No matter how talented an artist or designer is, it can be extremely difficult to break into the industry and succeed at a level that guarantees pure creative freedom and a high enough income that the artist can depend on his or her projects alone. If you’re looking for a day job that will pay the rent in between personal projects, do some research online or by asking your teachers and mentors what kinds of jobs combine your creative talents with a solid income and regular hours. Keep your mind open to jobs that may not seem like a direct transition from your art school background and try to explore how you can channel your artistic vision towards a position that contributes to the more traditional workforce.

Many artists choose to freelance, providing services to a variety of clients on a case-per-case basis. Thanks to the Internet, you can meet contacts through freelance job boards and artist networks, like the National Network for Artist Placement or the ARTrepreneur network. These sites post jobs, auditions, and links to art organizations that are looking for new additions to their companies. Freelancers can also attract clients by creating their own website, featuring their resume, portfolio and contact information. As a freelancer, you’ll be able to set your own hours, pick the projects you want to work on, meet a lot of different people around the country, and ultimately be responsible for the work your produce. Getting to the point where you can rely completely on your freelancing projects may take a while, however, as you’ll constantly need to seek out clients, manage your business as well as your art projects, and earn an income that satisfies your lifestyle.

If you’re not sure about becoming a full-time freelancer right away, consider taking a job at a gallery, theatre, orchestra house, newspaper or animation firm. Even though you may not have a position as a creative director when you first start, working your way up to becoming a curator, museum technician, creative assistant, staff writer or staff illustrator is possible. Another option for artists is to join an art or design team at a business that designs its own websites or is in charge of creating its own advertising. These businesses need creative talent to generate attractive media campaigns, design websites, product labels, commercials, literature about the company and more, providing professional opportunities to students who graduated from school programs in writing, graphic design, drawing, painting or sculpting. Other design businesses and art companies hire cartoonists, medical and scientific illustrators, print makers, archivists, multimedia artists and more. These in-house positions often supply regular benefits, a salary and solid hours. Don’t be afraid to branch out into an industry you weren’t expecting to end up in: many traditional jobs are able to satisfy the creative artists, and you can always work on your own personal projects and freelancing career on the side.

Top Online Programs

A.A. in Information Technology B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communications	University of Phoenix – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communication A.A.S. in Information Technology	Kaplan University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
B.F.A. in Web Design A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications B.F.A. in Digital Design	American InterContinental University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
A.S. in Web Design B.F.A. in Graphic Design B.A. in Fashion Merchandising	International Academy of Design & Technology – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia B.S. in Visual Communications A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia	Westwood College – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
A.S. in Web Graphic Design B.C.I.S. in Web Development B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming	DeVry University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
B.A. in Visual Communications B.A. in Art History	Ashford University – Bachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
B.S. in Web Design A.S. in Web Design Diploma in Web Design	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.