The work generally requires visual acuity and color vision. Some Commercial Artists are members of the Motion Picture Screen Cartoonists Union. The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group, Artists and Related Workers, which includes Commercial Artists. Self-employment as a freelance artist is common in the commercial art industry, especially for the experienced worker with a network of contacts.
Competition is stiff for both the entrant and the seasoned artist in the current job market.
This practice further limits job opportunities for beginning artists. Artists skilled in the use of computers and other mechanized methods of graphic design are usually hired first. Job openings are more plentiful in the State's large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles or San Francisco since most firms with art departments are concentrated there. County-specific earnings are reported in the Directory of California Local Area Wages published by the Employment Development Department and available on the website referenced at the end of this guide. Hours Commercial Artists normally work standard hours and workdays.