Top Jobs in Artistic Careers

Applied Arts (Visual)

VIDEO/FILM EDITORS edit motion picture film, television or cable, television videotape, and sound tracks. They put together footage of films into a seamless end product. Video/film editors evaluate and select the most effective scenes in terms of dramatic and entertainment value and story continuity. They discard scenes that do not help in the plot development. They try to achieve the best combination of photography, performance, consistency, and timing. Video/film editors work with sound effects editors and talk about the film's sound requirements. They record the needed sounds and then piece together sound tracks to coincide with the films. Video/film editors also work with music editors to select music for the films. It takes 4 to 10 years of on-the-job training (internship or apprenticeship) before making enough connections to become solo editors. A bachelor's degree with courses in all phases of filmmaking is usually helpful for apprentice or intern film editors. Average salary ranged from $33,500 to $60,000 a year in 2008.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS originate and develop ideas to design countless manufactured products such as cars; home appliances; computer equipment; medical instruments; sports equipment; industrial equipment; medical, office, or recreational equipment; and children's toys. They combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, materials, and production methods to create the most functional and appealing design and to make the product competitive with others in the marketplace. Industrial designers read publications, attend showings, and consult with engineering, marketing, production, and sales representatives to establish design ideas. The minimum required education for this occupation is a bachelor's degree in industrial design. A few schools offer a master's degree. Average salary ranged from $41,500 to $69,000 a year in 2008.

Creative & Performing Arts

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES are physically skilled persons who compete in organized, officiated sports events to entertain spectators. They play before a paying live audience to entertain people. The best athletes from around the world often compete before national television audiences. When playing a sport, athletes are required to understand the strategies of the sport while obeying the rules and regulations of that sport. These events include both team sports, such as baseball, basketball, football, hockey, softball, and soccer, and individual sports, such as golf, tennis, boxing, skating, and bowling. Competition at all levels is extremely intense and job security is always precarious. As a result, many athletes train year round to maintain excellent form, technique, and peak physical condition; very little downtime from the sport exists at the professional level. Education and training requirements for professional athletes vary greatly by the level and type of sport. Some sports have specific educational and training requirements in order to become members of associations affiliated with that sport. Becoming a professional athlete takes years of effort. Athletes who want to compete professionally must have extraordinary talent, desire, and dedication. However, professional athletes should prepare for a second career through college education since a career in sports may be short-lived. The national average for all occupations included in this area was $45,000 in 2008.

MOVIE/TV DIRECTORS plan and direct the audio and visual aspects of movie and television productions based on the production specifications and knowledge of movie and television programming techniques. They express ideas and create images based on a script. Directors make the words come alive for their audiences. They are responsible for the quality of the final product and its success. Movie/TV directors study scripts to determine artistic interpretation. They view performances and conduct screen tests and auditions to select and cast for roles in the production. Directors conduct rehearsals and direct the work of the cast and crew. They use their knowledge of acting, voice, and movement to achieve the best possible performances from their cast. Directors set the pace of the production to stay within certain time limits. Membership in the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists or the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians is necessary for employment of movie/TV directors in national programs and some local TV stations. Formal training in directing is available at a number of colleges and universities. Average salary ranged from $67,500 to $102,500 a year in 2008.

Applied Arts (Written & Spoken)

TRANSLATORS translate written communications from one language to another. They read written material, such as legal documents, scientific works, news reports, and literature, and rewrite the material into a specified language according to established rules of grammar. They must have a high degree of fluency in the language they are translating and an understanding of the subject matter. In addition, they should have excellent research skills. Translators will sometimes be called upon to listen to a tape-recorded conversation in one language, write down what they hear, then translate it. This is called transcribing and translating. U.S. law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities sometimes ask translators to transcribe and translate recorded conversations. A college degree is not usually required for freelance work. A bachelor's degree in the main language, passing a test, and being skilled in three of the six official United Nations languages are the minimum requirements needed to work for the United Nations. Average salary ranged from $37,000 to $56,000 a year in 2008.

TECHNICAL WRITERS communicate through the written word. They put scientific and technical information into an easily understandable language. They convey scientific and technical information precisely, accurately, and clearly. Technical writers prepare operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials, and project proposals. Technical writers research, develop, write, and edit training materials, research proposals, brochures, contracts, grants, and reports. A few write speeches and news releases. They also prepare tables and charts and may select drawings, sketches, and diagrams to illustrate the material. Technical writers select and organize the material and put it into words in a way that the reader can easily understand. Technical writers require a degree in or some knowledge about a specialized field such as engineering, business, or one of the sciences. Average salary ranged from $43,500 to $73,500 a year in 2008.

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