388 chapter 14 careers in art - chino valley unified

388 CHAPTER 14 Careers in Art

� FIGURE 14.1 This interesting building was designed by Frank Gehry, a well-respected and prolific contemporary architect.Note the use of form in this structure. Gehry often designs buildings in a free-form sculptural style.

Frank O. Gehry. The Guggenheim Museum, Bilboa, Spain. 1997.

CHAPTER 14

Canadian-born architectFrank O. Gehry (b. 1929)

designed the unique structure in Figure 14.1 in 1997. Gehry studiedart and architecture at the University of Southern California andHarvard. He began his career designing conventional commercial struc-tures. In the late 1970s, he began listening to an inner artistic voice.Drifting away from convention, Gehry started creating architecturaldesigns that were part sculpture, part building. Some consider his creations functional sculpture.

Evaluate. Frank Gehry’s architectural style has been described as“deconstructed” or “exploded.” Evaluate Figure 14.1 in terms of thosedescriptions.

Careers in Art

389

In centuries past, artists learned their craft by apprenticing—

assisting established artists. Many of the greatest painters

and sculptors served apprenticeships. Today, you can develop

art skills by taking courses in high school. After high school

you can study art at community colleges, technical training

programs, four-year colleges with art departments, or art

colleges. The range of career possibilities for artists is greater

than ever.

In this chapter, you will:

Compare and contrast career opportunities in art.

Identify skills and media used in careers involving

art and design.

Describe the difference between vocational and

avocational opportunities in art.

Identify your own areas of interest in the field of art.

Vocabulary

graphic designerlogosillustratorsphotojournalistsanimatorsstoryboards

Careers in Two-Dimensional Art

You are probably beginning to consider ideas about your future. If youhave art abilities and you enjoy art, this chapter will introduce you to

some exciting career possibilities. In addition to the major categories men-tioned here, there are many careers within each field. Countless possibilitiesexist; so plan to explore art careers further. As you read, think about eachcareer, and keep those that interest you in mind. You will be surprised athow your skills might fit many different art-related jobs.

Today, the business world needs art specialists in many areas. Trainedartists design company reports, publications, and advertising. Companyemployees develop some of this design work. Other, more complex projectsare assigned to outside designers or advertising firms with many differentkinds of artists on staff. Plenty of opportunities are available for self-employed (or freelance) artists and salaried employees with art ability andtraining (Figure 14.2).

Technology and Careers in ArtComputers have changed the way many people perform their work,

including artists. Work done by hand in the past, including creating maps and charts, is now done with computers. Most art-related careers nowrequire computer skills as well as artistic ability. Using computers, designerscan create images that can be moved, changed, erased, duplicated, reduced,enlarged, colored, patterned, textured, animated, and otherwise manipu-lated. They scan images created using traditional methods (painting anddrawing) and materials (including pencil, paint, and charcoal) into the computer. Designers work with devices such as stylus and graphics tablets.Software programs let the artist compare different variations of their work,changing size, color, and/or type style. There are also computer-aided design


LESSON 1

� FIGURE 14.2Artists who work foradvertising agenciesmay be asked todesign ads for displayin magazines, onbillboards, or evenon the side of a bus.

LESSON 1 Careers in Two-Dimensional Art 391

programs to be used for other art tasks,such as planning and drafting a buildingor designing the interior of a room.Voice-recognition software and othertypes of assistive technology can helpartists with physical disabilities designimages (Figure 14.3). With all thesedigital tools, designers can create anytype of artwork needed.

Once the artwork is completed, com-puters can also be used to send imagesby disk or e-mail to customers all overthe world. These capabilities also allowcollaborations among artists over dis-tances and allow designers to work withmanufacturers by sending images elec-tronically instead of shipping actualsamples.

With the use of computers, jobs oftencross over from one field to another. Forexample, look at the directional signs inan airport. They are an example of envi-ronmental graphics, combining spacedesign, typography, and informationdelivery. In almost every area of art-related employment, artists use comput-ers and other technology to aid them intheir jobs.

Graphic DesignThe early Christian monks who illus-

trated religious writings were also artists(Figure 14.4). After the invention ofthe printing press in the fifteenth cen-tury, the craftspeople who arrangedtype and illustrations were what wenow call graphic artists. They had toplan the layout, the way items arearranged on the page, before a pagecould be printed. It was slow workbecause it all had to be done by hand.

