Commercial Artist Salary
A commercial artist is a person employed by a company or organization with the purpose of creating and designing commercial art for the company or organization. This can include everything from standard website design, logo creation, stationary, print and online advertisements, product packages, video, posters, and company brochures, mailings, and catalogs. Essentially, anything the company or group needs produced to keep the company moving in a positive direction. The commercial artist is just that, you are an artist whose work has a direct commercial application.
As a commercial artist, you must be well versed in the latest technology, advertising trends, and the essentials for good design. Those who work for a large company will likely be a part of a department where they will only be responsible for a small portion of the production process, while those who work on a freelance basis or for a smaller company must be able to complete all aspects of the job, including creation, layout, and production.
To become a commercial artist, a number of degrees can help. Many modern day commercial artists major in graphic design, but due to the numerous tasks that need to be completed at larger companies, many major in marketing, advertising, or public relations while in school, with several classes taken on the artistic side of the job.
Graphic design is still the standard. With this degree, you will become well versed in the common computer programs used, including many of the Adobe programs, learn about basic design elements, and have the ability to perfect these skills in a classroom environment. Commercial art is one of the many fields that depend on a portfolio. While having a college degree helps, having a large selection of work samples will be even better, since this shows you are fully capable of performing the job at hand.
The average commercial artist salary is around $45,000 a year when working for a company. Most entry level applicants can expect around $26,000 a year, with the upper crust of commercial art departments pulling in over $85,000 a year. The various positions will often pull in more, since working for a company will offer supervisory and management positions.
One primary way that commercial artists supplement their salary is through freelance work and other artistic ventures. When freelancing, artists can make a very large sum or next to nothing for their work. Freelance artists must have a solid grasp on their customers and clients and be well aware of what they are expected to do and what they will be making for their trouble.
Above all else, it is very important for a commercial artist to have artistic ability and the skill to focus it for a purpose. The work you are doing is designed to help sell a product or service or to get a name out there more, and you must be able to use your talent for that purpose.
