Ever felt like an outsider in the tech world? Like it’s an exclusive club that requires code fluency, algorithm mastery, and a Red Bull addiction.
You might even catch yourself thinking, “Can my artsy side really make it with all that tech stuff?”
It’s easy to feel you don’t belong.
But guess what?
The tech scene is actually craving what you’ve got. Creativity isn’t just welcome; it’s needed.
This blog post is for artists, designers, and all creative professionals. We’ll show you how your artistic skills fit perfectly into tech and how you can blend your creativity with technology to shine in this field.
Back in the day, being an artist usually meant working with paints and canvases, or maybe sculpting with clay or marble. But then, in the 1980s, computers and the internet came along, changing the game for artists.
Tools like Photoshop meant that photos could take on a whole new look and be manipulated in almost any way imaginable.
Now, we’re at a point where art and technology go together like a ham and cheese sandwich. Artists aren’t just artists anymore; they’re the backbone of the tech world too. They make apps look good, video games free real, and websites easy and fun to use.
The demand for creative minds in tech is bigger than ever. In fact, job projection for video and film editors is expected to grow by 17% between 2016 to 2026! It’s a great time to blend your creative skills with tech to create things that people use everyday.
So let’s take a look at how you can use your creative mind in the tech industry.
Here’s a quick rundown of 10 popular jobs for artists in IT:
Average US Salary: $107,211 per year
Average US Salary: $89,783 per year
Average US Salary: $59,511 per year
Average US Salary: $51,345 per year
Average US Salary: $62,101 per year
Average US Salary: $62,490 per year
Average US Salary: $53,242 per year
Average US Salary: $55,022 per year
Average US Salary: $114,845 per year
Average US Salary: $112,202 per year
Now that you’ve got a good idea of what jobs are available for artists in IT, you might be wondering how to go about getting one.
Kickstart Your Artist in IT Journey: Start by learning about the role you’re interested in. There are plenty of online courses and resources from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.
At the same time, apply what you’re learning to everyday problems—this could be anything from reimagining a more user-friendly layout for a room to optimizing a daily task. As you learn, familiarize yourself with essential tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and InVision, many of which offer free tutorials and trials to get you started.
These are some free alternatives to try as you learn to transition your skills to tech applications: Vectr, Inkscape, Pencil2D, Tinkercad, FluidUI.
This combined approach of theoretical learning and practical application will build a solid foundation in tech tools.
Create a Portfolio: Develop your own projects or volunteer for nonprofits, friends, or local businesses needing website or app improvements. Document every step of your design process, from user research to the final prototype, to showcase your skills and thought process to potential employers.
Network and Connect: Engage with like-minded professionals through online platforms and in-person events. Joining design communities on Meetup.com, LinkedIn groups, attending workshops, and conferences will broaden your knowledge and connect you with professionals and potential job opportunities.
Gain Real-World Experience: Seek out internships or entry-level positions to apply your skills in a practical setting. These experiences are invaluable for learning, networking, and opening doors to future opportunities.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: Tech is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated with the latest trends and tools. Follow related blogs, thought leaders, and participate in forums to keep your knowledge and skills sharp.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design process, how you solve problems, and detail the projects in your portfolio during interviews. Practicing with InterviewAI to articulate your decisions and what you've learned from each project will make you a stronger candidate.
Apply Strategically: Don't get discouraged by rejections. Apply to jobs that match your skills and interests, and use each application as a chance to refine your approach. Persistence is key. Use tools like AutoApplyAI to stay consistent.
Seek Feedback and Improve: After each application or interview, ask for feedback and use it to tweak your portfolio, resume, and interview techniques. Continuous improvement based on feedback is crucial for growth and success in landing an artistic job.
After laying out the foundation of how to land your dream job as an artist in IT, let's shift gears and talk about the road ahead. Yes, the path is filled with opportunities, but like any adventure, there are challenges and considerations to navigate.
Whether you're a budding UX designer, a digital illustrator, or any creative soul looking to make your mark in the tech world, understanding these hurdles is key to not just surviving but thriving in your career.
Bridging the Creative-Technical Divide
Art and IT can sometimes seem like two different worlds, with creative ideas pushing technical limitations.
To ease the tension, focus on developing a strong foundation in both areas. Understanding the basics of programming or tech can help you communicate better with developers, while honing your creative skills can help you propose innovative solutions that are technically feasible.
Finding Your Niche
The endless amount of creative IT careers can make it difficult to find your own path and stand out in a crowded field.
Try experimenting with different roles and projects to discover what you’re passionate about. Once you find your niche, dive deep into mastering it. Building a personal brand around your specific skills and interests can help you become a go-to expert.
Take Lauralee Sheehan, CEO of Digital 55, who got her start writing in film and music then pivoted to creating digital products and learning experiences. Her journey shows how she expanded her traditional artistic abilities and transformed them into the modern digital world.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud is a common fault, especially in fields where art meets technology.
Remember that imposter syndrome affects many people. Your artistic abilities in tech are what set you apart. Talk about your feelings with mentors or peers, who can provide perspective and reassurance. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remember that expertise is gained through experience and continuous learning.
So, what's the verdict? Hopefully, you're now seeing the tech world not as a members-only club for coders but as a collaborative canvas. That question, "Can my artsy side really thrive here?" has a resounding answer: Absolutely.
Tech isn't just open to creativity; it's in desperate need of it. Your unique perspective, problem-solving creativity, and empathetic design are not just welcome; they're essential.
As you confidently leap into creative IT careers, remember, you're not just fitting in—you're set to revolutionize the field. The tech world isn't just accommodating your creativity; it's waiting for you to light it up.
Ready to make an impact? Let's show the tech scene what it's been missing.
Visit WonsultingAI to get started.
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