� FIGURE 14.3 Assistive technology helps artistswith disabilities to meet their full potential in thevisual arts.

� FIGURE 14.4 Manuscript illuminators were fine artists. After theintroduction of the printing press, craftspeople learned to create andarrange type and illustrations.

Artist unknown. Missal (The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew). 1389–1404. Temperacolors, gold leaf, and gold paint on vellum in a medieval, blind-stamped binding. 33 x 24 cm (13 x 97�16�). The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California.


Graphic DesignerA graphic designer translates ideas

into images and arranges them in appealingand memorable ways. Graphic designersuse computers to produce the art but still rely on fundamental design princi-ples to create it. Graphic designers useline, shape, form, space, color, value,and texture to communicate and tomotivate (Figure 14.5). Your first job asa graphic artist might include designingcompany letterheads, greeting cards, CDcovers, or invitations.

Newspaper, magazine, and book pub-lishers employ graphic designers. Adesigner, sometimes called a publicationor production designer, created the lookof this book. The designer carefullyplanned the size of the type, the fontstyle (Figure 14.6), the length of thelines, the layout of the text and artwork,and the length of the columns. Thedesigner had to make sure the book wasvisually appealing while at the sametime easy for students to use. Writerstyped the manuscript into a computer,and the information was stored on adisk. An editor proofread the manu-script to ensure that the content wasclear and concise. The manuscript wasthen given to the designer. Lastly, theprinter followed the design plan pro-vided by the book designer. Often, the book designer and printer worktogether very closely.

� FIGURE 14.5 Graphicdesigners plan every detailof a book or magazine page,including the selection ofthe size and kind oftypeface or font.

Practicing Logo Design

Demonstrating Effective Use of ArtMedia in Design. Design a logo for yourschool, your favorite club, or your com-munity. Pick an object or image that canserve as the basis for your design, such asthe school mascot or a letter (or letters)in the name of the school, club, or com-munity. Use the school or organizationcolors, if possible. Use colored pencils ormarkers to draw your design by hand.Also, create a digital version on the computer. Begin with either a simple geometric shape or a font that creates aninteresting logo.

� FIGURE 14.6 Which of these fonts wouldyou choose for your high school graduationannouncement?


Advertising DesignerGraphic artists also design promo-

tional material for companies. They maybe employed by outdoor advertisingagencies to create billboards or by tradi-tional advertising agencies to work onad campaigns. When graphic artistsapply their skills to promotional work,they are called advertising designers.Advertising designers create logos, orsymbols or trademarks that are immediatelyrecognizable.

Advertising agencies employ teams ofartists who work under the supervisionof an art director. They often collaboratewith copywriters and managers—all ofwhom may have different ideas andvisions; so teamwork and communica-tion skills are essential (Figure 14.7).

IllustrationMany businesses hire illustrators

to create the visual images that complementwritten words. Illustrations, or visualimages that clarify or decorate a text,can be found in magazines, books, tele-vision, film, and online. Illustrations areused for advertising, editorial, informa-tional, and educational purposes.

� FIGURE 14.8 A technical illustrator specializesin drawing diagrams and product illustrations.

� FIGURE 14.7 Presentationskills are critical if you plan onentering the field of advertising.

Commercial IllustratorIn addition to the type and the art-

work you see in this book, there aredrawings by commercial illustrators.Most illustrators specialize in one area—such as fashion, medical, or technicalillustration—while a few work in sev-eral areas (Figure 14.8). They mightwork with an author to create drawingsfor a children’s book. Some illustratorswork for one company while othersprefer to freelance. Freelance artists areself-employed and do many differentjobs for many different companies.


CartoonistCartoonists produce distinctive, enter-

taining drawings meant to provokethought and laughter (Figure 14.9).They submit their work for publicationin magazines and newspapers. They may choose to draw single cartoons orcomic strips. They usually try to make ahumorous point about human nature.Editorial cartoonists, who are interestedin politics and current events, presentcomplex ideas in simple, humorousdrawings. Editorial cartoonists try tomake people think about current issues.They may also try to influence publicopinion.

