Communication and the Arts

Graphic designer, copy editor, artist, musician, performer, broadcast journalist – all communications and arts-related careers are listed here. The articles listed below cover dozens of different career paths in the arts and communication. Each article provides career descriptions, median salary, job outlook, and training requirements.

If you’re interested in the arts or show business, be sure to check out our new in-depth articles about careers in television and film and careers in music.

Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and Profiles

Actor Job Description, Career as an Actor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good To the audience acting seems like glamorous work, but it is a profession that requires unusual talent and years of training and study, offers a minimum of security, and is physically and intellectually demanding. However, most actors report a great deal of satisfaction from their work, whet…

7 minute read

Advertising Copywriter Job Description, Career as an Advertising Copywriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$54,410 per year Employment Outlook: Good Advertising copywriters work closely with other members of an advertising team to create snappy, unified, eye-catching advertisements. The team usually includes an account executive, an art director, and a media expert. The account executive asks the client or advertiser what he or she would like the ad…

5 minute read

Announcer Job Description, Career as an Announcer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$10.64 per hour Employment Outlook: Poor Radio and television announcers work within the field of broadcasting. Their main goals are to capture the public's interest, build a large audience, and provide accurate information on a variety of topics. Radio announcers may have a wide range of duties, depending on where they…

5 minute read

Art Director Job Description, Career as an Art Director, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$63,750 per year Employment Outlook: Good Art directors oversee the artistic design of advertisements and print materials, as well as the filming of television commercials. They are the decision makers who are responsible for the quality of the finished product. The art director chooses a photographer, an illustrator, models, …

5 minute read

Artist Job Description, Career as an Artist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair Art occupations are usually divided into two categories: fine art and applied art. Although the nature and aesthetic value of what any artist produces may be the subject of debate, an artist is someone who creates art. A fine artist creates paintings, sculptures, prints, or other artwork th…

6 minute read

Blogger Job Description, Career as a Blogger, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? No specific academic qualification or training required. Salary: Median? $60,000 Employment Outlook:? Excellent Bloggers are freelance writers who maintain an online journal, also known as a blog. These online journals are shared by people who post entries about a variety of topics. Blogs are usually updated very frequently, and the posts are maintained in a chronological …

4 minute read

Book Editor Job Description, Career as a Book Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor?s degree Median Salary: $22.10 per hour Job Prospects: Fair Editors spend their day reviewing and correcting the work of writers. Since the editing pertains to books, an editor spends a significant amount of time reviewing the work of a writer and performing some rather extensive editing. An editor reviews for written content, or is involved in the devel…

5 minute read

Broadcast News Analyst Job Description, Career as a Broadcast News Analyst, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Poor Broadcast news analysts—often referred to as anchors or newscasters—host and synchronize news programs on radio or television. Their duties include reading news stories, providing lead-ins for reports by others, interviewing guests, and conducting panel discussions. Some may w…

3 minute read

Broadcast Technician Job Description, Career as a Broadcast Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Median—$28,010 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Behind the headliners who produce, direct, and act in radio and television shows, there is a cast of skilled workers who put the shows on the air. Broadcast technicians operate and maintain the electronic equipment that makes it possible to transmit radio and television shows. This equ…

7 minute read

Camera Operator Job Description, Career as a Camera Operator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$37,610 per year Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile Camera operators film motion pictures, videos, television shows, and commercials. They are needed for documentary, industrial, educational, and feature productions. Camera operators who work on major feature films usually work with a crew. The director of photograp…

5 minute read

Cartoonist and Animator Job Description, Career as a Cartoonist and Animator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Unlike visual artists, cartoonists are artists who communicate ideas through a combination of words and pictures. They use their work to tell stories, instruct and guide, and offer commentary on life and society. Cartoons can be used to present important issues to millions of people in an e…

6 minute read

Choreographer Job Description, Career as a Choreographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$33,670 per year Employment Outlook: Good Choreographers create and arrange original dances, combining steps and movements to form an artistic whole. They also develop new interpretations of traditional dances. Choreographers usually audition performers and teach them a dance at rehearsals. They often stage and direct presenta…

