Career Options Involving Color
Numerous jobs involve color in various ways, but some careers rely more heavily on its use. These positions are typically found in artistic and design-related job fields, and we discuss some of those professions below.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Artists | $52,340 (painters, sculptors, and illustrators) | 1% (painters, sculptors, and illustrators) |
| Bakers | $29,400 | 5% |
| Fashion Designers | $75,810 | -4% (Decline) |
| Interior Designers | $57,060 | -5% (Decline) |
| Floral Designers | $29,140 | -20% (Decline) |
| Art Teachers, Postsecondary | $69,690 (art, drama and music) | 6% (art, drama and music) |
| Art Directors | $97,270 | -2% (Decline) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Jobs Involving Color
Fine Artists
Fine artists experiment with color and other visual techniques, like space and perspective, when creating their unique pieces. Fine artists specialize in a wide range of areas, including paint, sculpture and illustration, and create numerous pieces to sell and/or display. They typically add pieces to their professional portfolio to attract clients and may need to pursue grants and other funding to support their work. Fine artists typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in fine arts and practice to perfect their work.
Bakers
Bakers may utilize color to decorate their cakes and other pastries. Some of these decorations may be extravagant and involve colorful icings, toppings and food dyes. In general, bakers mix quality ingredients and bake their products at the correct temperature for sale to consumers. Many bakers learn on the job, but some may study through apprenticeships, culinary or technical school.
Fashion Designers
Fashion designers incorporate a variety of color into their clothing and accessory designs. They may even center an entire collection around a color or group of hues, as they prepare pieces for the runway and/or retail. Fashion designers typically oversee the entire production process of their pieces and make decisions concerning the materials and embellishments for each piece. These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in the field and knowledge of the production process.
Interior Designers
Interior designers must consider coordinating color schemes as they plan and decorate various interior spaces. They may select the shades of paint, flooring, light fixtures, furnishings and more, for homes, offices and other spaces. Interior designers are also responsible for placing orders for materials, staying within a client's budget and ensuring that the finished project meets the client's desires and expectations. They need at least a bachelor's degree in interior design or interior architecture.
Floral Designers
Floral designers work with vivid colored flowers and plants to create floral displays for their customers. They may also incorporate additional colors through ribbons and other accessories in the display. Floral designers help their customer choose the proper flowers for the occasion and the client's budget and then coordinate the necessary details of the display's delivery. These workers usually learn on the job and have a high school diploma.
Art Teachers, Postsecondary
Art teachers at all levels, including the postsecondary level, incorporate and teach about color and other visual techniques in their lessons. Postsecondary teachers plan these lessons, as well as assignments and any necessary assessments to help their students improve their artistic skills. Educators at the postsecondary level may have the additional responsibilities of supervising graduate students and serving on various committees for the institution. Most postsecondary teachers need a doctorate in their respective field, but some institutions and subject areas may only require a master's degree.
Art Directors
Art directors use color and other visual techniques to create a specific visual style for a wide range of subjects. They may work for magazines, television or movie productions, and newspapers to determine how best to visually express a particular concept. They often oversee the work of graphic designers and other design staff to ensure that projects meet the clients' expectations and stay within the required budget and timelines. Art directors typically need previous work experience in the field and at least a bachelor's degree.