Cartoonists also create comic booksand other publications. Several famouscartoonists have created comic booksthat deal with serious issues such as warand disease. They try to illuminate socialproblems for people to be aware of andunderstand. Some cartoonists work inanimation, creating moving cartoonssuch as those that entertain children(and adults) on Saturday mornings.

Photography, Film,and Multimedia

Artists and designers interested inphotography, film/video, and multi-media can find employment in manyfields including publishing, advertising,and entertainment. Hard work, persis-tence, talent, and some special trainingare necessary for all these fields.

PhotographerPhotographers work in studios and

on location to provide photographs forbooks, magazines, and other resources.Fashion, product, and food photogra-phy, architectural photography, and fineart photography are all growing special-ties (Figure 14.10). Photographers alsowork for advertising agencies and cor-porations to create visual images thathelp sell a product. Some photographerssell their photographs to stock photog-raphy houses (also called image banks),which sell them to the public.

Digital cameras, which allow artists to record images digitally, are becomingmore and more important in the field.Digital cameras do not require specialprocessing labs. The pictures can beviewed and printed immediately orstored and manipulated using computersoftware.

� FIGURE 14.9 Although much cartooning isnow done using digital media, artists still usetraditional methods as well.

� FIGURE 14.10 Photographers are skilledartists who use their cameras to create artwork.


Film and VideoPhotographers also work in film and

video. Moving picture photography formovies and television, or cinematogra-phy, is one behind-the-scenes careermany photographers find appealing(Figure 14.11). Although these fieldsare not always easy to break into, plentyof aspiring artists eventually achievesuccess in them. Videographers makedocumentaries, create visual presenta-tions for corporations and other institu-tions, and record special events orcelebrations such as weddings andanniversaries.

PhotojournalistPhotojournalists are visual reporters.

They work for newspapers and maga-zines and tell stories through their photographs. Photojournalists mustunderstand design, know how todevelop and print their own work, andhave an eye for what is interesting tolook at. Photojournalists often travel towhere the news is happening.

AnimatorAnimators, or artists who create mov-

ing cartoons, use their skills in movies,television, and for the Internet. The fieldof animation is growing faster than anyother art career area.

When artists create an animated film,they first select a story. They decidewhat styles of architecture and dress fitthe story. Then they develop the storyby drawing storyboards, a series of stilldrawings that show the story's progress.They draw approximately 60 sketchesfor each board (Figure 14.12). A shortfilm needs three storyboards, and a full-length film may require more than 25.Storyboards look like comic strips. Theyprovide the outline for the developmentof the film.

Layout artists are responsible for theoverall look of the animation. Back-ground artists paint the settings fromthe layout artist's sketches. To create

� FIGURE 14.11Cinematographersoperate moviecameras. They aretrained in usinglight, color, andcomposition.

action, animators draw the major posesof each character, then in-betweenersfill in the many drawings required tocomplete each movement. Each secondof film requires 24 drawings to makethe movement look smooth. As you can imagine, creating the more than125,000 drawings required for a 90-minute movie is a very expensiveand time-consuming process. Yourcareer in animation may begin as abackground artist, character designer, or in-betweener.

� FIGURE 14.12Animators usemagazines andbooks as visualreferences whenmaking sketches for storyboards.


Today, many animation productioncompanies use computers to fill in manyof the images necessary to create the illu-sion of movement. An artist creates themain drawings and the important actionsand scans these drawings into the com-puter. Then using mathematical models,the computer determines how to makethe drawings appear to move. The artistuses the computer to manipulate theimages. This is a much less expensive andless time-consuming process than creat-ing all the images by hand.

Special Effects DesignerSpecial effects designers plan the

stunts and illusions in movies in orderto make them look real. Training for thisfield may require attending a collegewith an art department offering special-ized technology courses.

Special effects artists require the skillsof a painter, sculptor, and engineer.These artists have the ability to imagineand create fantasy scenes or imaginarycreatures that look real (Figure 14.13).They can make you believe you arewatching a dinosaur driving a car or abattle scene in outer space. Specialeffects artists need to know how to drawrealistically and usually use computersto create believable settings and action.

Multimedia DesignerMultimedia designers combine text,

graphics, sound, and interactive devicesinto visually appealing presentations.These presentations are used by compa-nies to acquire clients. Multimedia de-signers also create interactive CD-ROMsand software for business, education,and entertainment. This requires a teamapproach. One person is usually respon-sible for the overall concept while oth-ers create the images and text and stillothers put all the parts together.