2 minute read

Cinematographer/Director of Photography Job Description, Career as a Cinematographer/Director of Photography, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? Degree in cinematography coupled with specialized training. Salary: Median? $3,239 weekly Employment Outlook:? Good Cinematographers and Directors of Photography play a very important and creative role in film production. They work closely with the director and give a film its unique visual look and identity. Cinematographers and directors of photography primarily monitor …

3 minute read

Clown Job Description, Career as a Clown, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: No formal education or training is required. Salary: Median? $51,000 annually Employment Outlook: Fair Clowns are artists or performers who entertain a group of people with hilarious acts. These theatrical entertainers are identified by their bizarre and sometimes grotesque costumes featuring colored wigs, strange makeup, and comical footwear. There are several different ty…

4 minute read

Columnist Job Description, Career as a Columnist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s degree in English, journalism, or mass communications Salary Median: $34,000 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Columnists write or edit copy for a regular column in a newspaper. They share information of public interest and offer opinions to their readers. Usually each column has a specialized area of interest, like politics, sports, religion, fashion, or persona…

3 minute read

Comedian Job Description, Career as a Comedian, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: No specific academic qualifications required. Salary: Median? $32,000 annually Employment Outlook: Good Comedians are performers responsible for entertaining people by making them laugh. Comedians have their own specific style, and may use various techniques like puppetry, ventriloquism, and music, to amuse audiences. Comedy is a form of art, and there are different types o…

4 minute read

Comic Book Writer Job Description, Career as a Comic Book Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? No specific qualification or training required. Salary: Median? $48,000 annually Employment Outlook:? Fair Comic book writers create comic books and graphic novels. They basically conceptualize stories and tell them through words which are then put together with suitable illustrations to form comic strips. The writer is responsible for developing the plot and setting, cons…

4 minute read

Composer Job Description, Career as a Composer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$34,570 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Composers create original music ranging from pop to jazz to classical. They may write music for film scores, operas, ballets, other stage productions, or even television commercials. The musical themes and background music for television shows are created by composers. Some composers a…

3 minute read

Copy Editor Job Description, Career as a Copy Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor?s degree Median Salary: $53,376 annually Job Prospects: Good A copy editor corrects and revises the work of a writer. Copy editors usually have a background or knowledge in writing. It?s important to have a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, and the language to be in this role. Even the strongest writer makes mistakes or can improve upon their content…

5 minute read

Copywriter Job Description, Career as a Copywriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor degree required; preferred majors: communications, journalism, marketing, or advertising Median Salary: $48,640 per year Job Prospects: Very good Copywriters at their most fundamental level provide written content for any type of audience. Copywriters provide written content in the form of web copy, literature, articles, or other form a client deems nece…

4 minute read

Costume Attendant Job Description, Career as a Costume Attendant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: On-the-job training Salary: Average—$12.04 per hour Employment Outlook: Very good Costume attendants help performers manage their costumes and keep track of the costume changes they must make during a show. Their job includes selecting, fitting, and taking care of the costumes. A costume attendant may be in charge of all the costumes for the entire cast of a play, or…

3 minute read

Costume Designer Job Description, Career as a Costume Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College degree in costume designing Salary Median: $55,840 per year Employment Outlook: Good Costume designers create accessories and clothing for television, film, and theater. They work closely with the producer and director to enhance the production?s quality. Costume designers sketch clothing ideas and choose appropriate fabrics and colors. Costume designers also manage…

3 minute read

Craftsperson Job Description, Career as a Craftsperson, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Craftspeople in every part of the nation make and sell a variety of handmade items such as ceramic pots, silver jewelry, and printed scarves. Handmade objects and articles of clothing are becoming increasingly popular among consumers and are sold at many venues, from small shops to huge cra…

4 minute read

Creative Arts Therapist Job Description, Career as a Creative Arts Therapist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Postgraduate education Salary Median: $36,600 per year Employment Outlook: Good Creative arts therapists improve clients? overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These human service professionals apply the techniques of various art forms to increase social function, improve coordination and communication, and enable expression of feelings. Creative arts therapis…

3 minute read

Dancer Job Description, Career as a Dancer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Dancers express feelings and act out stories through the movement of their bodies. Some dancers specialize in classical ballet or modern dance, while others perform in musical shows or do tap, folk, ethnic, modern jazz, or ballroom dancing. Dance is also used in opera, musical comedy, and t…

