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Step Three: Narrow Your Interests in Art

Having researched the possibilities in the arts, think of which areas interest you most. Research how much money the professions usually pay (this can be difficult for fine artists- more interviewing may be necessary).

Median Annual Salary

The US Government give: $29,000 as the Median Annual Salary for Artists.

About 63 percent of artists and related workers are self-employed.

Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work; the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.

Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.

Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.

Median annual earnings of salaried photographers were $26,080 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,380 and $37,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,180. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of salaried photographers were $32,800 for newspapers and periodicals and $23,100 for other professional, scientific, and technical services.

Decide if you might like to teach visual art. Think about how much money you would like to make. Compare this with the salary range you have researched. Narrow the choices down to those that fit your skills, desired income and interest.

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