� FIGURE 14.13 Digital effects help us believe movie characters are in faraway places.

CritiquingAnimation

Applying Your Skills. Watch severalanimated programs on television. Noticethe differences in quality.Then list theprograms you have watched in orderfrom best to worst. How did the back-grounds compare? Describe the quality of the movement. Did the programs with the best movement have the bestbackgrounds?


Web DesignersAs the Internet continues to grow and

expand as a center for information andcommerce, businesses need to attractvisitors to their Web sites. Web artistsdesign the individual Web pages thatmake up the Web site, which mayinclude text; photos; three-dimensional,or moving graphics; sound; and interac-tive devices. The Web artist must makethe page visually appealing but easy touse. Because it can take a long time for the viewer’s computer to processimages, the Web artist must balancebeauty with function. If it takes too longto get information, a viewer will leavethe page. A confusing or poorly laid outWeb page will cause Internet users tolook elsewhere.

Web artists also make Web moviesand organize Internet broadcasts of cur-rent affairs or events of special interestthat broadcast television networks donot cover.

Computer, Arcade, and Video Game Designers

Game designers plan and create allaspects of computer, arcade, and videogame design (Figure 14.14). They createthe background renderings and the ani-mated figures and objects. They workwith computer programmers to designvisually appealing and exciting games.Because the game experience is a multi-media experience, the designer musthave a special sensitivity to sound, story,and other aspects of game production.This field grows each year as the gameindustry expands.

Computer game designers also createvirtual reality or three-dimensionalworlds that gamers, or game players,enjoy experiencing. As these technolo-gies have become more sophisticated,companies and even branches of the mil-itary have begun using computer-aidedsimulators when training.

� FIGURE 14.14 Game designers need to keep up withadvances in digital and mechanical technology to make theirgames more exciting and realistic.

Check Your Understanding

1. What does a graphic designer do?2. Compare and contrast the art careers

of graphic design and photography.3. What two elements must Web

designers balance?

LESSON 2

Careers in Three-DimensionalArt and Education

Designing three-dimensional spaces, or environments, is called environ-mental design. The first environmental designers were prehistoric cave

dwellers who eventually moved out of their caves and into the countryside.They learned to build huts for protection and, thus, became the first archi-tects. Today, there are many kinds of designers who plan environmentalspaces. Their careers involve making homes, workspaces, and the surround-ing landscape attractive and functional.

ArchitectureAn architect must design buildings that are well constructed, aesthetically

pleasing, and functional. To function properly, a building must do what it wasdesigned to do. Private houses and apartments must serve as comfortablehomes for people. Office buildings, schools, and factories must also be com-fortable, safe, efficient, and pleasant to look at. The aesthetic effect of a build-ing is extremely important. The structure must fit into its environment andenhance or complement the community. Because modern construction tech-

nology is so complex, architects usuallyspecialize in particular types of build-ings, such as skyscrapers, shoppingmalls, or homes (Figure 14.15).

Architects must be knowledgeableabout building materials, ventilation,heating and cooling systems, plumbing,stairways, and elevators. They mustknow basic engineering concepts so thatthey do not plan structures that areimpossible to build. In addition, archi-tects must be creative, be able to makeaccurate mechanical drawings using acomputer, have a strong background inmathematics and drafting, and be ableto communicate with clients. Manyarchitects are certified by the AmericanInstitute of Architects, or A.I.A. Entry-level jobs in architecture often includedrafting and model-making.

Vocabulary

architectinterior designerpackage designermuseum curators


� FIGURE 14.15 Architects must be able to show theirclient models and full color renderings of a building before itis actually built.

LESSON 2 Careers in Three-Dimensional Art and Education 399

If you have ever visited the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,

or seen a picture of the pyramid entrance to the Louvre in Paris, you will

be familiar with the work of the famous architect I.M Pei. Pei was born in

Guangzhou (Canton), China, on April 26, 1917. When he was 18, he immi-

grated to the United States, where he studied architecture at the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology and Harvard University. After World War II, he taught at

Harvard for several years.

In 1956, he started his own firm, I. M. Pei & Partners. Soon, he and his com-

pany were in great demand, not just in the United States but all over the world.

Pei has designed some of the largest constructions of the twentieth century.

