Are you always coming up with wild, new ideas? If so, an occupation with the Artistic RIASEC theme may just be your ticket to a fulfilling career.  

How do you know if you would enjoy a career with the Artistic RIASEC theme?  

As always, start with a deep dive into your strengths, interests, and values. Do you see yourself as expressive, original, and independent? Maybe you enjoy hobbies that allow you to express yourself through painting, cooking, acting, dancing, or even making your own clothes. If so, welcome to the artistic club! People with artistic careers often like to daydream, doodle, and imagine how to put a fresh spin on things. Their inventive nature leads them to push the boundaries of any field.  

What fields offer jobs with the Artistic RIASEC theme?  

There are jobs in nearly every field that fit the Artistic RIASEC theme. If you excel at art, for example, perhaps you’d like to be a graphic designer or an art director for an advertising agency. If you’re good with words, maybe you’d like to be a writer, editor, or English teacher. If music is more your thing, you might like to be a singer, musician, composer, or music director. Whether you prefer to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, there are many jobs in the world for people with artistic strengths, values, and interests. Actors, drama teachers, interior designers, video game designers, video editors, fashion designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, architects, landscape designers, photographers, chefs, dancers, choreographers—you name it. These occupations and many more all fall into the Artistic RIASEC theme category.  

Are there ways to prepare for these careers now?  

Most definitely! Talk to people in artistic occupations and they’re bound to tell you that constant practice and having good teachers kickstarted their careers. If you want to become a writer, for example, you may want to write about things you experience in your life and ask someone to edit and critique your work. Constructive feedback can help you refine your abilities. You should also read a lot and analyze the various styles and techniques used by different authors. Keep those pages and gears turning.  

No matter what you want to become, it’s a good idea to start networking with people already working in the industry. Mentors can be very helpful in both improving your skills and letting you know what to expect in these types of jobs. For example, if you see yourself entering the culinary world, interview experienced chefs to find out what it’s like to work in the food industry and how to best prepare. Don’t know anyone? Sure you do! Stop by your local pizza joint or your favorite neighborhood restaurant and tell them you’re interested in a career in cooking. Someone on staff may even brainstorm with you about how to be more innovative with food and provide some hot tips for designing your own menus. Now that’s a recipe for success.  

Discussion Questions 

Consider reading this with your child and asking them these questions:  

1. Have you ever had a creative idea to solve a problem? How was it different than other’s ideas? 

1. Do you like to daydream, doodle, or imagine new ways of doing things? What was the last thing you daydreamed about or doodled? 

1. Which artistic job sounds the most exciting to you and why?