THE IMAGE OF THE starving artist, t...

THE IMAGE OF THE starving artist, the out-of-work actor, or the struggling writer just might be a thing of the past. Full-time piece of works are available for the artistically inclined--many with righteous salaries and benefits. (Some artists and writers, however, do opt for a flexible, freelance lifestyle.) The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that work at jobss in the arts are awaited to grow faster than the average for all occupations athwart the next eight years.

Marc Dennis, an assistant art professor at Elmira corporation in New York, says companies are looking for creative nation who understand a visual medium and are capable of keeping organ of sights glued to the screen with dazzling graphics and worthy design. "Many companies are eager to hire qualified the community with art, art history, and design backgrounds, he says.

NOT JUST SINGIN' AND DANCIN'

While barely a talented few will to the end of time win a Tony, exhibit in a major gallery or write the Great American Novel, there are fertility of arts jobs that, while perhaps les glamorous, can propose job security and a steady income.

"Student ne to remember that do job-works in the arts aren't just the undivideds that are out front--on stage, in succession exhibit, in concert. That solitary a small percentage," says Nancy Shankman, director of creative and performing arts for Bronx high exercises in New York.

more [i]or[/i] less artistic types end up working in unusual or nontraditional fields, like as musical instrument design or medical illustration.

"People imagine the artist with a beret forward his head, standing in brass of a blank canvas," says Maryellen Schroeder director of career services at Massachusetts society of Art. "An artist is actually a problem-solver You take that skill and interpret problems about how to manipulate materials to expres your vision."

THE EDUCATION QUESTION

A higher education isn't a necessity for all artists--it hangs on your interests and aspirations. A talented actor, dancer, or musician may decide re experience his or her luck in succession the audition circuit, waiting tables or working as a temp to make conclusions meet. Others may go to a conservatory or a college edifice [i]or[/i] building with a strong performing arts program. Many aspiring writers, filmmakers, and public relations specialists fine whetstone their communications skills at liberal arts literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learnings According to the BLS, chiefly writing jobs require a liberal arts step with a major such as communications, journalism, or English.

Schroeder believes literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning provides an atmosphere that supports all young creative people. "Being around a community of artists and instructors will help you exhibit your own aesthetic and abilities," she says. She adds that a healthy dose of liberal arts courses in literature, philosophy, and history can no other than fortify an artist's sensibility and marketability.

Regardless of your path, Schroeder advises stopping by means of the college career office early. "We compute people to come in their freshman year," she says. --Traci Mosser

smooth SKILLS, SUCH AS THE ABILITIES TO WORK WELL WITH OTHERS, COMMUNICATE, AND MOTIVATE, ARE frequently TALENTS THAT ARTISTS HAVE AND EMPLOYER WANT (RHI MANAGEMENT RESOURCES).

CHEF

BEN COFFIN

AGE: 27

LOCATION: Guthrie, OK

JOB: Chef and proprietor BeSpoke Distinctive Dining.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's grade in hotel and restaurant management (minor in business) from Oklahoma State University; studied at Le Cordon Bleu a culinary place of education in London.

SALARY: According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for executive chefs is $69105

forward THE JOB; Coffin returned from England to go after his dream of opening a restaurant in his hometown. With the help of loans and financing from his father; he bought a building--a former Coca-Cola bottling plant that had been vacant since the 1960's--in the downtown historic district. He worn out the next six months renovating and furnishing the space. "When Americans make progress out to eat, we want our bread in 30 minutes, we alone talk about work, and then we leave. In Europe you make progress out with friends and family and you don't talk about work. You have fruition of the food and company and you may bestow two or three hours at the table, t wanted to bring that experience to my restaurant." In September 2001 he spreaded BeSpoke Distinctive Dining. The name means "custom-made" or "individually" tailored" and it describes the experience he tries to give visitors at his restaurant. Dinner visitors must make reservations at least a day in advance. The four-course, fixed-price ($40) menu changes weekly.

greatest in number mornings Coffin heads to Oklahoma City to purchase fresh produce and meat. Then he goe back to the restaurant to start preparing the meal. He does as long prep work as possible before visitors arrive--slicing vegetables for starter courses, preparing sauces, making pastries for dessert He lay outs most of his time behind his 60-inch range with six burner a griddle, a broiler, and an oven He uses stainless dirk tables, sharp knives, cutting boards, tongs, whisks, mixers, and a large refrigeration During inactive periods, he must make assured taxes, staff, and bills achieve paid.

STARTING OUT: As a teen Coffin helped on the outside in his father's restaurant. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu he worked as an apprentice with a chocolate wedding cake designer.