The 50 Strangest Jobs You Can Get in the Art World

Notable Artist In the Field: Fresh Melt Water

Artist's Website: Freshmeltwater.com

Just graduated? Like rap lyrics? Into weed? Start a t-shirt company, duh. Philadelphia's Fresh Melt Water's beginnings weren't exactly that, but close. Brooks Bell and Joey Gothelf cut their teeth in a screen print shop before launching their own imprint (after getting fired). We don't want to make it seem like this job is easy, but if you're into Complex and you know a thing or two about style, this is a no-brainer for the recent graduate with an art degree burning a hole in his pocket.

Notable Artist In the Field: CincyCAC

Artist's Website: Contemporaryartscenter.com

Art handlers and preparators get to build cool stuff and get up close and personal with some of the most famed works of art in the entire world. These dudes at the Contemporary Art Center prove there is also a lot of room for goofing around at the job.

Notable Artist In the Field: Jaclyn

Artist's Website: bravotv.com

Did you watch Bravo's "Work of Art," a reality show based on finding the next "big thing"? Of course not, only nerds did. Unfortunately, you missed Jaclyn, who translated her art degree (and great tits) into a two year stint as one of Jeff Koons' assistants. This in turn translated to a role on a reality tv show. Which, in turn...

Notable Artist In the Field:
Artist's Website:facesbyderrick.com

Take the ego hit, you have to build your resume somewhere. Or just get really really good at this and go nuts. Derrrick Little is so good at painting faces that he's been featured by Martha Stewart in her various media outlets. A good person to know if you need curtains or stock tips.

Notable Artist In the Field:
Artist's Website:

Love sneakers and drawing? Bam, there is a lane for everyone. SBTG (government name Mark Ong) and others carved out niches by pushing the boundaries of the original sneaker they work with. It's harder to get in now, especially as sneakerhead-ism is waning, but you can give it a go. Imagination, patience, and an eye for trend help.

Notable Artist In the Field:
Artist's Website:ameblo.jp/erikonail-official/

You can't just walk in there and bust out the fingerpaints, but with some practice, there is some $$ in nails. Kurosaki is a pioneering artist who has won world championships and topped the All-American nail artist rankings (who knew that even existed). Need more proof that nail art is profitable? Kurosaki has collaborated with Hello Kitty.

Notable Artist In the Field:
Artist's Website:

Boohoo. Nobody likes your art. Don't worry, take a sheet out of the pop culture playbook and paste (or sticker) your creations with such frequency that it becomes an unavoidable sensation. The art world will thank you later. (And, if you're lucky, so will your wallet).

Notable Artist In the Field: Michael Dacey

Artist's Website: repeatpress.wordpress.com

Mr. Dacey started his career in letterpress making rock posters in the corner of a college art building. Now he runs Repeat Press out of Somerville, MA, where he makes everything from business cards to drink coasters. Dacey is keeping the craft alive and producing dope pieces of ephemera.

Notable Artist In the Field: Mr. Brainwash

Artist's Website: mrbrainwash.com

This method of securing a career in the arts worked for Mr. Brainwash. It could also work for you.

Notable Artist In the Field: Small Talk Studios

Artist's Website: etsy.com

Alyssa Nassner is a recent graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art, and she took her graphic design skills to the stationary hustle. Go in.

Notable Artist In the Field: Aerial Advertising

Artist's Website: skywrite.com

Sure, this requires a myriad of other talents, but if type is your thing, why not learn how to send text messages through the sky? Master the craft and secure a job with a firm like Skywrite that specializes in aerial advertising.

Notable Artist In the Field: Joanne Gair

Artist's Website: joannegair.com

How is painting bodies better/different than face painting? Well, Joanne Gair painted model's for several editions of The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It's clear now, right?

Notable Artist In the Field: Michael Lynn Jr.

Artist's Website: balloonanimal.com

Michael Lynn Jr. gets it in. He's a 2-time world champion and commands high prices at children's birthday parties. He can also play a guitar and perform a few magic tricks. These are not recommended activities. Just learn how to twist one up right.

Notable Artist In the Field: Michel Poulin

Artist's Website: skart-designs.com

With Skart Designs, Michel Poulin has successfully figured out how to combine a love of skateboarding with knack for furniture making. Something to note: he makes this look good.

Notable Artist In the Field: Sedso Design

Artist's Website: sedsodesign.blogspot.com

Thomas Foley & Jason Ganski established Sedso Design in 2005. The Philadelphia duo is responsible for the graphic identity of all Iron chef Jose Garces' eateries.

Notable Artist In the Field: Gary Hecker

Artist's Website: Vimeo.com

If you're musically inclined, why not learn something useful? Foley artists make all the everyday background sounds for films and stuff. A quality way to turn a failed career as a drummer into a glamorous job in Hollywood.

Notable Artist In the Field: Benjamin Rand

Artist's Website: styledice.com

Slickly carved ice is an important part of any lavish cocktail party. If done correctly, it also melds an array of skills both artistic and culinary. Benjamin Rand is a world champion and he dominates the South Florida market along with his cohorts at Styled Ice.

