What jobs can you do with graphic design education?

What jobs are available for a skilled artist?

• I am still in high school, but I am great at art (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, graphic design etc.) I want to go to collage and major in art and/or creative writing for at least 4 years, the education is not a problem for me. Now my problem is, I don't know what jobs are available to my interests, or the chances of the average person to succeed in that job. I do not what to spend years of my life and money to find out that my skills are worthless. What would you suggest?

• Answer:

  You seem to have quite a range of skills at the moment, and you will certainly need to specialize in order to compete with other people wanting to work in the same industry. Decide on a pathway (e.g. photography) and explore the training and employment opportunities within it. With any of the disciplines you list there are a whole range of sub-disciplines you may want to make your specialist area (e.g. landscape photographer, portrait photographer, sports photographer, etc) However, whichever you choose, it will be hard work. Unless you get in with an established company (you'll almost certainly have to do get a few work placements for this), you will be out there as a freelancer. You can sign up to agencies who will try to find work on your behalf, but you will probably want to set up your own business at some point. The main thing is, stay focused. Have an ambition an go for it. The skills you will need in this industry are not just technical ones like drawing or photography, you need to be self-motivated, be willing to adapt and make sacrifices. All the best.