Ice Sculptor

Mick Fox and his Penguins. Photo: AFP

Do you love sculptures?

Do you want to work with a tricky and exciting material?

If you do, then ice sculpture may be the right career path for you!

What do Ice Sculptors do?

                Ice sculptors do just that, sculpt ice. Usually ice sculptors work from designs either they or their clients have created. These sculptors have the responsibility of obtaining the right size of ice required for the sculpture and then creating, with the necessary tools, that work that was designed. Unlike other sculptors who work with metal or stone, ice sculptors must be able to work quickly and efficiently so that they create their masterpiece before it begins to melt. Most ice sculptors prefer to finish their designs in one take because constantly refreezing ice can alter the look of their previous work. If the ice sculptor is working with a client for say a wedding or special occasion it is the responsibility of the sculptor to transport the finished sculpture to its destination without harm coming to it. Most ice sculptors work for specialty companies or contractually with event planning organizations, while some have their own ice sculpting businesses. Some ice sculptors also choose to enter ice sculpting contests and events for extra income and further recognition. 

What Skills are Needed?

                Ice sculptors must have the ability to work quickly and efficiently as well as creatively. A good imagination and creative mind is required of any artist and that includes ice sculptors. Whether they are working from their own or someone else’s design, these sculptors must be able to envision and transition a 2D design to 3D. Ice sculptors must also have the ability to work under pressure, especially if they choose to enter any ice sculpting competitions. These sculptures also must have a good understanding of their material and know what tools work best for each design. An amiable personality may also be required when obtaining clients or working with others.   

How do I become an Ice Sculptor?

                An aspiring ice sculptor may find it helpful to obtain a degree in sculpting from any artistic institute. Getting a degree in sculpting may help an aspiring ice sculptor hone their skills and learn the necessary techniques and procedures needed for sculpting ice.  Gaining experience in amateur ice sculpting contests and events is important to show potential clients and employers your standard of work.

Courtroom Sketch Artist

Drawing by Mona Shafer Edwards

 Do you want to be part of the drama of a courtroom?

Do you also love to sketch?

Becoming a Courtroom Sketch Artist could be the career for you!

What do Courtroom Sketch Artists do?

                The job of a courtroom sketch artist is to capture the action of a high profile trial through sketches where television crews and photographers are not allowed. This type of sketch artist observes each part of the trial and sketches a representation of the most exciting details. Before television crews and photographers were allowed into the courtroom, sketch artists were the media’s only link to a high profile trial. Although sketch artists are used less today they are still a large part of helping the public understand the events of a trial that is too high profile for cameras to be allowed entrance. Courtroom sketch artists sit in on the trial and capture the events in a 2D drawing. Sometimes these sketch artists work with journalist teams or news organizations while other times work contract for specific media groups. Being a courtroom sketch artists is rarely a fulltime job so sometimes other means of employment is necessary.

What Skills are Needed?

                Courtroom sketch artists must be very observant and intent listeners. These artists must be able to capture the atmosphere and emotions of a courtroom and zoom in on the key players. If a witness is extremely volatile then the sketch artist must convey that emotion through their drawing, capturing the mood of that event. They must also be skilled facial artists so that each person is uniquely recognizable. Courtroom sketch artists must also be able to sketch quickly as well as effectively. Many courtroom sketch artists are expected to produce six to twelve sketches per trial, meaning that they must work proficiently but also under extreme pressure. Courtrooms are not always the calmest places to be and courtroom sketch artists must be able to deal with the pressure and responsibility of their job. Courtroom sketch artists also have to be good at gaining connections in the news industry and be willing to travel wherever the court case takes them. Some high profile cases last for weeks if not months and the courtroom sketch artist must be there for every step for the trail. 

How do I become a Courtroom Sketch Artist?

                Not all courtroom sketch artists gain a formal education although having a degree is necessary to keep ahead of the competition. Like other sketch artists, courtroom sketch artists can obtain degrees in drawing, including caricature and portrait. It is important for all sketch artists to have the skill and understanding to sketch believable human figures. Whether a degree is obtained or not, it is important for an aspiring courtroom sketch artist to gather a portfolio of work to show potential employers and clients. This portfolio does not have to include actual courtroom drawings, but rather anything that captures the artist’s style and affectively shows their skills at capturing the human form. Internships are hard to come by in this field but sometimes starting out in journalism can help an aspiring artist gain the necessary contacts to pursue their dreams. 

