Careers in Art Information from SUNY Plattsburgh

Careers in Art

What Can You do with a Degree in Art?

There is a wide variety of jobs artists can hold, some they planned or hoped to have, and some they never dreamed of having. Some examples are:

• Art conservator/restorer
• Museum curator
• Master printmaker
• Book illustrator
• Production potter
• Graphic designer
• Advertising photographer
• Portrait photographer
• Industrial photographer
• Furniture designer
• Art teacher
• Art therapist
• Jewelry designer... the list goes on and on.

Hard Work and a Strong Portfolio Can Open Doors

The most important thing you can do while an undergraduate to facilitate a future career in art is work hard and build a strong portfolio. Obtain a breadth and depth of understanding of the media you work with, and apply a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum to the art that you make. Your advisors and major professors are here to guide you in decisions about graduate school and careers after college.

In addition to discussions with those professors, visit the art department main office (220B) where the following art career materials are available:

• Arts & Reality, Abbott, Robert J.
• Art Information and The Internet: How To Find It, How To Use It, Jones, Lois Swan
• Careers in Art, Brommer, Gerald F. & Gatto, Joseph A.
• How To Sell Your Artwork, Berlye, Milton K.
• How To Survive and Prosper As An Artist, Michels, Caroll
• The Art Calendar Guide to Making a Living As An Artist, 1992 (#87257-0393, N8350,.A77)
• The Business of Art, Caplan, Lee Evan
• The Practical Handbook for the Emerging Artist, Lazarri, Margaret R.
• This Business of Art, Cochrane, Diane

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about art at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:

Dr. Karen Blough, Chair
Office: Myers Fine Arts 211
Phone: (518) 564-2468
Email: karen.blough@plattsburgh.edu

Kimberly Hall-Stone, Secretary
Office: Myers Fine Arts 220B
Phone: (518) 564-2179
Fax: (518) 564-2199
Email: art@plattsburgh.edu