As the population of the Jacksonville region expands, so do the occupations that support the growth of the area. Northeast Florida continues to grow its cultural attractions and none are more important than the arts. The Northeast Florida area offers a variety of arts jobs including Art Teacher, Music Teacher, Furniture Designer, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor, 3D Artist, Animator, Interior Designer, Writer, Painter and Musician.
Arts jobs bring a distinct cultural flair, generate a sense of well-being, and inspire intellectual and personal reflection. The arts unite people by way of provoking their senses, reflecting times of cultural change, and capturing common stories that make us human. Arts jobs allow those in this Career Pathway to express their unique talents to engage their communities and provide tremendous added value to those within them.
In addition to art jobs with great companies in the Jacksonville area, there is a great opportunity to start your own business. The region provides a strong, supportive environment for artistic entrepreneurs and the community has an inviting culture for those looking to make their passion their profession. You can review the Arts Career Pathway to see what options are available and where you can take your career.
It is also important to recognize the career choices that are available for artists in the Jacksonville area school system. The need for the arts in school has never been lost on the educators in Northeast Florida and therefore provide a chance to serve future generations with teaching on painting, music, drama, dancing, drawing, writing and more. For those looking to fill those roles, please check with your local school districts.
Make sure to review the Arts Career Pathway to learn more about what you can do to prepare for a fulfilling career with the creative class. The Jacksonville region needs artists and wants you to be part of our community.
Arts Companies in the Region
Crawford is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher - Commercial Art at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, a public magnet career and college preparatory high school in Jacksonville.
A Jacksonville native, Crawford graduated from Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology in 2011 and from Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 2015. After graduation, she moved to Orlando for her first professional job but returned to Jacksonville after a year. Crawford spent more than five years working in the design industry in a variety of environments including agency and business settings. She began teaching at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology in September 2020.
“I always thought I would end up working in education although I didn’t think it would happen this early in my career – but I love it,” Crawford said.
Crawford teaches Commercial Art Technology in the Communications Academy, preparing students for careers in the creative industry after high school or college. The Communications Academy also offers programs in Television Production and Digital Information Technology/IT.
A self-described “art kid,” Crawford had a passion for art and knew early on she wanted to study design. Her transition to teaching occurred in part because she maintained relationships with many of her former teachers.
“I had many key educators – in elementary, high school and college,” Crawford said. “They all left an impression on me. I knew one day I would love to emulate that energy in a classroom setting.”
One of her mentors is Michael Fuller, now retired but who had been Crawford’s commercial art teacher at the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology. Fuller contacted Crawford when a teaching vacancy became available.
“I wasn’t looking for a change, but when it was put in front of me, I knew I needed to jump at the opportunity,” Crawford said.
As an educator, Crawford draws on her professional design experience combined with her passion for creative problem solving. For the transition to teaching, Crawford earned her teaching certificate and Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop certifications. Crawford enjoys working with students.
“Being an educator isn’t just showing up to a classroom,” Crawford said. “I’m excited to help launch students into their careers.”
Students at the Academy earn industry certifications and regularly receive on-the-job training through internships. Crawford’s students work on a variety of real-world projects. In April, they will design marketing materials to promote the Healing Hearts Project’s fun run. This project also provides an opportunity for the academy to support a non-profit organization.
“Skills with Adobe products are guaranteed to give a leg up when pursuing a career at any point in time because of the early exposure that was provided,” said student Dante Pierre. “When you're exposed early to these kinds of professional programs, you develop a skillset that never truly becomes obsolete.”
Many of Crawford’s students value the Academy’s programs.
“I believe this Academy is helping my school life improve overall,” said student Danielle Wilson. “I'm learning things about websites, programs, editing and design, and I'm learning concepts that allow my school work to look nicer and my creativity to flow.”
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