Pei is known for approaching design problems with an innovative flair. Many

of the buildings he is asked to design must meet multiple functions, such as the

Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame (Figure 14.16). This structure reflects the spirit of

rock and roll while housing memorabilia, sound chambers, a concert hall, a

film-and-video display center, an event room, and numerous other features.

MEET THE ARTIST

I. M. PEI

Chinese-American, (b. 1917)

� FIGURE 14.16 This building must hold an extensive collection of artifacts while expressing thespirit of rock-and-roll. Do you think it serves its purpose?

I. M. Pei. Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, Ohio. 1995.

Urban PlanningUrban planners are professionals con-

cerned with the care and improvementof city environments. Every majorAmerican city has an urban planner(sometimes called a city planner). Thisperson helps control the growth and

development of a city. Some of theresponsibilities of the urban planner areland use; urban renewal; and the devel-opment of harbors, city parks, and shop-ping malls. A good urban planner meetsthe needs of the community whilekeeping it attractive and appealing.


Landscape ArchitectureLandscape architects design play-

grounds, parks, and outdoor areasaround buildings and along highways.They work closely with architects andurban planners to use and improve thenatural setting so that it is easy to main-tain and beautiful to look at. They createdesigns using flowers, plants, trees,shrubs, rivers, ponds, lakes, walks,benches, and signs, as shown in Figure14.17. Landscape architects work witharchitectural firms, government agencies,individual homeowners, and facilitiessuch as golf courses.

Using Design for Display

Creating Designs for PracticalApplications. Create a bulletin boarddisplay promoting an upcoming event atschool.Work with the coordinators ofthe event to determine the importantinformation about the event and anappropriate color scheme.

� FIGURE 14.18 Interior designers show their clients color swatchesand other design samples.

� FIGURE 14.17 Landscape architects consider texture as an elementof their designs.

Interior DesignAn interior designer plans the design

and decoration of the interior spaces in homesand offices. Successful designers usestyles and materials that blend with thearchitecture and that please the client.They must understand decorating stylesand materials. They must be able to lookat an empty room and visualize the fin-ished area. They must know the latesttrends and developments in wall cover-ings, carpets, furniture, appliances, andlighting (Figure 14.18).

Because interior designers spend asmuch time with clients as they do at thedrawing board or computer, they musthave patience and good communicationskills. Some designers work for individ-ual homeowners while others plan andcoordinate the interiors of departmentstores, offices, and hotels.

Exhibit and Display Design

Exhibit designers plan presentationsof collections, temporary exhibits, andtraveling shows of all types. They workfor trade shows, department stores,showrooms, art galleries, and museums.They decide how objects should bearranged and lit.

Display designers, also called visualmerchandisers, arrange merchandise toattract customers and persuade them tobuy products or services. A displaydesigner is an important member of a


sales team. Display designers coordinatestorewide color schemes, design ban-ners, and even create shopping bags.

Industrial DesignIndustrial design is the planning of the

products of industry (Figure 14.19). Allobjects—such as tools, home appliances,furniture, toys, and automobiles—mustbe carefully designed. These artists workclosely with engineers who develop theproducts. Sometimes, industrial design-ers are asked to work on things as simpleas tamper-proof caps for medicines. Atother times, they are asked to work onprojects as complicated as space vehicles.Industrial designers plan products basedon three requirements. First, it must do

Special designers plan the outer form orbody of the car. Then textile designersand plastic specialists create new interiorsto go with the body. They must be certainthat human needs are met, such as com-fort and ease of movement. Designersmust make sure that controls are withinreach of the driver, without the dash-board becoming crowded or confusing.Computers help ensure that all the partsfit together correctly. This way, potentialproblems are identified before the vehiclegoes into production.

The concept car for the redesignedVolkswagen Beetle (Figure 14.20) wasdeveloped by J Mays, who studied auto-motive design at Art Center College ofDesign in California. This design receivedthe Harvard Design School annual Excel-lence in Design Award. Artists and engi-neers worked together to determine thatthe curves in the design help make thissmall car safer. Safety features includeenergy absorbing crush zones, preten-sioning front safety belts, front and rearheadrests, daytime running lights, dualairbags, and front seat-mounted sideairbags. Each of these features wasdesigned by a team who considered boththe aesthetics and function of the featureand how they fit into the car as a whole.The Beetle was also designed to be anaffordable passenger and commuting car.The next time you get into a car, look atthe number of features that need to beaccessible to the driver. � FIGURE 14.19 Industrial designers create new

versions of household appliances.

