book
Directory
Newspaper
Design firms
Advertising agencies
Publishing houses
Business form companies
Publicity firms
In-house creative departments
Large retail stores
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Universities
Self-employed (freelance)
Graphic designers have a hand in creating countless
items, large and small, from posters to identity
systems and much more. Research all the
niche areas and then gain the tools and
technological skills to succeed in that area.
Assemble an impressive portfolio of work samples.
Complete a related internship to gain relevant
experience and to contribute to your portfolio.
Work on campus publications in design or layout or
find a part-time position with a local publication.
Develop excellent communication skills and learn to
work well on a team of professionals.
Volunteer to create brochures, newsletters or other
publications for campus organizations.
Develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail and
the ability to meet deadlines.
Join professional associations as a student member.
Become knowledgeable in production and printing
processes.
Develop broad software application skills in MAC and
PC based programs but not at the cost of
developing a solid background in design.
Participate in local or campus design contests.
Design firms
Product design divisions of large corporations
In-house creative departments
Advertising agencies
Museums and attractions
Government agencies
Self-employed (freelance)
Find an internship in a design studio that specializes
in 3D design especially for signage, exhibition,
promotional display and environmental design
which are very specialized.
Gain skills in model building and three-dimensional
design. Develop a willingness to experiment.
Join a related professional association such as the
Package Designers Council.
Develop excellent computer skills and strong written
and oral communication skills.
Participate in design contests.
(Graphic Design, Page 2)
AREAS
ELECTRONIC MEDIA DESIGN / 4 D DESIGN
Digital
Multimedia
Film Title
Television Graphics
Video Games
Computer Graphics
Motion Graphics
Animation
Website Design
Interactive Media
ADVERTISING
Creative Services
Art Direction
Production
Copywriting
Corporate Identity Design
Branding
Logo Design
EMPLOYERS
STRATEGIES
Film studios
Motion picture production firms
Television stations
Computer systems design firms
Video game designers
Software firms
Video production houses
Internet media companies
Online publishers
Online retailers
This is a highly specialized area of design that is not
widely taught in all design programs. Research
programs carefully to find ones that emphasize
this area. Consider attending specialized programs
in order to learn about television and motion
graphics, animation and video game design.
Develop excellent computer skills in a variety of
platforms and design software.
Gain relevant experience through part-time jobs and
internships.
Volunteer to design the website for a student or local
community organization.
Work for the campus television station.
To work in television and film, consider relocating to
areas of the country where the entertainment
industry is more prevalent.
Stay current with media and cultural trends.
Participate in design contests.
Advertising agencies
In-house creative departments
Television
Radio
Newspapers
Magazines
Supplement curriculum with course work in
advertising or business.
Complete an internship in an advertising agency.
Work on the campus newspaper in the advertising
division.
Learn to work well in team environments and to
communicate your ideas effectively.
Develop the ability to meet deadlines and work under
pressure.
Be prepared to move to larger cities for the most job
opportunities.
Learn to work with a variety of media.
Create a strong portfolio of a work samples.
(Graphic Design, Page 3)
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Carefully research design programs to find one that fits your career goals. Programs vary in terms of the areas taught so not all programs will prepare students for
all areas of design.
• Approximately 3 in 10 graphic designers are self-employed. Freelance designers must develop strong abilities in networking, sales and persuasion.
• Graphic designers work in countless industries on a wide array of projects. Research the field thoroughly to learn about career options and the experiences and
skills necessary to work in those areas. Some graphic designers choose to specialize their work while others complete a variety of projects.
• Be prepared to start entry-level and work you way up the career ladder. Take a first job based on the industry and type of design you desire to work with because
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work from your first job will comprise your professional portfolio.
Some graphic design areas cross in multiple media such as educational design, identity design, information design and systems design.
Graphic designers must be able to tolerate criticism and direction in their work, since much of their work involves creating a product for a customer.
Graphic designers are typically artistically skilled, imaginative, and effective problem-solvers.
Develop a solid background in communications theory.
Learn to listen effectively to client needs and communicate ideas effectively.
Subscribe to and read graphic design materials such as Print, Eye, Communication Arts, Step into Graphics, Griphis, Computer Graphics and Applications,
and others relevant to your interests.
Student design magazines such as, CMYK and Creative Convocation, solicit student work and have regular competitions. Try to get your work published.
Join major design organizations and societies, e.g. The American Institute of Graphic Arts, The Society of Publication Designers, University and College Design
Association, New York Directors Club, Society of Illustrators, or the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation.
Become familiar with as many computer graphics and design software packages such as Quark, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Plan to stay up-to-date on new
developments in the industry.
Successful graphic designers are well-read and in-touch with changing consumer preferences and can react to new trends. Learn about your product and who will
use it. A liberal arts education helps designers learn a little about a lot of things. Additionally, graphic designers should develop good research skills, work well on
a team, and learn a foreign language if working in international design.
Graphic design is moving towards a more user/viewer way of thinking that allows the user/viewer to contribute to the design.
Many design schools are shifting towards a more activist attitude teaching ethical behavior, green-uses of design, and using the power of design to rally people
behind causes that affect us all.
© 2007 The University of Tennessee
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2007)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer