Summer art jobs come in quite a few varieties, but not all involve making one's own art. For instance, there are a number of art jobs that involve helping others make art. Some summer art jobs may involve teaching people about art. Rarely, one may find a scholarship or grant that will support a summer of making art, but this is often not a replacement for a job. For many people, summer art jobs are a great way to get in touch with others in the art community and inspire a love of art in others.
One of the most popular kinds of summer art jobs involves teaching others to make or enjoy art. Teaching at a summer art camp is a great way to get hands-on experience working with whimsical materials, all while encouraging children to express themselves through art. Institutions that practice art therapy, which often involves working with disenfranchised groups, sometimes have summer art jobs available. These jobs often look for potential employees who are not interested in a permanent position, but they also frequently hire the same teachers every summer.
A person interested in summer art jobs might consider working in an art museum or small gallery. This is a particularly good fit if one is mainly interested in art history or another academic study of art. It is sometimes possible to get a summer job in a gallery that has a unique specialty. When one is responsible for explaining or selling art, one often develops a large amount of knowledge about the subject.
Other unique jobs, such as working as an intern for any art professional, can provide valuable job experience and references. Many jobs involve applying artistic skill to practical areas, and these can pay particularly well. A summer job in graphic design, printing, or even photography can lead to a full-time job later on. Particularly crafty people may be able to make a summer job out of selling art at small markets or even online. Art is a field that often rewards initiative, and a person with a good product and a good strategy can often make a living wage.
Rarely, a person may apply for and receive a stipend that allows for a summer of creating art. Frequently, a stipend is intended for minimal living expenses and art supplies, but a frugal person may be able to turn a meager grant into a summer free of work. While this kind of summer job is not technically a job, the prestige associated with the award may be worth giving up professional advancement. Independent work made possible by an art grant is often the ideal summer job for art students, so it is important to apply to as many grants as possible in order to maximize one's chances of success.