� FIGURE 14.20 The curved body structure of this car isaerodynamic and provides additional headroom for all passengers.

the job for which it was designed. Sec-ond, it must look like it can do the job.Third, it must be visually pleasing.

Product DesignerProduct designers usually specialize in

one industry or product such as machin-ery, furniture, medical equipment, toys,or cars. Designers work in teams. Forinstance, planning a new automobile re-quires many different types of designers.


Fashion DesignerFashion designers plan and create

clothing, hats, handbags, shoes, andjewelry (Figure 14.21). They mustknow the appropriate materials to usefor the articles being designed. Theymust also consider comfort and the waythe human body moves when creatingfashion designs. High-fashion designerscreate very expensive, one-of-a-kindoriginals. Fashion designers also workfor manufacturers who make affordable,mass-produced clothes. Pattern makers,cutters, tailors, technical designers, andfactory workers complete the team.Graduates from college-level fashiondesign programs enter the industry asassistant designers or fashion illustrators.

Art DirectorIn film, television, and theater, an art

director works with set, costume, andlighting directors, as well as makeupartists and hairstylists, to bring thevisual elements of the show together(Figure 14.22). Art directors shouldknow art history as well as the specialtechniques of their craft. If a film or playis set in the past, the setting, furniture,costumes, and hairstyles must correctlyreflect that time period.

� FIGURE 14.21 Fashion designers work yearround to create new looks. Anyone considering acareer in this area must be comfortable workingcreatively under tight deadlines.

Using computer programs, designerscan translate their line drawings intothree-dimensional pictures, or renderings.Computers are also used now to pro-duce physical models from drawings.This enables product designers to meetthe requirements of industrial designmore quickly and efficiently.

Package DesignerA package designer produces the

containers that attract consumers. Theymake boxes, tubes, bottles, shoppingbags, and other kinds of containers.They use shape, color, and graphics tomake packages unique and appealing.Package designers must consider pack-age function. For example, when pillbottles first came on the market, thecaps were so easy to remove that chil-dren were able to open them. Designershad to invent a cap that was childproofbut could be opened by an adult. Itrequires imagination and ingenuity tocombine the visual, functional, andsafety criteria needed to design for consumers.


A set or stage designer is an artistwho is responsible for planning thebackdrops and many of the props for aproduction. He or she oversees a teamof artists who prepare the stage or setfor the production. The set designerworks with the prop master, who sup-plies everything the actors use duringthe production. The costume designerhelps tell the story, creating clothingthat is appropriate to the time and set-ting of the production (Figure 14.23).For productions that travel, the work ofthe art director and set designer mayinclude how to design sets that can betaken apart, moved, and rebuilt. Theymay consult with engineers and archi-tects and work with property designersand location planners. Art directors andset designers often begin their careers asproduction assistants.

� FIGURE 14.22 Art directorscoordinate the many visual elementsof a film or television show.

� FIGURE 14.23 Can you tell the historicalperiod for which these costumes were designed?


Art EducationSome art-related careers combine an

interest in art with an interest in educa-tion. Teachers, art therapists, andmuseum curators and designers all usetheir training in different ways. Artisti-cally inclined people who want to helpothers may find careers in educationrewarding and fulfilling.

Art TeacherArt teachers share their artistic

knowledge and skills with students.They work in elementary, middle, orhigh schools as well as colleges. Artteachers help students learn to makeaesthetic judgments and to developtheir artistic skills and talents. Someteachers specialize in art history andhelp students learn about art. Many artteachers spend time outside the class-room in their own studios. Teaching artin public schools requires a collegedegree, advanced training, and often ateaching certificate.

Art TherapistArt therapists use art to help people

with emotional and physical problems.They help physically challenged chil-dren and adults learn to explore thesenses of vision and touch through artis-tic play and creation. An art therapistmight help someone with limited use oftheir hands learn to mold and modelclay, using special adaptive equipment.He or she might help a child with sen-sory problems learn what different tex-tures feel like and how to tolerate them.

Art therapists also help patients withmental and emotional problems changetheir behavior in a positive way. Theyshow them how to express themselvesin a constructive way through art (Figure 14.24).

