Degrees in art and design are growing in popularity. In fact, the number of bachelor’s degrees conferred in the field has increased each year since 1999, with more than 75,000 degrees conferred in the 2009-2010 school year alone, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But many people aren’t fully aware of the opportunities available. In fact, these occupations are not confined to just the fine arts or studio art. Careers in art and design are also found in many different areas of business, including production design, consumer services, education, and others.
Design careers in particular are in higher demand than art careers primarily because business is becoming more dependent on technology and Internet marketing, which relies on a great deal of visual design to be successful. But even art majors can find a place in the global workforce if they pursue the right leads. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a 19% rise in jobs by 2020 for interior designers, a career that combines the study of art and design.
Overall, the best art and design jobs are the ones that keep pace with the constantly-changing nature of the global business world, such as graphic design, which can be applied in both printed media like magazines, brochures, and business cards, as well as digital media, such as on websites and social media account layouts.
Social Networks
Art & Design
A platform for the beginners and experts with more than 1,400 members.
Graphic Design
This community brings together artists, deisgners, creators, and enthusiasts to share design tips, resources, tutorials, and more.
PixelWorld Visual Arts Community
This group of more than 1,500 members promotes photography, drawing and painting, sculpture, design, video, filmmaking, and much more.
Style It, Shoot It, Share It!
Designers and photographers share their work in this community. More than 1000 members are a part of this group.
Art of Photography
This group, with more than 600 members, shares individual works of photographic art for discussion and critique.
Creative Design Pros
This open group allows creative design professionals communicate through discussions and promote content as well as browse job opportunities. The group currently has nearly 131,000 members.
AIGA
Open to all interested designers and design enthusiasts, the AIGA group is very active and has more than 63,900 members.
Designers Talk: Freelance Graphic Design Group
Designers Talk is an active group for designers with more than 50,400 members.
Art Professionals Worldwide
The ART Professionals Worldwide group has more than 47,200 members and is open to anyone.
Interaction Design Association
This locked group is very active and has more than 52,000 members. The Interaction Design Associaton (IxDA) is a professional group seeks to advance the discipline of Interaction Design.
Design+
With over 20,000 active members, Design+ is a large community of designers who can offer advice, insight, and information related to the industry.
Art Business
This locked group is for artists with an interest in the business aspect of being an artist. Currently the group has nearly 12,000 members.
Art Jobs
More than 14,000 members are a part of this group that is focused specifically on posting about job opportunities for artists.
Designer Jobs, Web Graphic Design & Interior Design Jobs
Catering specifically to Web designers and interior designers, this locked professional group has over 3,300 members and provides information about high-paying careers in design.