6 minute read

Desktop Publisher Job Description, Career as a Desktop Publisher, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College plus training Salary: Median—$32,340 per year Employment Outlook: Very good Desktop publishing software programs allow people who are not typesetters to prepare professional-looking publications at home or in the office. A company can save money and time using desktop publishing software because its employees can design and prepare its own publications. A com…

5 minute read

Diet and Fitness Writer Job Description, Career as a Diet and Fitness Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Diet and Fitness Writer Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $20-30 Per Hour Job Outlook: Very Good Diet and fitness writers are generally considered to be experts in this niche or area of expertise. Though their main responsibility is writing, they are usually expected to bring with them a lot of expertise, knowledge, and background information. If this is not a background th…

5 minute read

Director Job Description, Career as a Director, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$52,840 per year Employment Outlook: Good Directors are the main creative force in the making of films, television shows, and plays. They are responsible for making a wide range of artistic decisions. Together with the producer, the director hires the actors and staff. It is the director who works with the staff from day to da…

5 minute read

Directory Institutions Offering Career Training Job Description, Career as a Directory Institutions Offering Career Training, Salary, Employment

The information in this directory was generated from the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) database of the U.S. Department of Education. It includes only regionally or nationally accredited institutions offering postsecondary occupational training in communications and the arts. Because college catalogs and directories of colleges and universities are readily available elsewhe…

60 minute read

Disc Jockey Job Description, Career as a Disc Jockey, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: No specific educational requirements Median Salary: $30,000 annually Job Prospects: Good A disc jockey plays music for a wide variety of audiences and purposes. A disc jockey works at a radio station, a nightclub, on an independent basis, or through any variety of environments. They maintain a fundamental understanding and appreciation of music, which plays into …

4 minute read

Book Editor Job Description, Career as a Book Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$43,890 per year Employment Outlook: Good Book editors work for publishing companies to prepare an author's work for publication. They work closely with design artists, compositors, production personnel, marketing departments, and experts in the field to design an attractive product, guide it through the various levels of production, and…

7 minute read

Copy Editor Job Description, Career as a Copy Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile Editors strive to make the text of newspaper articles, magazine features, and books error free. Copy editors edit for mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. They also check a manuscript for form, length, and completeness. All publications have what is called a "house styl…

5 minute read

Magazine Editor Job Description, Career as a Magazine Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$43,620 per year Employment Outlook: Good In general, magazines fall into two categories: business and professional and those intended for the general public. A magazine's success depends largely on the work of its editors. There are different kinds of editors on a magazine, and their specific duties vary. On large magazines, the executi…

4 minute read

Newspaper Editor Job Description, Career as a Newspaper Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$43,620 a year Employment Outlook: Fair A newspaper's content is determined by its editors. The managing editor decides which stories are newsworthy and gives reporters their assignments. To an editor, there are two kinds of news: hard news, such as the election of a president or the signing of a peace treaty, and soft news. Soft news in…

5 minute read

Editorial Research Assistant Job Description, Career as a Editorial Research Assistant, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $32,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good Editorial research assistants generally work to support the editorial staff at a publication. This can involve a wide array of different responsibilities, and the range of them depend on the specific role itself. This often tends to be more of an administrative role, and one that many may take on as they e…

5 minute read

Exhibit Designer Job Description, Career as a Exhibit Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $43,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good An exhibit designer works within a variety of different environments in the design of a given space. They may work to design sets, tradeshow booths, or work within a facility such as a museum directly. As different as the number of applications and job types as there are within this type of role, there are…

5 minute read

Fashion Coordinator Job Description, Career as a Fashion Coordinator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Associate?s Degree Average Salary: $48,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good Though they may work in a variety of different environments, fashion coordinators are most notably found within retail stores, fashion magazines, or design houses directly. They work to create a unified look and feel that is in line with the latest fashion trends. They work to ensure that the looks portra…

5 minute read

Fashion Designer Job Description, Career as a Fashion Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor's or associate's degree Salary: Median—$55,840 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Every shoe, piece of clothing, and accessory on every hanger and shelf at every store has been designed by a fashion designer. Fashion designers examine trends in the kinds of clothing people are wearing, draw designs based on their ideas, choose colors and fabrics…

