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Artists translate their feelings, opinions and observations about the world into creative works and fine art, including paintings, sculpture and installations.
Designers are really creative too, but they tend to use their artistic skills to find solutions to practical tasks, from creating an eye-catching design for a marketing brochure, a piece of jewellery or a stylish sofa.
There can sometimes be an overlap in the skills, interests and techniques used by both artists and designers.
Here are some of the job roles that people with a background in art and/or design can pursue:
To work as an artist or designer it's important to be creative and curious, with excellent problem-solving skills. You'll need to be motivated and full of ideas. You're able to work both alone and as part of a team.
If you want to work as a curator or someone who supports artists and designers you should enjoy researching and reading up on different cultures, styles and popular trends. Having great knowledge of the art world around you is important.
Artists take inspiration from lots of places and can come from very different backgrounds. Previous experience in other areas like engineering or writing can give a unique spin to your work. Check out this guide to what skills you need for a creative job.
When considering if this is the path for you, it's important to remember that art and design careers tend to be very competitive and sometimes unstable. You need to be resilient, adaptable and dedicated.
You don't always need a degree to get started in creative careers, but the arts world is very competitive and graduates fill up lots of entry-level jobs.
Portfolio
The most important thing is to get as much work experience as you can and to build up a creative portfolio – this can include projects you have done for fun or practice – to show off your skills. Lots of artists and designers work with computers, so brush up your software skills too, with design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator or Indesign.
GCSE
As well as studying art and other design subjects like graphic products or textiles, you should aim for a grade 9-4 in GCSE English and maths as this will open up your opportunities to explore arts administration jobs.
Take a look at our article about the career routes design and technology can lead to.
A-level
At A-level you can choose from a range of art and design subjects including fine art, graphic design and photography.
Instead of A-levels, you could opt for a more vocational option, such as an NVQ certificate or diploma in design support or a BTEC in art and design, which prepares you for lots of different roles.
Apprenticeships
There are apprenticeships of all levels in art and design, ranging from content creator, photographer and visual effects artist to craft professions such as bookbinding, organ building and watchmaking. You could also train to become a museum or gallery curator through a degree apprenticeship.
University
Students who want to go on to university will need to complete a one-year art and design foundation course, as this is usually needed to get on to art and design degree courses. Many students also choose to study for their degree at a specialist arts college which offers the broadest range of relevant subjects.
You don't need a foundation qualification to study for an art history degree, which is a popular choice for curators and auctioneers, who usually need a degree to get started in their careers. Museum studies and other history or education based degrees are useful for this career too.
Join an art, craft or design club through your school or local community. Look for competitions to enter as well, to help you build up a portfolio of work. You might even win some prizes...
If you study art at school, college or university, you can get qualifications such as diplomas, A-levels and degrees.
Artists and designers can pick up qualifications from computer-based design and programming courses.
There is also the chance to join professional organisations which provide training, such as the Chartered Society of Designers.
The Angel of the North, created by British Artist Anthony Gormley, is the largest angel sculpture in the world, and is seen by one person every second due to it’s handy position next to the A1 dual carriageway.
Richy Baldwin the graphic designer behind Superdry started life as a delivery man and a sign writer. Over the years he has produced over a thousand graphics, helping Superdry become a high street name.