A Studio Art major in the Visual Communication concentration will specialize in Design or Illustration. Both tracks combine the study of visual art theory, history, aesthetics, craft, concept development, communication, critical thinking, digital technology, and business practices. Graduates may work in web design, illustration, or new media as freelance artists or as members of creative teams.
Studio Art, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. The career fields most closely related to this major are competitive. Many individuals who graduate with bachelor’s degrees in this major establish paying careers in other fields.
Following are career fields that may most closely relate to this major.
Potential Career Areas:
- Graphic design
- Computer illustration
- Fine arts illustration
- Typography
- Motion graphics
- Advertising
- Consulting
Sample Employers:
- Design firms
- Nonprofit organizations
- Businesses
- Advertising agencies
- Manufacturers
- New media distributors
- Film and television production companies
- Government agencies
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Multimedia Artist
|
$33,800 - $58,500
|
|
Visual Artist
|
$19,200 - $44,800
|
|
Medical Illustrator
|
$40,000 - $100,000
|
|
Advertising Illustrator
|
$25,000 - $100,000
|
|
Storyboard Artist
|
$25,000 - $80,000
|
|
Scientific Illustrator
|
$18,350 - $79,390
|
|
Military Graphic Designer/Illustrator
|
$23,220 - $50,840
|
|
Graphic Artist, Print Materials
|
$39,500 - $55,000
|
|
Commercial Artist
|
$24,000 - $50,000
|
|
Digital Animator
|
$25,830 - $43,980
|
|
Technical Communicator
|
$21,600 - $65,060
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).