4 minute read

Fashion Illustrator Job Description, Career as a Fashion Illustrator, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Associate?s Degree Average Salary: $55,840 Annually Job Outlook: Good A fashion illustrator works in a variety of ways to portray the latest fashion trends through graphic design. As so much of fashion is portrayed and conveyed through print and online media, there is a great need for good solid illustration to be a part of this. Generally fashion illustrators are graphic d…

5 minute read

Fashion Model Agent Job Description, Career as a Fashion Model Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $59,000 per year Job Outlook Good Most fashion model agents are people who have previously been a part of the modeling industry. They must have a broad knowledge of fashion, modeling, photography, casting agencies, and directors as well as how they are all connected within the industry. They will be able to determine a models? potential and f…

5 minute read

Fashion Photographer Job Description, Career as a Fashion Photographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Associate?s Degree Average Salary: $36,000 Annually Job Outlook: Fair Though many may dream of being a fashion photographer, few get to experience what it is really like. There are various types of assignments that a photographer of this type may get, and ultimately they are working to capture photos of models or sets for any number of clients. They may work on different su…

5 minute read

Fashion Writer/Fashion Editor Job Description, Career as a Fashion Writer/Fashion Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor?s degree Median Salary: $47,000 annually Job Prospects: Good Fashion writers cover stories in and around the world of fashion. Not only is it necessary to have a strong background in writing, but they must also have a flair for fashion. Fashion writers/editors typically work through a publication to cover various stories within the fashion world. They wo…

5 minute read

Fiction Writer Job Description, Career as a Fiction Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair Fiction writers compose short stories, plays, and novels using imaginary characters and events. Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, J. K. Rowling, Sandra Cisneros, Steven King, and John Grisham are noted fiction writers. Writers generally work alone. They may write on assignment for a specific…

4 minute read

Film and Television Editor Job Description, Career as a Film and Television Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $55,000 per year Job Outlook Good Film and television editors are responsible for taking video footage and clips for a movie, documentary or television show and cropping, blending and syncing them together in order to produce a professional quality piece of work for the final copy. Editors work closely with directors, producers and camera ope…

5 minute read

Film and Television Extra Job Description, Career as a Film and Television Extra, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies ? see below Average Salary Varies ? see below Job Outlook Good Movie and television extras are people in a film or TV show that appear in the background and occasionally foreground of various scenes but do not say any lines. Extras are often seen sitting in the crowd at sporting events on a show, at tables in the background of a restaurant, or as doctors and nurses in…

5 minute read

Film and Television Producer Job Description, Career as a Film and Television Producer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies ? see below Average Salary Varies ? see below Job Outlook Good Film and television producers are responsible for all the administrative aspects of creating a film or television show. The producer determines the budget needed in order to create the product, and also determines where the money will come from and how it will be distributed. They are in charge of taking o…

5 minute read

Film and Video Librarian Job Description, Career as a Film and Video Librarian, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Master?s degree Average Salary $52,000 per year Job Outlook Good Film and video librarians classify, organize and maintain a library of movies, photographic slides and tapes of various types of films and videos. They work similar to a librarian who works with books in the sense that they keep a record of all the files available and which ones are currently on shelves or out …

5 minute read

Film and Video Editor Job Description, Career as a Film and Video Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Median—$43,590 per year Employment Outlook: Good Film editors are an important part of the film staff and are responsible for the technical quality of a film. Editors, with the guidance of a director, edit film until it meets with the director's approval. The director tells the film editors how to rearrange the scenes that hav…

4 minute read

Food Photographer Job Description, Career as a Food Photographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $35,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good A food photographer has to work hard to elicit good strong reactions out of their work for the foods that we eat. This may sound simplistic, but it is no small task. Those who work as food photographers not only need to have a background and appreciation or food, but they need to be able to properly captur…

4 minute read

Food Writer and Editor Job Description, Career as a Food Writer and Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies ? see below Average Salary Varies ? see below Job Outlook Good Food writers and editors are writers who specialize in writing reviews and critical essays on specific food, restaurants, bars, and other food related establishments. Many food writers and editors work for magazines, websites or publications and visit restaurants and bars to try new dishes or specific food…

