Are you at your happiest when redecorating the bathroom? Love to design clothing for yourself and others? Do you have a notebook full of sketches of your dream house? If you think that these pastimes are simply whimsical diversions, think again. Careers in the creative fields are plentiful, and the days of starving artists seem to be a thing of the past. Fortunately, if you're artistically inclined, you can now make a living using your creative skills and talents. With the proper training, your weekend hobby could become a full-time profession.
A Tailor-Made Education in Fashion Design
Seen The Devil Wears Prada more times than you care to admit? Instead of suffering the wrath of Meryl Streep to work your way into the world of haute couture, try starting by learning more about careers in fashion design. Most fashion design programs in this field include courses on fashion history, pattern making, color, textiles, and computer-aided design (CAD). Currently there are about 250 programs in fashion accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, giving you plenty of fashion design schools to choose from. Is your interest piqued yet? Put a little academic muscle behind that raw talent and in a few years you could be the next Kate Spade!
Go with Graphic Design
If graphic design is your thing, you're in luck. Of all the design occupations the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys, the graphic design field is predicted to have the most new jobs through 2014. Can you see yourself developing layouts for magazines, newspapers or websites? Designing brochures, advertisements, or billboards? Graphic designers use their creativity in these and many other ways.Graphic arts programs often include courses in design principles, studio art, and computerized design, among others, giving you the book smarts to turn your talent into a career in digital arts media.
Your Future in Animation
Still drooling over the amazing effects in Pan's Labyrinth? Guillermo del Toro started with a sketchbook, too. If you think you've got what it takes to take your ideas from paper to the TV, computer, or movie screen, consider taking animation classes. Regardless of your natural skill, animation is a competitive field, and a formal digital arts training is practically essential if you want to get a good job. How great would it be to earn $50,360 a year (median annual earnings in this profession in 2004 according to BLS) while doing what you love? Sharpen your pencils and buy an assignment book--it's time to go back to school! Coursework in animation software, life drawing, and human anatomy are usually par for the course in animation programs.
Interior Design
Turn off Trading Spaces, and take your interest in interior design to a professional level! If you'd like to be more than just an amateur designer, you can expect to spend between 2 to 4 years training at an interior design school. You might take classes such as spatial planning, color and fabrics, CAD, furniture design, and psychology, to name a few. Upon graduation you'll probably sign on for a 1 to 3 year apprenticeship--your first design position. Then, you'll take a licensing exam if your state requires it. Sound like a lot? Don't be daunted by the challenge. Before you know you'll be getting paid to create window treatments!
From Creative to Lucrative
Is it time to get professional about your passion? From enrolling in a full-time degree program to taking a night class or two, there are many ways to start making your talents pay the bills. Use your brain AND your imagination to create a brighter future for yourself. Start now by researching programs in fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and digital media arts .>>>