As an art graduate, you’ve likely heard plenty about traditional career paths like gallery curators, illustrators, or art teachers. However, the art world is far more diverse, and there are numerous exciting career options that often fly under the radar. If you’re looking to carve your own niche or simply explore something a bit less conventional, here are 10 lesser-known jobs for art graduates that are worth considering.
1. Art Conservationist/Restorer
While many people think of art in terms of creation, there’s also the important task of preserving it for future generations. Art conservators and restorers work to protect artworks from deterioration, damage, or environmental factors. This job requires a deep understanding of materials, historical context, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s repairing an ancient painting or preserving sculptures, this role combines art with science and history, offering an exciting and impactful career path.
2. Exhibit Designer
Exhibit designers play a crucial role in how artworks, artefacts, and interactive displays are presented in museums, galleries, and exhibitions. They work alongside curators and architects to create engaging, visually appealing spaces that enhance the audience’s experience. Your skills in spatial design, colour theory, and visual storytelling would be essential in this role, blending creativity with functionality to craft unforgettable visitor experiences.
3. Art Therapy Assistant
Art therapy has become increasingly recognised for its therapeutic benefits, helping individuals process emotions, trauma, and mental health challenges through creative expression. As an assistant in art therapy, you’d support therapists by setting up sessions, working with clients, and facilitating art-based activities. This role requires empathy, communication skills, and a passion for helping others through creative means.
4. 3D Modeler for Video Games
The gaming industry is booming, and 3D modelers are in high demand to create digital art for characters, environments, and props within video games. If you have a strong understanding of form, texture, and digital design software, this could be a fantastic way to apply your artistic skills in a tech-driven environment. The gaming world combines storytelling with immersive visuals, offering art graduates a chance to create dynamic, interactive worlds.
5. Creative Direction for Advertising
Creative directors in advertising are responsible for developing the overall visual style and feel of a brand’s campaign. While this role is often associated with corporate advertising agencies, it’s also an excellent fit for art graduates with a flair for visual storytelling. You’ll collaborate with marketing teams, photographers, and designers to bring a campaign’s vision to life, creating memorable advertisements that capture attention and engage audiences.
6. Printmaker for Fashion Textiles
Printmaking isn’t just for traditional art; it’s also a key component in fashion design. Fashion brands often collaborate with printmakers to create unique textiles that distinguish their collections. If you love working with patterns, colours, and textures, a role as a printmaker in the fashion industry could be a perfect blend of your artistic and commercial interests.
7. Set Designer for Theatre or Film
Set designers are responsible for creating the physical environment of a performance, be it in theatre, film, or television. This role involves understanding the script, collaborating with directors, and designing spaces that visually enhance the story. Set designers combine artistic flair with technical knowledge, often working closely with lighting and costume teams to create a cohesive aesthetic. If you enjoy large-scale creative projects, this could be the ideal role for you.
8. Creative Producer for Digital Content
A creative producer oversees the conceptualisation and execution of digital content, such as web series, online commercials, or social media campaigns. If you have a knack for visual storytelling and an interest in digital media, this role lets you combine creativity with project management. As a producer, you’d work with directors, writers, and designers to bring content to life and reach target audiences in engaging ways.
9. Product Designer for Consumer Goods
Product designers focus on the aesthetics and functionality of physical products. This can include anything from furniture to electronics, household items, and even packaging design. Art graduates with an interest in industrial design or innovation may find this career path rewarding. Your artistic eye will help make products both visually appealing and user-friendly, blending form with function to create products people love to use.
10. Social Media Content Curator for Art Institutions
Art museums, galleries, and institutions are increasingly investing in their online presence, and social media content curators are responsible for managing and promoting that presence. This role involves creating engaging content, from photographing artworks to writing captions that tell a story. It’s an exciting opportunity for art graduates to blend their creative skills with digital marketing and public engagement. If you’re passionate about art and have a strong understanding of social media platforms, this role lets you share your love of art with a broader audience.
Conclusion
As an art graduate, the possibilities are far broader than the traditional career routes you might have imagined. From working in tech-driven industries like gaming to combining your creativity with therapy or social media, these 10 less talked-about jobs offer exciting opportunities for you to apply your skills in unique ways. Embrace the diversity of the art world, and don’t be afraid to step outside the conventional box—your next creative career could be waiting in one of these unexpected fields.