6 minute read

Foreign Correspondent Job Description, Career as a Foreign Correspondent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s degree in journalism, communications, or a related discipline Salary Median: $65,000 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Foreign correspondents are journalists or commentators stationed in a foreign country. They gather and analyze events of international importance, and they write news stories for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television broadcasts. The job…

4 minute read

Getting into Communications and the Arts - PLANNING YOUR CAREER, EVALUATE SPECIFIC JOBS, FINDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MARKETING YOURSELF, PRESENTING YOURSELF INAN INTERVIEW

Good jobs do not magically appear. Anyone who has been in the job market knows that landing the right job takes planning, preparation, perseverance, and patience. This is true whether you are looking for your first job, reentering the job market, trying to get a new job, or planning a mid-career change. This essay is designed to guide you through the process of finding a job, from helping you defi…

44 minute read

Illustrator and Graphic Designer Job Description, Career as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College plus training Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile Illustrators and graphic designers are both in the business of creating original art to decorate or to convey information. Illustrators draw pictures for books, magazines, and other print materials, including greeting cards and wrapping paper. Graphic designers use art to c…

5 minute read

Instructional Designer Job Description, Career as an Instructional Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Very good The widespread use of computers as teaching tools has created a need for instructional software. College courses, job training programs, how-to projects, and other types of instruction are now offered through software programs. Instructional designers carefully plan each program so it meets users'…

4 minute read

Journalism Teacher Job Description, Career as a Journalism Teacher, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Varies ? see below Average Salary $49,000 per year Job Outlook Fair Journalism teachers are usually retired or working journalists who teach journalism college courses. Most of them decide to teach because their level of experience in the journalism field provides for a beneficial education for students who wish to pursue the career. Many of them also work for newspapers or …

5 minute read

Lexicographer Job Description, Career as a Lexicographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $35,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good A lexicographer though not necessarily known by name is very popular in the services provided. In the simplest sense of the word, they work to edit and update the written word of others, but their responsibilities usually go much deeper than that. Though they do handle writing and editing as others in the …

5 minute read

Lighting Technician Job Description, Career as a Lighting Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile Lighting in film, television, and theater is a subtle art, generally not meant to be noticed. Lighting technicians use lights to create different effects and moods from scene to scene. To make a major feature film, many lighting technicians are needed. In film, lighting…

6 minute read

Literary or Theatrical Agent Job Description, Career as a Literary or Theatrical Agent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College plus training Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Agents represent and promote actors and writers, connecting them with the producers or publishers who need their talent. Most theatrical and literary agents work for large agencies with many clients. Well-known agents may start their own agencies. Theatrical agents look for news about new plays…

3 minute read

Looking Into Communications and the Arts - COMMUNICATIONS ANDTHE ARTS: THE SAMEOR DIFFERENT?, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, PUBLISHING, ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS, BROADCAST MEDIA

Consider the Titanic. When the great ship sank in April 1912, it represented the state-of-the art technology of its day, including communications. The Titanic was equipped with one of the most powerful wireless telegraphy sets in existence at that time, which allowed it to communicate with other ships—provided they were within 300 miles. The loss of the Titanic was the largest media event o…

41 minute read

Makeup Artist Job Description, Career as a Makeup Artist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$32,630 per year Employment Outlook: Good Makeup artists are experts at giving people a desired look through the use of makeup, wigs, and other tools of the trade. Many makeup artists work in a theater or performance environment. Others apply makeup for television and film. Some makeup artists put lipstick and mascara on depar…

4 minute read

Media Relations Specialist Job Description, Career as a Media Relations Specialist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $43,000 per year Job Outlook Very good A media relations specialist works for a business or individual to keep their public image positive and keep the public, as well as the media, aware of what is going on within the company. The specialist will often create press releases and conferences, organize meetings with clients, help create films o…

4 minute read

Model Job Description, Career as a Model, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: None Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Models pose for still photographers, television cameras, and artists. They also display clothes and accessories for clothing manufacturers and stores. There are several different kinds of models. Artists' models typically work for individual painters, sculptors, and photographers, but most also work for …

