No More Starving Artist: Your Career in Advertising Art
by Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@careerschooldirectory.com
Career School Directory Columnist
If you want to work as an artist, opportunities for advertising artists are increasing due to advances in digital imaging. This technology allows visual artists to produce commercials and storyboards using complex special effects and animation. Two- and four-year degree programs in visual communications can provide the technical skills you need to move your art from imagination to advertising imagery.
From Rough Sketch to Primetime
Visual artists create images for the purpose of communication. Nowhere is clear communication more important than in a 30-second advertising spot. Images and words must combine effectively to encourage viewers to buy products. As technology has expanded the capabilities of visual artists, advertising art has become increasingly complex.
These days, the key to your successful advertising art career is the ability to use technology. A degree in
visual or graphic arts can help you gain skills and experience with computer programs. As an advertising artist, you'll need to combine creativity with technical expertise to develop and sell advertising images and campaigns to clients. Your work will include:
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Sketching by hand and using computerized drawing programs
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Using computers to create 3-D images, special effects, and animation
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Creation of advertising imagery and storyboards for presentations to clients
While studying advertising art, you'll also learn about historical and cultural influences on advertising. As you complete projects, you'll build a professional portfolio. Your portfolio demonstrates your talent and achievements in a variety of advertising applications, and will play an important role in your success.
Advertising Artists Enjoy Widespread Opportunities
Although many advertising artists work in major cities, computer technology allows artists to work around the world. Although global competition can create obstacles to landing your dream job, your visual design degree and portfolio can help you enter the exciting field of advertising.
Source
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in post secondary education and the arts. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Posted on March 12, 2007 at 10:15 AM
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