Sketch by Art Lien

Textile Designer

What do Textile Designers do?

                Textile designers create 2D patterns and designs that can be featured on many different mediums including clothing, wrapping paper, ceramics, or carpeting. Textile designers are usually self-employed and either contract themselves out to companies or agencies or work within their own business sometimes with a design team. Textile designers work with different patterns, colors and materials to create the visual look they or their client requests. Sometimes textile designers work with special computer programs and software to create digital designs rather than sketches on paper. These designers also work directly with clients and oversee the processes that follow the design all the way to the finishing product. Sometimes textile designers work for fashion designers, creating and improving fabrics and patterns for the runway. 

What Skills Are Needed?

                Textile designers must have the ability to visualize their designs and an ability to either sketch effectively or have experience with computer designing. Textile designers need to have a good understanding of the material with which they wish to work (such as fabric, ceramics, paper, carpeting ect). They must have a good aesthetic eye and have a creative flair. They must also be able to work well with others (especially their clients) and be able to listen to clients as well as dictate their ideas effectively. It is also recommended for textile designers working in fashion to be aware of and stay up to date on changing trends. If a textile designer is self-employed they also need the skills to manage their company and market their ideas.  Yet most importantly, textile designers must love creating new and exciting patters and designs that will be shared with the public. 

How Do I Become a Textile Designer?

                It is recommended that any aspiring textile designer should first choose what area they want to specialize in. Whether it is constructed textiles, printed textiles or mixed media, having an area of expertise makes finding a job much easier. Degrees in fashion or design are also encouraged. Without a degree it is much harder to obtain a designing job and aspiring textile designers would have to start off at a lower job such as a pattern cutter before working their way up. Having a portfolio of work to show potential clients is always recommended as well as proof of experience. Assistant designer positions are a good place to start to gain experience in the field. Some universities and colleges also offer internships for design students, another great place to gain experience. Becoming a textile designer takes a lot of time and patience and often requires a lot of working from the bottom up. 

Sources: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/textile_designer_job_description.htm

 Here is a video profile of Mary Madigan, a Textile Designer who works with quilts.

 

Theme Park Designer

 

Do you love theme parks?

Do you have an eye for design?

Then becoming a theme park designer may be right for you!

What Do Theme Park Designers Do?

                Theme park designers do just that, design theme parks. Not only do these designers decide how to incorporate a theme into an amusement park, they also figure out the best ways of executing their ideas. Theme park designers use their imaginations and design the rides, buildings and entire layout of the amusement park.  These designers also oversee construction and make sure what is being built fits with their design plans. Theme park designers also work with financiers to get a grasp of how much money and time can be put into the park and its design. 

What Skills Are Needed?

                Theme park designers must have great imaginations and the ability to put their ideas on paper. Good sketching skills are needed for theme park designers because they have to be able to show their ideas to the architects and construction crew. Having a good eye for detail is another must for theme park designers. Like any other designer, theme park designers have to see the whole picture as well as its individual parts. Good networking and social skills are also needed because theme park designers work with a lot of different people. Flexibility is another needed skill because most theme park designing jobs last for about a year and a half so designers must move from one project to the next with ease. A good basic knowledge of popular media (such as movies, comics ect) is also valued because so many theme parks are based off of the popular trends (think Universal Studios and Disney World). Skills with numbers and basic engineering knowledge are also suggested.

How Do I Become a Theme Park Designer?

                Many colleges and universities across the country offer programs that would help a theme park designer. Degrees in concept art, engineering, industrial design or architecture are suggested for aspiring theme park designers. Being able to show that they have not only had a good education but also have experience designing is a bonus when applying for jobs. Because designing projects don’t last forever, it is important that theme park designers have something that makes them stand out from the competition. The major centers for the theme park industry are in places such as Florida and California and those are typically the best places to go to school and look for jobs. For aspiring theme park designers it is crucial that they start networking early so as to gain acquaintances that may prove good contacts in the future. 

Helpful links: http://www.themedattraction.com/design.htm

Stereographer

Do you love 3D movies?

Do you want to be part of a new and growing field?

If so, then becoming a film Stereographer may be the career for you!

What Do Film Stereographers Do?

                Stereographers are a unique and growing group of technicians who use their insight into stereoscopy and visual effects to create a 3-dimensional image on screen. Stereographers work throughout the movie-making process, advising script writers and directors alike on how best to incorporate 3D into the movie. Before the film is shot, Stereographers create what is called a “depth script” which is basically a type of storyboard that maps out where 3D will be used in each shot and how.  Some Stereographers also work to a certain extent with the costume designers, advising them on what colors may cause too much contrast and create errors with the 3D equipment. Stereographers also advise the Cinematographer on set on what sorts of lights and lenses are needed to create the best 3D effect. A Stereographer also tends to work with the editing team, tweaking and adjusting any necessary footage for perfect 3D viewing. If a film is first shot in 2D and then converted later, the conversion process is the job of the Stereographer. 

What Skills Are Needed?

                 Not only do Stereographers have to have a good understanding of cameras and their lenses, but also the aesthetics of film and a good understanding of cinematography. With the demand for more 3D films, the job of a Stereographer has begun to grow from a technician job to that of an artist. Many Stereographers prefer having a good understanding of people’s emotions and so that they can manipulate the 3D to engage the audience in the story. If a Stereographer wants to create a feeling of claustrophobia in the audience that corresponds to what is happening on screen, they need to know what kind of techniques would produce such a reaction. Patience is another skill that Stereographers need to have. The process of converting 2D to 3D can be strenuous as can working with the film crew during filming. Yet perhaps most importantly, aspiring Stereographers need to be willing to work hard and develop in a career field that is rapidly growing and changing. 

How Do I Become a Film Stereographer?

                Stereography is a growing and demanding field. Aspiring Stereographers should gain a degree in motion photography and take courses in computer and 3D software. Many art colleges and universities across the world offer such degrees. Internships are the best way for aspiring Stereographers to gain experience and show potential employers that they ready for the task. Any Stereographer needs a solid portfolio of work that shows their techniques and experience as well as their artistic flair. Even if a Stereographer cannot find work in the film industry, their expertise can be applied to advertising and marketing (Ever see a 3D poster? A Stereographer designed that!).

Here is an article about Stereography: http://www.moviescopemag.com/features/the-role-of-the-stereographer/

Art Restorer

Do you love Art Museums?

Do you find yourself learning about famous painters and copying their techniques?

Do you want to save the great artistic masterpieces?

If you do, then being an Art Restorer may be right for you!

What Do Art Restorers Do?

                Art restorers repair damage that has been done to paintings, sculptures, textiles and other works of art. Most of this damage is the product of old age or the poor condition the artwork was in before it was retrieved by a museum or other organization. Art restorers use their knowledge of the different artistic mediums to repair the artwork without compromising the originality of the piece. If it is a painting that has been compromised, an art restorer will have to copy the techniques of the original artist as to not make the restorations look out of place. Some art restorers work for museums, libraries, art galleries and historical societies. Others become freelance art restorers and restore the artworks of private collectors or are hired by other organizations for a specific job.

What Skills Are Needed?

                Art restorers must have a great appreciation and love for art. They must understand the specific techniques that certain artists used in their artwork and have a good eye for detail. Art restorers must have patience and be willing to spend long hours working on just the tiniest area of the artwork, working hard to get everything just right. Specific artistic skills depend on the area in which an aspiring art restorer wishes to focus. However, a good understanding of chemistry is needed for all areas of restoration because chemicals are nearly always used in restoring pieces of art.  

How Do I Become an Art Restorer?

                Art restorers need a good understanding of chemistry, art history and studio art techniques. Depending on their specific area of expertise, different courses and degrees will be necessary. Some art restorers have PhDs while others have only a bachelors. Many colleges and universities that offer fine art degrees will be suitable for aspiring art restorers. Once a degree is obtained, the search will begin. Due to the sensitivity of the work, it is very hard to gain experience in the field before being hired so it is a good idea to showcase your knowledge of art history and art restoration when applying to jobs.

Institutions such as the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) are great places to learn more about art restoration. http://www.conservation-us.org/