7 minute read

Motivational Speaker Job Description, Career as a Motivational Speaker, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies; training in public speaking is helpful Average Salary: $44,000 Annually Job Outlook: Good Though many people may think that they know exactly what a motivational speaker does, there is actually a lot more to the job than you may realize. Motivational speakers are those individuals that speak in front of a crowd for the purpose of getting them motivated or incentiviz…

5 minute read

Multimedia Developer Job Description, Career as a Multimedia Developer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Traditionally individuals interested in working for the "media" settled on one medium as a career—print, broadcast, or film. The advent of computer technology and digital communication has given rise to an entirely new class of communications that combines elements of traditional media w…

4 minute read

Museum Teacher Job Description, Career as a Museum Teacher, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $45,000 per year Job Outlook Good Museum directors and teachers are responsible for utilizing the resources available in a museum to create educational programs, exhibits and opportunities for visitors, school field trips and college students looking to get into the field. Most teachers spend their time coordinating events for grade school st…

5 minute read

Music Journalist Job Description, Career as a Music Journalist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $43,000 a year Job Outlook Very good Music journalists are writers and reporters that focus their research on the music industry. Many are freelance writers that make money by writing reviews on albums and concerts for music publications or record labels, or write about shows and performances. Most of their information is opinion material, as…

4 minute read

Music Teacher Job Description, Career as a Music Teacher, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Music teachers instruct individuals or groups in vocal or instrumental music and foster music appreciation. They may work full time or part time at home, in a studio, or in an elementary or secondary school, college, university, or music conservatory. The specific nature of a music teacher&…

3 minute read

Music Therapist Job Description, Career as a Music Therapist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree and certification Average Salary $70,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Music therapists direct therapeutic music activities prescribed to patients as a form of mental and physical health care. Therapy performed with music created by therapists can help patients to restore and maintain mental health, increase comprehension abilities, improve physical abilit…

5 minute read

Music Video Producer Job Description, Career as a Music Video Producer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Fair The enormous success of music videos has opened a new and highly creative field to producers. Video producers are now in demand by record companies and recording artists who want visual interpretations of the songs they are promoting. A music video producer is responsible for seeing that th…

3 minute read

Musical Instrument Tuner/Repairer Job Description, Career as a Musical Instrument Tuner/Repairer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Apprenticeship or Certification Average Salary $24,000 per year Job Outlook Very good Musical instrument repairers and tuners are specialized in inspecting and repairing musical instruments that have been damaged to repair them back to working condition. They use a variety of tools and techniques to keep instruments working in proper condition. Instrument repairers can re-at…

4 minute read

Musician Job Description, Career as a Musician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Musicians play instruments for a living and may work in symphony orchestras, bands, rock groups, or jazz "combos." Most musicians study for many years before they become professionals. They usually train in some area of specialization such as popular or classical music. Musici…

6 minute read

News Reporter and Correspondent Job Description, Career as a News Reporter and Correspondent, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$31,320 per year Employment Outlook: Poor News reporters and correspondents, also known as journalists, gather news and keep the public informed about important events. They may obtain the information they need from a number of sources, including personal interviews, news briefings—question-and-answer periods during which journalists mee…

6 minute read

Online Journalist Job Description, Career as a Online Journalist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s degree in journalism or mass communication. Salary: Median? $48,000 annually Employment Outlook: Very good Online journalism refers to the reporting of national and international news via the Internet. Although it is similar to traditional journalism, there are several characteristics that distinguish one from the other. In online journalism, news can be reported…

3 minute read

Online Video Editor Job Description, Career as a Online Video Editor, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? Bachelor?s degree in editing or videography, and specialized training. Salary: Median? $43,000 annually Employment Outlook:? Good Video editing refers to the editing of video footage and enhancing it with audio and special effects. Editors may adopt the linear video editing system, non-linear video editing system, or vision mixing. The linear video editing is done by using…

4 minute read

Photo Researcher Job Description, Career as a Photo Researcher, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Photo researchers find and secure reproducible artwork for their clients. The artwork and other graphics may appear in books, advertisements, film, television, video games, computer software, or other visual projects. Photo researchers work primarily with digital images of photographs; however, they may also…

