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Visual Arts

Target Career:

  • Graphic Designers
  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators
  • Actors Art
  • Drama & Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Make-up Artists
  • Music Directors
  • Musicians & Singers
  • Producers
  • Graphic Designers
  • Illustrators

Pathway Description:

visual arts pathway, decorative image

Generally, there are two types of visual artists – “fine artists” and “graphic artists.” Both types depend on the individual’s purpose for creating the art. Graphic artists provide their talents to commercial clients such as major corporations, retail stores, advertising and publishing firms. Fine artists utilize their talents to express their own ideas and feelings. They may display their work in art galleries, museums, and in homes and businesses. They usually work independently and many times will specialize in painting, sculpting or printmaking. Typical occupations include Advertising Artist, Animator, Art Teacher, Art Therapist, Art Critic, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Muralist, and Web Designer. Other possibilities might include Book Illustrator, Cartoonist, Ceramic Artist, Costume Designer, Display/Set Designer, Game Designer, and Landscape Architects to name a few. Visual artists are usually employed by private and nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Secondary students who select this field of study should consider taking additional coursework in a career-related pathway such as Graphic Design in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications cluster or Web & Digital Communications pathway in the cluster Information Technology. Teaching art, drama and music at the postsecondary level is a “HOT” job in Georgia. Students who anticipate teaching in their future should consider the pathway Teaching as a Profession in the Education & Training career cluster. Employment growth of artists depends, in large part, on the overall state of the economy, because purchases of art are usually optional. Craft and fine artists may find it difficult to make a living solely by selling their artwork. Formal education is rarely required for craft and fine artists. However, many artists take classes or earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts, which can improve their skills and job prospects.

Georgia Course Standards:

  • Visual Arts Comprehensive 1
  • Visual Arts - Draw & Paint I, II
  • Visual Arts - Fibers I, II, III
  • Visual Arts - Sculpture I, II
  • Visual Arts - Studio Art Drawing (AP)
  • Visual Arts - Studio Art 2D Design (AP)
  • Visual Arts - Studio Art 2D Design (AP)

Locations Taught in the Effingham County School District:

  • Effingham County High School
  • South Effingham High School