Alaska Art Schools

Guide to Alaska Arts School Programs

Have you always wanted to find a well paying job in the art industry in Alaska?  Are you looking for a position that allows you to use your artistic skills and your computer skills?  Then you may be interested in pursuing a career in graphic design.  To achieve a successful position as a graphic designer, you will need to further your education and obtain a post-secondary degree.  Most graphic designers hold at least a bachelor’s degree.  In Alaska, there are several programs that specialize in this area, including online degree programs.

Alaska Arts Job Outlook and Salary

While about sixty percent of artists overall are self-employed, most graphic designers will find employment in publishing, advertising, or design firms. One of the great aspects of a career in graphic design is that there are opportunities for telecommuting in this field.  So, even though you may live in Alaska, your employer may be located in a different state or country.  Within the state of Alaska, the growth in graphic design employment is expected to be about six percent over the next ten years.

Artists can be divided into four main categories.  Art directors generally work in either advertising or publishing by overseeing the layouts of the particular medium. Craft artists design one-of-a kind pieces to sell in galleries, art festivals and in their own studios.  Fine artists include painters, sculptors, and illustrators.  Depending on the medium used, fine artists can work in a variety of settings such as museums, art galleries, publishers or design companies. Multimedia artists and animators, including graphic designers can be employed in the motion picture industry, the gaming industry, web design companies, and advertising firms.

Salaries for artists vary widely by the type of employer and the level of recognition in the industry.  Graphic designers in Alaska can expect to earn between $41,000 and $72,000 per year.  The salaries for fine artists in the Anchorage area range from $40,000 to $79,000.  Many fine artists and graphic designers may choose to go into the education field to further advance their careers.  Graphic designers who have an area of specialization or who have their own firms will earn higher salaries.

Local Art Festivals & Events

Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival – July 18th – August 1st, 2010
Golden Days – July 21st - 25th, 2010
Alyeska Blueberry and Mountain Arts Festival – August 21st – 22nd, 2010
Bear Paw Festival – July 7th – 11th, 2010

Largest Cities in and Around Alaska

Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, College, Sitka, Ketchikan, Knik-Fairview, Kenai, Lakes, Kodiak …

Alaska State ZIP Codes

99501, 99801, 99701, 99709, 99835, 99901, 99518, 99611, 99654, 99615 …