Visual Arts students in Ghana have a broad range of career opportunities available to them, thanks to the versatility of their skills. From designing digital graphics to crafting physical spaces, their creative talents are in high demand across industries.
Visual Arts students in Ghana have a diverse range of career opportunities that tap into their creativity and artistic talents. By choosing the right SHS electives and university courses, they can position themselves for success in fields like graphic design, architecture, fashion, and media. The creative industry in Ghana is growing, and with it, the demand for skilled visual artists in both traditional and digital spaces continues to rise.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best jobs for Visual Arts students in Ghana, along with the relevant university courses, Senior High School (SHS) electives, and job prospects for each.
Here are the Top 10 Best Jobs for Visual Arts Students in Ghana:
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Designer
- Architect
- Fine Artist
- Animator/Multimedia Artist
- Photographer
- Art Teacher
- Fashion Designer
- Video Editor/Videographer
- Art Director
1. Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers create visual content to communicate messages through print, digital, and multimedia platforms. They work in advertising agencies, media houses, or as freelancers, designing logos, brochures, websites, and more.
University Courses: Study Graphic Design, Communication Design, or Visual Arts at institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), or any accredited design school.
SHS Electives: Visual Arts students should focus on Graphic Design, General Knowledge in Art, and Picture Making.
Job Prospects: With the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce, Graphic Designers are in high demand across industries like advertising, publishing, and tech companies.
2. Interior Designer
Interior Designers plan and design the layout, colors, furniture, and décor of indoor spaces in homes, offices, hotels, and restaurants. They work closely with clients to create functional and visually appealing environments.
University Courses: Study Interior Design, Architecture, or Industrial Art at KNUST or UEW.
SHS Electives: Focus on Textiles, Graphic Design, Sculpture, and General Knowledge in Art.
Job Prospects: As real estate development grows in Ghana, especially in urban centers, the need for Interior Designers continues to increase in both residential and commercial spaces.
3. Architect
Job Overview: Architects design buildings and structures, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They work with construction firms, real estate developers, and government bodies.
University Courses: Study Architecture at KNUST or the Central University, where you will learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of building design.
SHS Electives: Key subjects include Technical Drawing, General Knowledge in Art, and Sculpture.
Job Prospects: Ghana’s growing infrastructure needs make Architecture a lucrative field, with opportunities in construction, real estate, and urban planning.
4. Fine Artist
Fine Artists produce visual artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings. They often work independently, selling their work through galleries, exhibitions, or commissions.
University Courses: Study Fine Arts or Painting and Sculpture at institutions like University of Ghana, KNUST or UEW.
SHS Electives: Focus on Painting and Sculpture, Graphic Design, and General Knowledge in Art.
Job Prospects: While Fine Artists often work as freelancers, there are opportunities in art galleries, museums, and teaching. With the growth of the Ghanaian art scene, artists have more platforms for exhibitions and sales.
5. Animator/Multimedia Artist
Animators and Multimedia Artists create visual effects, animations, and motion graphics for movies, television, video games, and advertising. They work for media houses, gaming companies, or as freelancers.
University Courses: Study Animation, Multimedia Arts, or Graphic Design at institutions offering courses in digital arts.
SHS Electives: Focus on Graphic Design, Picture Making, and General Knowledge in Art.
Job Prospects: With the growth of the entertainment and media industry, especially in animation and video games, Animators are in high demand both locally and internationally.
6. Photographer
Photographers capture moments, events, and artistic expressions using cameras. They can specialize in portrait, wedding, fashion, or documentary photography.
University Courses: Study Photography or Communication Design at design schools or media-related departments in universities.
SHS Electives: Focus on Graphic Design, Picture Making, and General Knowledge in Art.
Job Prospects: With the growth of social media and visual storytelling, the demand for professional photographers in Ghana is on the rise, especially in fashion, events, and media industries.
7. Art Teacher
Art Teachers educate students in various forms of visual arts, helping them develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art. They can work at secondary schools, tertiary institutions, or art academies.
University Courses: Study Education in Visual Arts or Art Education at UEW or KNUST.
SHS Electives: Core subjects include General Knowledge in Art, Picture Making, and Sculpture.
Job Prospects: With an expanding emphasis on creative education, there is growing demand for Art Teachers at both the basic and secondary school levels across Ghana.
8. Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers conceptualize and create clothing, accessories, and footwear. They work in fashion houses, manufacturing firms, or as independent designers.
University Courses: Study Fashion Design or Textiles at schools like Radford University College or KNUST.
SHS Electives: Focus on Textiles, Sculpture, and Graphic Design.
Job Prospects: The fashion industry in Ghana is booming, with increasing opportunities for designers in both local and international markets. Entrepreneurs in this space can create their own brands.
9. Video Editor/Videographer
Video Editors and Videographers capture and edit video footage for films, TV shows, music videos, and advertisements. They can work in production houses, media companies, or as freelancers.
University Courses: Study Film Production, Multimedia Arts, or Graphic Design at institutions offering courses in media and film.
SHS Electives: Focus on Graphic Design, Picture Making, and General Knowledge in Art.
Job Prospects: With the rise of content creation for digital platforms, the demand for skilled video editors and videographers is steadily increasing in Ghana, especially in the music and film industry.
10. Art Director
Art Directors manage the visual aspects of advertising campaigns, media productions, and corporate branding. They lead teams of designers, illustrators, and other creatives to produce compelling visual content.
University Courses: Study Graphic Design, Advertising, or Communication Design at KNUST or any accredited design institution.
SHS Electives: Focus on Graphic Design, General Knowledge in Art, and Picture Making.
Job Prospects: Art Directors are in demand in advertising agencies, publishing houses, and media firms. With Ghana’s media industry expanding, there are numerous opportunities for leadership roles in creative fields.