2 minute read

Photographer Job Description, Career as a Photographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$26,080 per year Employment Outlook: Varies—see profile Photographers combine artistic talent and technical skill to produce professional photographs. To use their tools—cameras, lenses, and lights—they must be highly skilled technicians. To create meaningful photographs, they must be able to arrange whate…

6 minute read

Photojournalist Job Description, Career as a Photojournalist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $42,000 per year Job Outlook Fair The main job of a photojournalist is to provide pictures for stories or news articles that provide clear and truthful images corresponding with the topic. Photos need to be taken that will allow the reader to gain a better understanding of what the story is about. Some photo journalists do more than just take…

4 minute read

Political Speech Writer Job Description, Career as a Political Speech Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $47,000 per year Job Outlook Good Political speech writers are often ghost writers who are responsible for the elaborate and professional speeches given by politicians. They can write speeches for political figures such as city council members, all the way through to mayors, governors or even the president or prime minister. Political figures…

4 minute read

Producer Job Description, Career as a Producer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Producers have financial and administrative control over the making of movies, plays, and television shows. A lot of money goes into productions of this kind, and the producer's job is to raise the money needed and see that it is wisely spent. The producer is responsible for ultimate…

5 minute read

Proofreader Job Description, Career as a Proofreader, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Poor Have you ever noticed that books and magazines have few, if any, mistakes? It isn't by luck. It is the job of proofreaders to catch mistakes before anything is printed and distributed to the public. Proofreaders are involved at several stages in the process of turning manuscript into…

4 minute read

Public Relations Manager Job Description, Career as a Public Relations Manager, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College plus training Salary: Median—$70,000 per year Employment Outlook: Very good A public relations (PR) manager supervises staffs of public relations workers, some of whom may be specialists in a particular kind of media. They also direct publicity programs that are designed to improve the public image of the organization that employs them. In industry they direc…

4 minute read

Public Relations Specialist Job Description, Career as a Public Relations Specialist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$43,830 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent Public relations (PR) specialists, sometimes called communications specialists or media specialists, perform a variety of functions depending on where and for whom they work. Above all, they create and promote a positive image for their employers. They also keep the public informed of their employe…

4 minute read

Radio Producer Job Description, Career as a Radio Producer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training:? No specific academic requirements, but a college degree is beneficial. Salary: Median? $43,030 annually Employment Outlook:? Fair Radio producers are primarily responsible for creating a radio show. They are involved in the entire process, right from the conceptualization to the final distribution. Radio producers generate ideas, research and develop the content, select th…

3 minute read

Real-Time Captioner Job Description, Career as a Real-Time Captioner, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $55,000 Annually Job Outlook: Very Good Real-time captioners have come to play a very important role in the services that they provide. Since closed captioning has become a mandated service on television, this is a job that has become quite important. These captioners work to transcribe what is said on a broadcast into written words. Their …

5 minute read

Resources—Communication and the Arts

Communications and the Arts Careers for Cyber Surfers and Other Online Types, 2nd ed., Marjorie Eberts and Rachel Kelsey. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2003. Careers for High-Energy People and Other Go-Getters, 2nd ed., Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler, and Maria Gisler. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2005. Careers for Talkative Types and Others with the Gift of Gab, 2nd ed., Marjor…

6 minute read

Resources—General Career Information

American Salaries and Wages Survey, 8th ed., Helen S. Fisher. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2005. America's Fastest Growing Jobs: Detailed Information on the 140 Fastest Growing Jobs in Our Economy, 8th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2004. America's Top 101 Jobs for College Graduates, 6th ed., Michael Farr. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, 2005. America…

21 minute read

Scriptwriter Job Description, Career as a Scriptwriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Scriptwriters are skilled writers who prepare scripts for commercials, soap operas, comedies, and dramas that appear on television, in films, and on stage. One type of scriptwriter, known as the continuity writer, creates station announcements, previews of coming shows, and advertising copy…

5 minute read

Set and Exhibit Designer Job Description, Career as a Set and Exhibit Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor of fine arts degree or associate's degree in design Salary: Median—$35,890 per year Employment Outlook: Fair or poor Set and exhibit designers design the physical sets for television, movie, and theatrical productions and for special exhibits of all kinds. They collaborate with directors and study scripts and plans to determine the appropriate style f…

