There was a time that artists produced their craft using paint brushes and similar mediums. Wonderful painting and drawing would be commissioned for illustration in books, magazines and even murals. Times have changed and so has the demand for career professionals versed In different areas of the arts. Whether you are a designer that focuses on fashion, or a mechanical drafter that designs blueprints for manufacturing, you are still an artist. Long gone are the days when drawings were all done by hand. Today technology has advanced the type of careers that are available to professionals interested in pursuing a career in different types of art related fields. Here are a few areas that you might not have considered in this field

Typesetter- This position involves producing the type needed for many different kinds of mediums. Anything from cook books to menus have to have the type set prior to printing. Modern software make this a career choice that could be attractive to a clerically trained individual with strong typing skills

Set Designers- set designers are artists that create window displays or sets used in motion pictures and theater productions. The use of mediums are widespread opening avenues to career professionals that have additional training in woodworking, fashion or construction backgrounds.

Metal Workers- artisan work that involves metal design Is on the increase. Whether it is specific for corporate need or whimsical creations of sculpture and jewelry, professionals experienced in welding and different types of metalworking should look into what areas might suit their experiences.

Book Binder and Bindery Workers- career professionals with experienced printing backgrounds as well as support functions are in demand in this field. Whether you are preparing the manuscript to go to print or working the production line, there are several cross training careers that will work to get you into this art related field.

Medical Illustration Career- do you have a medical background and love to draw? Another in demand art career is for people that can design medical illustrations. These illustrations are used in books and on the web for educational and training purposes.

Multimedia Developer- today’s technology utilizes several types of graphic designs that use a wide range of multimedia programming. Whether it is video, music or animation there are several in demand careers in different multimedia disciplines. If you have a graphics background, or programming experience this could be a career for you.

NIOSH - Occupational Safety- whether you are producing pamphlets and posters for safety or working in a position that safeguards employees working in a production capacity for companies that produce art related wares, there is a demand in occupational safety that is related specifically to the Art and Design field. Knowledge of inks and chemicals used in these industries are key. Your expertise will be valuable in creating a safe environment for workers.

Because the Arts and Design careers have changed so much you might want to enlist the help of a career placement agency. Expert evaluation of your current training can be used to determine what skill you might have that can be transferred into the Arts and Design career track. You might be surprised to learn that by gaining a few additional courses or making a career switch you can enjoy a career in an artistic field.