Students interested in a visual arts related career have a plethora of options.

Many people may think of painting and drawing as all there is to art, but that just isn’t the case, said Amanda Hood-Sweeney, a local artist and adjunct professor in Highline’s Department of Art and Design.

“There are really so many options for anyone looking to incorporate more artistic creativity into their daily lives,” Hood-Sweeney said.

“Whether you are taking an intro art class at Highline, attending a community arts workshop, taking advantage of the wonderful programming offered by our local art galleries and museums, or just doodling at home to YouTube tutorials, the most important starting point is giving yourself permission to not be perfect.

“Nurture all of those little creative inclinations, even if you are worried about how your work looks, and you will gradually find your artistic voice over time with practice and exploration.” 

Beauty and inspiration for art can be found in the most ordinary of places, if one uses a little bit of imagination, said Hood-Sweeney.

“An art school mentor once told me about how a recent graduate had become inspired to create after noticing the beautiful ripple patterns that showed up when they were making their daughter pancakes every morning. Open yourself up to all of the unique, weird, painful, beautiful, experiences in your life, and don’t be afraid of what comes out as you explore your creativity,” she said. 

Any students interested in pursuing a career in art need only get in touch with one of Highline’s many advisors, as well.

“…And of course if you are interested in an arts career, contact an art and design advisor to get a better picture of the skills and education required to be successful in your discipline!” 

Some students feel pressure from the outside, but anyone interested in developing their art skills in class don’t need to see it as just a past time.

“Parents may fear the old tropes about the starving artist when their child expresses an interest in art, but in reality we are constantly surrounded by the amazing work of well-educated, successful visual artists and designers in our everyday lives,” said Hood-Sweeney.

“Whether it’s the media we consume, how we navigate buildings, select a product at the grocery store, or scroll through a website to find a place to go to dinner, the world needs talented professionals to produce all of the visual information that enriches and enables our experiences!” 

“Below is a sampling of just some of the amazing career paths available in the visual arts: 

Multimedia Designer

Video Producer

Editor

Animator

Filmmaker

Instructional Designer

Visual Designer

Graphic Designer for Print and Online Media

Illustrator or Character Designer

Advertising and Marketing

Animation

Interactive Web Designer

Product Design 

Painter

Illustrator

Set Design

Gallery Manager Attendant

Art Critic/Writer

Art Teacher

Ceramics/potter

Curator

Art Restoration

Photographer

Interior Designer

Staging

Organizational Designer 

Event Planner

Lighting Design

Drafting Detailer

Architect

Mechanical Drafting,” said Hood-Sweeney.

And many of these art related career paths can start at Highline. 

“Highline offers a diverse range of study areas for students interested in pursuing art and design, such as Fine Art, Drafting, Visual Communication, Multimedia and Interior Design, with options for both AAS degrees and a BAS degree,” said Hood-Sweeney.

“The BAS program is an amazing opportunity for students wanting to pursue careers in the visual arts. The broad scope of multimedia allows students the flexibility to focus credit hours in whatever their area of interest is, (such as fine arts, visual communication etc.) while gaining the technical skills essential to working in the modern world. Degree candidates also complete an internship in their desired career field to prepare themselves for a smooth transition into professional life,” she said.

For more information on Highline’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Design, click here.

A BAS degree may seem daunting at first, but Highline has courses that even allow beginners to get their hands messy with art, as well as develop other skills while enjoying themselves.

“No previous art experience is required to take any introductory art classes! All skill levels, majors, and disciplines are welcome. In addition to being fun and hands-on, art classes are also a wonderful place to grow your confidence, empathy, creativity,  risk taking, and problem solving skills no matter what your career goals might be! 

“Many students are also surprised to learn that art classes help develop the important manual dexterity skills and precision tool usage demanded by other fields such as healthcare. Be sure to check the spring class schedule for open art classes that can be used towards your arts and humanities credits!” said Hood-Sweeney.

You can find some of Amanda Hood-Sweeney’s art on her webpage here.

Not all aspiring artists need to begin their journey at Highline, however. One Seattle based artist gives his professional advice to individuals interested in pursuing a self-made art career.

“It’s important to work with people you trust that have as much skin in the game as you do,” said Steven Nosov. 

Nosov is an illustrator for a children’s book called Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat by Neil Ballard and an illustrator for a tabletop game called Cuticorium by usducktape.

“Illustrators as artists are underrepresented, I feel. Many view it as not having any technical use, but it still draws people in,” Nosov said. “It’s good to have your dignity when creating your art as it’s the one thing the world can’t take away from you.”

It’s a good idea to get input from an outside source to improve in your art, despite any passion one might have, Nosov said.

“I enjoy drawing, and it’s really fulfilling, but life does get in the way. Sometimes you do need people to talk to for professional input. I didn’t have any proper guidance, I was just making my way through the dark trying to get somewhere. And if that meant pivoting from video game art to children’s book art, then so be it. I just wanted to make something out of it.”

It’s also important to separate your pastimes from your work, and set reasonable expectations depending on the amount of effort one puts in, said Nosov.

“Don’t just do it as a hobby if you want to make it a profession. If you want to do it as a hobby, then by all means do it and have fun. You can be ambitious with your hobby, but there needs to be realistic expectations with what you do,” he said.

Additionally, individuals interested in pursuing art through their own means need more than just artistic ability, said Nosov.

“You gotta make sure you have an entrepreneurial spirit when trying to make something out of your work,” he said. “If you’re going to sign a contract and make a deal, make sure you have the chops for it. It’s best to work with professionals, people who are willing to put in the work and advertise.”

“Find people you fit with, don’t try to be someone that you’re not. Try to surround yourself with people that you click with,” he added.

Nosov was also in the top 100 finalists for the 2022 Pokemon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest with two of his submissions, and has designed shirts for the website sharkrobot.com.

You can check out Nosov’s art on his Twitter page here.