Notable Artist In the Field: Blik Surface Graphics

Artist's Website: whatisblik.com

Wall paper might be out of fashion, but wall decals like these made by Blik Surface Graphics are a new frontier. They work with famous artists, for example Jeremy Fish, but also produce a number of designs in-house. Got ideas for art that would enhance any child's room? Vinyl wall graphics might be your ticket to millions.

Notable Artist In the Field: Thomas Koet

Artist's Website: worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com

Thomas Koet is no joke. His sand sculptures are crazy. Detail, precision, narrative—dude is a sand monster.

Notable Artist In the Field: George Barris

Artist's Website: barris.com

George Barris is the KING OF CUSTOM CARS! Much cooler than the Pimp My Ride fellas, but the skills remain the same—a mix of paint, sculpture, upholstery, and creativity. Got all those? Like cars? Perhaps you're a fan of NASCAR? Abandon hopes of being a studio artist and head into the garage.

Notable Artist In the Field: Kyle Bunting

Artist's Website: kylebunting.com

Upholstery is a pretty basic activity... unless you happen to be Kyle Bunting who is world renowned for working with obscure hides. He also a runs a lager firm, named after himself, that employs other folks pushing the boundaries of upholstery design.

Notable Artist In the Field: Quintin Middleton

Artist's Website: middletonmadeknives.com

Middleton, a master knife maker, operates a studio outside Charleston, SC. From there he produces some of the most astounding kitchen blades in the world—essentially employing one art form to spur on the culinary art of others.

Notable Artist In the Field: Michael Phillips

Artist's Website: worldbaristachampionship.com

It used to be that the whole art student working at a coffee shop cliché was a total joke. Nowadays, folks like Michael Phillips can take the World Barista Championships and prove that art and the fall back job can lead to fame... though probably not any actual fortune.

Notable Artist In the Field: Isaiah Zagar

Artist's Website: phillymagicgardens.org

Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia's mosaic man, is responsible for the Magic Garden off South Street. He's a graduate of Pratt Institute and a Peace Corps alum. He's essentially made a life of turning everything around him into a massive art installation.

Notable Artist In the Field: Pearl Fryar

Artist's Website: pearlfryar.com

Fryar was on our badass art history moments list. Though self taught, he's really the exception in the world of topiary gardening. As the economy picks up, we hope wildly ornamental and expensive gardens come back into favor, thus opening up jobs for those with an eye for sculpture and skills with shears.

Notable Artist In the Field: Ken Schwartz

Artist's Website: history.org

At Colonial Williamsburg, those dudes in old fashioned pants are more than just costumed interpreters, they are real craftsmen. Ken Schwartz, a master blacksmith, is an example. His is an art with duel purpose—both educational and functional. Williamsburg also hires barrel makers, shoe makers, gun makers, etc. So basically, if you want to go back in time and make stuff, there's a good amount of opportunity.

Notable Artist In the Field: Dee and Ricky

Artist's Website: deeandricky.com

Dee and Ricky have created an empire out of lego brooches and pins. We're still not sure how that worked. However, their success should give any recent graduate hope that anything is possible.

Notable Artist In the Field: Pen & Pixel

Artist's Website: penandpixel.com

It's about time someone takes the dormant crown from the 1990s hip-hop graphics legend's Pen & Pixel. Back before even your 12-year old cousin knew photoshop, their vision of bling ruled the back pages of The Source. Things need to be a little more nuanced now, but ruling the pages of Nah Right isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Notable Artist In the Field: Viva Van Story

Artist's Website: www.vivaspinups.com

Viva Van Story is all about taking photographs of classic beauty—a particular type of classic.

Notable Artist In the Field: Joshua Prince

Artist's Website: foolsgold.com

As Dust La Rock, Joshua Prince works as art director at Fool's Gold. He's responsible for cover art, posters, all types of cool art meets music related shit. He follows in the footsteps of psychedelic poster designers from the 1960s like Victor Moscoso, best known for his work in Zap Comix.

Notable Artist In the Field: Cory Davis

Artist's Website: iamcoreydavis.com

Cory Davis is a shining example of how to take an art education and push boundaries. He raps. He takes photographs. He makes films. But, most importantly, Cory recognized the potential of tattooing to keep him artistically employed. A student of the world renowned Miya Bailey, Davis is fast developing his own unique signature style. (Plus, he's traveling the world and having more fun than most of us).

Notable Artist In the Field: Chris Walker

Artist's Website: marvel.com

Chris Walker is now responsible for the web series "Anti-Matter" about life in a comic book store. Before that, he learned about the industry from inside the lines, literally. Chris worked as a colorist, which is a little like translating your first moments with a crayon into a super nuanced adult job. Not quite there with keeping it contained? The comics industry also hires pencillers.

Notable Artist In the Field: Erick Goto

Artist's Website: nike.com

Sneakerheads will certainly envy Erick Goto's job. He's the guy responsible for creating the story lines and color schemes behind last February's Kobe VI and Hyperfuse Low LA packs.

