Artistic careers
Artistic interests are about self-expression and original form — writing, performing, designing, composing, making. The work is judged on whether it lands, which means ambiguity is part of the job rather than a flaw in it.
Who it tends to suit
People high in Artistic interest generally want room to interpret the brief, dislike rigid procedure, and accept irregular structure and critique as the price of doing original work.
Where the work happens
Studios, newsrooms, theatres, design and product teams, agencies. Freelance and project-based patterns are more common here than in any other area.
Occupations led by artistic interest
All ordered by ordered by how strongly the work rates on Artistic. Each links to its full O*NET profile.
- Actors ↗ASE
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
- Models ↗ARE
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
- Dancers ↗ARS
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
- Editors ↗ACE
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).
Not sure whether artistic is your leading area? The interest test rates 60 real work activities and gives you your own three-letter code.
Take the interest test →Occupation data from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. O*NET® is a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Northstarself is not endorsed by or affiliated with USDOL/ETA. Interest ratings dated 11/2023.