Art therapists may have physicaltherapy or psychological training andusually work with professionals in thesefields. They work in medical and psychi-atric hospitals, community centers,physical rehabilitation programs, drugand alcohol treatment centers, schools,and prisons.

Museum Curator and Designer

Museums house collections of paint-ings, sculpture, crafts, costumes, books,jewelry, and artifacts. Museum cura-tors, who are usually trained in art his-tory, oversee the operations of museums.They organize the collections and areresponsible for recommending artworkthat fits in with the theme or focus ofthe museum (Figure 14.25). Museumdesigners assemble and display thesemuseum collections. Some museumspublish books that contain photographsof the objects in their collections, whichrequires the help of the curator anddesigners.

� FIGURE 14.24 Art therapistshelp children explore their emot-ions through creative expression.

� FIGURE 14.25 Museumcurators guide students throughmuseum exhibitions.


Fine ArtistsSome artists choose to work indepen-

dently as painters, sculptors, printmak-ers, weavers, or jewelers (Figure 14.26).Such artists create art on their ownterms or are paid (commissioned) to cre-ate a certain piece of art. Some artistsfind public or private grants to fund theirwork. Many fine artists need a secondjob to help pay their living expenses.Some fine artists work in commercial artfields to supplement their income. Manyteach in schools and colleges. Some, likeJacob Lawrence (Figure 4.19 on page80), continue teaching even after theyhave become financially successfulbecause they feel that the ongoing inter-action with art students enhances theircreative thinking.

Thinking About anArt or Design Career

Are you suited for a career in the artworld? It may be too soon for you tomake a final decision about your future.However, art can be pursued andenjoyed throughout your life as either a career or as an avocational interest.Avocational means not related to a job orcareer. Studying or creating art as ahobby can provide many rewards.Learning about art in school or at muse-ums enriches your life. Making art projects, such as paintings or pottery,can be fun and relaxing.

If you decide you want a career in art,you should begin working toward thatgoal while in high school. Practice yourskills. Study the great artists. Experimentwith art-related computer programs.Talk with your art teacher or guidancecounselor for advice. Some colleges offersummer programs for high school stu-dents. Research the different optionsyou can pursue after high school. Lookfor schools that offer a specific area youare interested in, such as fine art, indus-trial design, or fashion design.

Check Your Understanding

1. Compare and contrast the art careersof architecture and landscape archi-tecture.

2. What three requirements must aproduct of industrial design meet?

3. What type of artist or designer planspresentations of collections?

4. What do art therapists do?

Art in Your Life

Comparing Career and AvocationalOpportunities in Art. From the visualart fields listed in this book, choose onethat interests you. Art can be pursued asan avocation, or hobby, and as a career.Research the art field to compare andcontrast ways to pursue it as an interestand as a career.Which one is best for you?

� FIGURE 14.26The work ofartists is usuallyclassified as eitherfine art or appliedart. Fine art, suchas painting, iscreated to beviewed andappreciated.Applied art, suchas ceramics orother craftobjects, is createdto be used.


� FIGURE 14.27

Brian Pinkney. Book cover for Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Hyperion Books for Children. 1998.

1 DESCRIBE What do you see?Read the credit line for information about the artwork.

Describe the subject matter of this work.

Judging from the words in this artwork, what functionwould you guess the work was meant to serve?Explain your answer.

2 ANALYZE How is this work organized?This step addresses the formal qualities.You willgather information about how the principles of art are used to organize the elements of art.

Compare and contrast the types of lines used in this work.

Where has the artist used rhythm and pattern?

How has he achieved unity in this work?

3 INTERPRET What does this artwork communicateto you?Combine the clues you collected to form a creativeinterpretation of the work.

How do you think the color scheme affects the appealof this work?

What do the green swirls floating out of the piano tellyou about Duke Ellington’s music?

What mood is suggested by the colors of this work?How do you think the artist feels toward his subject?Explain your reaction.

4 JUDGE What do you think of the work?Now, you are ready to make an aesthetic judgmentof the work.

Do you think this is a successful book cover design?Why or why not? Use one or more of the aesthetic the-ories to defend your decision.

