Arts, A/V Technology, & Communications

Summary of this Career Cluster:

Arts, audio/video technology, and communications workers use creativity and their talents on the job. You might work for an audience as a performer or artist. This includes painters, dancers, sculptors, actors, and singers. Or, you might work behind the scenes to make a performance successful. This includes set designers, editors, broadcast technicians, and camera operators.

Some audio/video technology and communications workers have high-profile jobs. For example, you might work as a news reporter or fashion designer. Or, you might use your creative talents with technology and work as an animator, graphic designer, or film editor.

Video Descriptions of the Career Cluster:

Careers in this Career Cluster:

Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to search for more information about the careers listed below:

Actors:

Play parts in TV, radio, or stage productions.

Agents of Artists, Performers, and Athletes:

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes.

Music Directors and Composers:

Conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups.

Musicians and Singers:

Play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.

Art Directors:

Work on visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, or advertising.

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians:

Operate audio or video equipment for concerts, sports events, or other gatherings.

Photographers:

Take pictures of people, landscapes, and other subjects for a variety of purposes.

Prepress Technicians and Workers:

Prepare documents for printing by formatting and checking for errors in text and photos.

Broadcast News Analysts:

Analyze, interpret, and report on news events.

Broadcast Technicians:

Operate equipment that transmits radio and television programs.

Print Binding and Finishing Workers:

Bind books or other publications by hand or machine.

Printing Press Operators:

Set up and operate large printing machines.

Choreographers:

Create new dance routines, using movements to express stories and ideas.

Commercial and Industrial Designers:

Develop the ideas for manufactured products, such as cars, appliances, and toys.

Producers and Directors:

Produce or direct TV shows, movies, or other types of entertainment.

Proofreaders and Copy Markers:

Read text to find and correct any grammatical, typing, or writing errors.

Costume Attendants:

Choose, fit, and take care of costumes for entertainers.

Craft Artists:

Create handmade objects like weaving, needlecraft, or pottery.

Public Address System and Other Announcers:

Make announcements over public address systems at sporting or other public events.

Radio Operators:

Receive and transmit communications using radio equipment.

Dancers:

Use movements to express ideas and stories in performances.

Desktop Publishers:

Use computer software to design layouts for books, newspapers, and other published items.

Radio and Television Announcers:

Speak on radio or television, presenting news, sports, or music to audiences.

Reporters and Correspondents:

Report and write stories for news outlets.

Editors:

Plan or edit the content of written material.

Fashion Designers:

Design clothing and accessories.

Set and Exhibit Designers:

Design special movie, TV, and theater sets, or other special exhibits.

Sound Engineering Technicians:

Operate equipment to record, mix, or synchronize sound.

Film and Video Editors:

Organize and put together raw video footage into a completed production.

Fine Artists:

Create original artwork using a wide variety of techniques.

Technical Writers:

Explain technical information through charts and manuals.

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers :

Install or repair telephone, cable, internet, and other communication equipment.

Floral Designers:

Design and arrange floral bouquets.

Graphic Designers:

Create and design graphics to promote a product or service.

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers:

Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.

Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists :

Apply makeup to performers.

Multimedia Artists and Animators:

Create special effects or animation using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools.

Writers and Authors:

Prepare original written material, like books or articles.