The Art Merit Badge has us taking a look at three different career opportunities in art. You then need to pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession.

Here are a few that I found:

Illustrator

Education / Training / Experience: High school diploma and sometime a bachelors or masters degree. Depends on the field and position. You will need to become familiar with some of the following sofware programs; Adobe products (photshop, illustrator…), Affinity Photo, Corel Painter, CorelDRAW, Wacom Tablets. Illustrators develop a portfolio that they can use when seeking employment. In addition to portfolio work developed in school, internship programs may help illustrators build up their portfolios.

Photographer

Education / Training / Experience: Most employers require at least a high school diploma for photography jobs. Some industries, such as photojournalism and science, often require a bachelor's degree in a discipline related to their industry. Some educational programs offer an associate's or bachelor's degree in photography. Very hands on. Get yourself a camera and start shooting. You will want to have attention to detail, strong networking skills, technical photography skills (rules of thirds, positioning of what your shooting), patience, and creativity. You will also want to take a course on photoshop if using digital or a course on how to develop negatives if using film. Your experience will grow with your portfolio. Working as an apprentice to another well seasoned photographer will also help build up your experience along with your training.

Animator

Education / Training / Experience: While certificate programs and associate degree programs in animation are available, most employers require that animators have at least a bachelor's degree. Animators can obtain training through experience while working in entry-level jobs after earning degrees. Students in a degree program may complete internships to gain practical experience working with animators, as well. Work experience provides animation students with material for professional portfolios to display their artistic abilities and skills. A portfolio of sketches and animation work is crucial for a freelance animator seeking projects; potential clients review this portfolio to determine whether a prospective animator is a good fit for a project.

Graphic Designer

Education / Training / Experience: Educational Requirements. Earning a certificate or associate's degree in graphic design may qualify graduates for assistant or technical support positions in the field. However, most graphic design positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Graphic designers need strong computer skills and typically prepare for a career in this field. They are trained in lighting, effects and animation techniques, as well as photography and computer-aided design software. Build up your portfolio to show your design history and principles, illustrations, drawing fundamentals, color theory, digital media, and even website design.

Museum Curator

Education / Training / Experience: Usually requires a master’s degree in history, art, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology. Apart from your master’s degree, complete volunteer work. Logging volunteer hours at a museum can give students valuable first-hand experience that can help them stand out in the job market. Take business and marketing courses. Since curators play a vital role in purchasing artifacts and planning fundraisers for museums, elective coursework in business and marketing may expand career opportunities and prepare students for more business-oriented aspects of curating. Aspiring museum curators commonly work in lower-level positions for a few years after finishing their studies. Work experience as an assistant or research associate can help future curators learn the practical skills they need to land leadership roles in this competitive field.

Printmaker

Education / Training / Experience: Printmaking involves making reproductions of original art works using different print making technology or equipment. An aspiring printmaker could pursue an associate's degree, bachelor's degree or certificate from a college or art school. An apprenticeship can be completed in addition to earning a degree or as an alternative to postsecondary education. An apprenticeship involves working under a professional printmaker and learning the printmaking process on the job rather than through coursework. Apprenticeships also teach students about the business end of working as a printmaker. A portfolio is a photographic compilation of an artist's work, and is necessary for showcasing a printmaker's talents and abilities. Aspiring printmakers typically begin compiling their portfolios during school or while completing apprenticeships, and they'll continue to expand and update them throughout their careers.

Art Teacher

Education / Training / Experience: Becoming an art teacher requires at least a four year bachelor's degree, usually with teacher training education on top of that, so count on between four and six years for all the education required. The requirements for obtaining a teacher's certification vary by state, but most states only offer certification to applicants who have completed a formal education program. States also require that applicants pass basic skills tests in math and reading, in addition to demonstrating competency in art, media, and design. Public schools hire only certified art teachers, while private schools and community art programs may not require teachers to be certified. Art teachers need to show proficiency in various styles and subjects of art. They should be able to demonstrate basic skills in oil painting, watercolor, clay, charcoal, and other types of art mediums. Colleges and universities offer a variety of art courses in which students can explore their interests.