Prior to beginning his careeras a commercial artist, BrianPinkney taught art. His favoritemedium is scratchboard. Pinkneybegins by covering a white boardin black ink. He then scratches orscrapes off the areas that are toappear white. He finally colorsthese areas with dyes, gouache,and/or oil paints. Jerry Pinkney,Brian’s father, is a celebrated chil-dren’s book illustrator. Brian’smother is a children’s bookwriter as is his wife, Andrea DavisPinkney. Brian has illustratedsome of her books, including thetribute to Duke Ellington featuredin Figure 14.27.

Critiquing the Artwork

Art Criticism in Action 407

Brian Pinkney(b. 1961)

Designer Karim Rashid has made a career ofmaking ordinary objects look extraordinary.

arim Rashid wants people to pay more attention tothe way everyday objects are designed. Rashid is an

award-winning industrial designer. What he enjoys bestabout his work is making everyday objects look special—from manhole covers on city streets to garbage bins,chairs, and plastic pens.

Rashid has developed a unique style. He creates objectsthat have energy and humor. For example, Rashid’s glasswarelooks like a forest floor, with mushroom bowls and vases shapedlike lilies.

Rashid wants his creations to have more than one use.“Every new object should replace three,” he says. Hispackaging for a perfume is a plastic envelope that can beused as a purse. His children’s chair doubles as a toy chest.

His most popular products are made of plastic.Nearly 2 million North Americans throw rubbishinto the plastic trash receptacles he designed.More than 750,000 people sit in hisinexpensive Oh chairs. The chairs gotthat name because “Oh” is whatpeople supposedly say when theyrelax in one.

Thanks to Rashid’s talent,people just may be starting topay more attention to the designof everyday objects—especially his!

TIME to Connect

Karim Rashid analyzed his skills and hispassions and chose a career in industrialdesign.Think about what interests youand what careers match those interests.

• Think critically about yourself. On a sheet ofpaper, list your talents, your strengths, and theactivities you enjoy.

• Then write a one-page persuasive letter in business formatto a prospective employer. Present yourself, your skills, andyour career objective or goals. Proofread your work. Exchangeletters with a classmate and critique each other’s work.

Karim Rashid in his studio.

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This chair and chess setare two of Rashid’spopular designs.

Thinking Critically About Art

18. Analyze. Find a copy of a book youenjoyed reading, preferably one that hasan interesting cover design. Look at thedesign, and think about how it relates tothe content of the book. Then write a fewparagraphs describing the cover design, themeaning of any symbolism the designerused, and your opinion of whether thecover illustrates the story appropriately.Don’t forget to justify your opinion by providing examples.

19. Historical/Cultural Heritage. Reviewthe Meet the Artist feature on page 399.Then examine architect I. M. Pei’s Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame in Figure 14.16.Compare and contrast the contemporarystyle of Figure 14.16 with Figure 14.1 byFrank Gehry. What general trends in archi-tecture do these two buildings exhibit?

Explore the art of a story-board artist. Use the Performing Arts Handbookon page 426 to discover the work of animatorJohn Ramirez.

There are many areasof specialization forillustrators and otherart careers. Medical

illustration is just one.Visit art.glencoe.comto compare and contrast the many specializedareas of visual art careers.

ART

Linking to thePerforming Arts

Building Vocabulary

On a separate sheet of paper, write the termthat best matches the definition given below.

1. An artist who creates and arranges imagesin an appealing and memorable way.

2. Symbols or trademarks that are immedi-ately recognizable.

3. One who creates visual images that com-plement written words.

4. Photographers who are visual reporters.

5. Creator of moving cartoons.

6. A series of still drawings that show astory's progress.

7. Designer of buildings which are well constructed, aesthetically pleasing, andfunctional.

8. One who plans the design and decorationof the interior spaces in homes and offices.

9. Designer who plans and produces attrac-tive containers.

10. One who oversees the operations of museums.

Reviewing Art Facts

Answer the following questions using com-plete sentences.

11. Why is technology important in art-relatedfields?

12. When did the field of graphic design begin?What invention made it possible?

13. For what purposes are illustrations used?

14. What training do special effects designersneed?

15. What does an urban planner do?

16. What three requirements must industrialdesigners plan for?

17. What elements of art do package designersuse to make every package unique andappealing?

CHAPTER 14 REVIEW

Chapter 14 Review 409

388 chapter 14 careers in art - chino valley unified

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