Is Art a Real Career? A Guide for Indian Parents
- madhulika mohan
- May 28
- 3 min read
This guide is written specifically for Indian parents who are wondering: “Is art a real career?” The short answer is: Yes, absolutely. And not just real—but thriving, diverse, and full of opportunity.
As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want to see them secure, successful, and fulfilled. But when your teenager tells you they want to pursue a career in art or design, it’s natural to feel unsure. After all, isn't art just a hobby? Can it really lead to a stable future?
Let’s unpack the myths, realities, and options so you can support your child with clarity and confidence.
Myth #1: “Art is only for the exceptionally gifted.”
Reality:Art and design are not just about raw talent—they’re about skills that can be taught, refined, and applied in professional contexts. The same way engineers study engineering, artists study visual communication, fashion design, animation, game design, photography, and more.
In today’s world, creativity is no longer just an asset—it’s a professional skill with increasing demand across industries.
Myth #2: “You can’t make a stable income through art.”
Reality:Art and design careers span a wide spectrum—some high-paying, some freelance-based, and others offering stable salaried roles. Here's a quick glimpse:
Career Path | Starting Income (India) | Mid-Level (India) | International Range |
Graphic Designer | ₹3–6 LPA | ₹8–12 LPA | $50,000–$85,000 |
UX/UI Designer | ₹6–10 LPA | ₹12–25 LPA | $80,000–$120,000 |
Fashion Designer | ₹4–8 LPA | ₹10–20 LPA | $60,000–$100,000 |
Animator / Game Designer | ₹5–10 LPA | ₹12–30 LPA | $70,000–$110,000 |
Visual Artist / Illustrator | Varies widely | Project-based | Variable / Royalty-based |
LPA = Lakhs Per Annum
Note: Many creatives earn additional income through freelancing, online content, brand collaborations, teaching, and product licensing.
Myth #3: “There are no real jobs in art.”
Reality:The global creative economy is a multi-trillion dollar industry. According to UNESCO and WIPO, creative industries contribute over 3% of global GDP and employ over 30 million people worldwide.
India is catching up fast. Major companies in tech, media, fashion, and advertising are hiring design thinkers and visual strategists more than ever before.
Here are just a few real-world job titles in art and design:
Communication Designer
Art Director
Fashion Stylist
UI/UX Designer
Product Designer
Animator
Game Designer
Gallery Manager
Tattoo Artist
Film Concept Artist
Comic Illustrator
Art Therapist
Museum Educator
These are real jobs, with real salaries and growth paths.
Success Stories: Creatives Who Made It Big
1. Masaba Gupta – A fashion designer known for her bold prints and celebrity collaborations. She studied fashion at SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai and launched her label in her 20s.
2. Nikhil Raunak – A design graduate from NID who now leads UX teams at a global tech firm. He earns in dollars and manages teams across time zones.
3. Shilo Shiv Suleman – A visual artist who uses art and technology to create public installations and social impact work. She travels globally, speaks at TED, and is redefining what it means to be an Indian artist.
4. Gitanjali Rao – An award-winning animation filmmaker from India. Her work has been featured at Cannes and Venice film festivals.
These are not exceptions—they’re examples of what’s possible when passion meets training and opportunity.
What You Can Do as a Parent
Listen with curiosity. Ask your child what excites them about art.
Research schools together. Top Indian art and design institutes include NID, NIFT, Srishti, Pearl Academy, and MIT Institute of Design. International options include Parsons, RISD, UAL, and SCAD.
Meet mentors or career counselors who specialize in creative careers.
Support their portfolio development. Creative careers often depend on portfolios more than marksheets.
The Final Word
Art is not just a passion—it’s a professional field with depth, scope, and relevance. The world needs more thinkers, feelers, designers, and storytellers. If your child is one of them, they’re not choosing an uncertain life—they’re choosing a different kind of certainty: the freedom to build a life rooted in meaning, originality, and creativity.
By believing in them, you become their first and most important supporter.
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