4 minute read

Sign Language and Oral Interpreter Job Description, Career as a Sign Language and Oral Interpreter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Median—$16.28 per hour Employment Outlook: Very good Sign language and oral interpreters bridge the communication gap between those who can hear and those who cannot. Sign language interpreters use their hands and fingers to translate spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL). These signs are understood by the deaf person, who…

4 minute read

Singer Job Description, Career as a Singer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Good Singers use their skills to entertain. Some perform on stage in front of live audiences; others record their voices for television, films, and CDs. They interpret music by using their knowledge of voice production, melody, harmony, and rhythm. Many singers teach voice either through private…

5 minute read

Songwriter Job Description, Career as a Songwriter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Bachelor?s degree Average Salary $43,000 per year Job Outlook Fair Songwriters often specialize in writing and composing music for one specific instrument or part of a song. They often work with a partner or in groups of 3 or 4 people with different talents to compile a piece of work to sell to an artist, record company or producer. Some songwriters work solely for specific …

4 minute read

Sound Engineering Technician Job Description, Career as a Sound Engineering Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: High school plus training Salary: Median—$38,110 per year Employment Outlook: Good Creating sound for radio, television, stage productions, and motion pictures is a relatively new craft. The radio became widely used in the early twentieth century, while television did not come into popular use until the 1940s. Movies began "talking" in the late 1920s; b…

5 minute read

Sports Photographer Job Description, Career as a Sports Photographer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: No Set Requirement Average Salary: $35,000 Annually Job Outlook: Fair A sports photographer must be an expert of sorts in their field. They must marry all of the skills that are required in a photography role and be able to get the game winning or action shot. This requires a keen eye and a great attention to detail. It?s important that a sports photographer works to consta…

4 minute read

Sports Writer Job Description, Career as a Sports Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Bachelor?s Degree Average Salary: $49,000 Annually Job Outlook: Fair A sports writer works to cover a particular sports team, type of sports, or niche within the sporting world. The majority of their time is spent writing, but there is much more to the job than this. It is essential that a sports writer have a strong writing ability, but they must also have a keen understan…

4 minute read

Stagehand Job Description, Career as a Stagehand, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: None Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Poor Stagehands perform a variety of behind-the-scenes functions in many kinds of productions. Although most often associated with the theater, they also work in film, commercials, and television. Stagehands are responsible for building, maintaining, moving, and storing sets. They take care of the many changing deta…

4 minute read

Stunt Performer Job Description, Career as a Stunt Performer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training Field experience Average Salary $52,000 per year Job Outlook Good Stunt performs work for movie industries and producers to perform stunts in place of actors including fight scenes, car chases or crashes, falling from buildings, or even dance style routines for actors who are not professional dancers. Stunt performers are professionals in the field they are performing and sk…

3 minute read

Technical Writer Job Description, Career as a Technical Writer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median—$53,490 per year Employment Outlook: Very good Technical writers explain in simple language scientific and technical ideas that are difficult for the average reader to understand. Some write articles and reports on current trends in fields such as science and engineering. Many technical writers in this specialty are former scientists and techni…

6 minute read

Translator or Interpreter Job Description, Career as a Translator or Interpreter, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Varies—see profile Employment Outlook: Very good Translators and interpreters convert one language into another. This service allows concepts and ideas to be exchanged between languages and cultures. Translators and interpreters are employed all over the world, helping people to communicate. Perhaps the hardest job in this field is literary translatio…

5 minute read

Web Designer Job Description, Career as a Web Designer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: Varies—see profile Salary Range: Median—$59,894 per year Employment Outlook: Excellent Web designers are responsible for creating the look and feel of World Wide Web pages for a client's Web site. This involves developing a graphic design that effectively communicates the ideas being promoted by the Web site. A web designer may take part in the initial …

5 minute read

Writers and Editors Job Description, Career as a Writers and Editors, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job

Education and Training: College Salary: Median? $48,640 per year Employment Outlook: Fair Writers and editors are primarily responsible for creating written materials for dissemination through books, magazines, online publications, newspapers, manuals, and advertisements. Writers work together with editors to develop content. There are various occupational titles for writers, and one can be a copy…

5 minute read