Notable Artist In the Field: Veronica Velasquez

Artist's Website: veronicavelasquez.com

Ms. Velasquez is responsible for creating the animations at Madison Square Garden. Pretty cool way to combine art and sports.

Notable Artist In the Field: Von Sven

Artist's Website: vonsven.com

Everyone needs banners and signs. All that drawing class confidence can be useful in helping friends who've misguidedly opened beer bars in gentrifying urban neighborhoods. Von Sven is a Stockholm-based expert in sign painting and pin striping. He's one of several sign painters featured in The Sign Painter Movie (which may or may not ever be released). In any event, he proves the commercial viability of painting skills.

Notable Artist In the Field: Matt Jones

Artist's Website: lunartik.com

KAWS has done it. Ron English too. But only Matt Jones combines art, collectibles, and a love of a proper English cup of tea. He's created some of the strangest series of vinyl toys we've ever seen. You could be the next collectables star.

Notable Artist In the Field: Bob Carrol

Artist's Website: metmuseum.org

If you like metal work, history, and playing Knights and Dragons (or whatever), and have some degree of scientific understanding, why not become a conservator? Sure, you could conserve paintings. BORING. Conserving massive swards and shields is a much better hook at the bar. Women love a bit of danger.

Notable Artist In the Field: Jeff Hamada

Artist's Website: booooooom.com

Sure, Jeff Hamada is an actual commercial artist who has several high profile clients in his stable. But, his side gig as a blogger is equally impressive. With BOOOOOOM! Hamada shares the creative talents of all sorts of folks by harnessing the power of the Internet. As Paul Wall might say, he has Facebook going nuts.

Notable Artist In the Field: Ryan Lussenden

Artist's Website: pinnaclehousepainters.com

Your parents won't be happy to see your art school degree goes to painting white walls, but nobody discounts an expert. Learn to paint faux grain or become an expert stainer and perceptions will likely change. Pinnacle House Painters founder Ryan Lussenden is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago. He's turned that degree into making interior dreams a reality.

Notable Artist In the Field: Melanie Phillips & Nicholas Beall

Artist's Website: pet-portraitartist.com

Melanie Phillips & Nicholas Beall have carved out a niche painting portraits of peoples pets.

Notable Artist In the Field: Aquatic Recreation Company

Artist's Website: arc4waterplay.com

A good portion of water park design is about engineering and construction. However, another portion is about concepts that enhance (and make more amazingly awesome) the aquatic experience. Firms like Aquatic Recreation Company handle big and small leisure facilities nationwide. You could design the next Splash Mountain. That would, of course, be amazing.

Notable Artist In the Field: Castle Golf

Artist's Website: castlegolf.com

The only thing better (in the world of recreation) than water parks are miniature golf courses. A knowledge of architectural elements and a love of puzzles can translate well into designing a challenging (and amusing) 18 holes. Castle Golf has been making top flight miniature golf courses for over 40 years. Try your luck landing a job with the best.

Notable Artist In the Field: Higher Level Art

Artist's Website: higherlevelart.blogspot.com

Danny Babcock, Robby Burgess and Matthew Dayler of Higher Level Art (of Cincinnati, Ohio) translate a life long love of graffiti and street art to a full range of artistic services. They've painted gallery walls and streets. They've also added flare to cruise ships. The group's latest work can be seen in Louisville, at the Muhammad Ali Center, through April 30, 2011.

Notable Artist In the Field: Mike Sartin

Artist's Website: mikeslaseretching.com

Sartin Memorials has been in the tombstone business since 1940. Mike, the current owner, keeps up to date with all memorial trends—including laser etching. The client base may die, but it won't die out.

Notable Artist In the Field: Duff

Artist's Website: charmcitycakes.com

Thanks to The Food Network, the humorous world of Charm City Cakes is well known to all. The bakery employs a motley crew of artists—from musicians to performers—meaning that no matter where your degree is from, you might just have a shot in the rarefied world of unique cakes.

Notable Artist In the Field: Arthur Lien

Artist's Website: courtartist.com

Lien covers the Supreme Court for NBC. He goes "where cameras cannot."

Notable Artist In the Field: Zach Puckowitz

Artist's Website: knappgallery.com

Puckowitz, who lives in Philadelphia, is a champion of the artistic pipe world. Though he works in all different forms, his innovations are most apparent in a rather specialty niche. You might say it's one with a heady following. He's also pretty good at making glass goblets.

Notable Artist In the Field: Kevin Lyons

Artist's Website: naturalborn.com

RISD graduate Kevin Lyons is one of the best examples of how you can turn an art degree into a profitable career in public manipulation.

Notable Artist In the Field: James Niehues

Artist's Website: jamesniehues.com

Jimmy is the go to for ski resorts. He's painted every single trail map, from Whistler in British Columbia to Blue Hills in West Virginia. Dude has carved himself a niche, and he'll cut you if you try to get close.