Earning a degree or certificate in art and design from one of the country's many art trade schools can put you one step closer to earning a living with your artistic talent. Programs are available in a range of creative and technical industries, including:
- Graphic design: create graphics and images used by companies and individuals
- Interior design: imagine and design homes and spaces for business and personal use
- Fashion design: create your own fashion line and learn how to succeed in the industry
- Digital media: animation, Web design, and other cutting-edge artistic skill
- Video games: create video games loved by a world of gamers
Pursuing a training course allows you to combine your creative ability with technical skill and knowledge. Most design careers today require a high level of technology knowledge, as designers typically use sophisticated computer programs to create anything from the latest fashion to a company logo.
Training Recommended for Art Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recommends formal training for anyone hoping to pursue many art and design careers. For technical design careers in the industry, an associate's degree or certificate may be recommended. Salaried and full-time positions may require a bachelor's degree.
Careers in the art and design world can be both challenging and lucrative. Graphic designers earned mean annual wages of $46,750 in 2008, the BLS reports. That same year, fashion designers earned $71,400, and interior designers earned $51,020. The best career opportunities for some design careers are expected to be limited to certain areas--fashion designers, for example, may find the best job opportunities in New York and California.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fashion Designers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Graphic Designers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Interior Designers 
