Arts, AV Technology, & CommunicationsSouth Carolina

Visual Arts in South Carolina

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South Carolina's Visual Arts pathway develops artists and designers for careers in fine arts, illustration, and art direction. The state's cultural heritage and growing creative industries create opportunities for skilled visual artists.

Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and professional art practices. They develop portfolios and exhibit work in galleries and community venues.

Graduates work as fine artists, illustrators, art directors, or teach art. Some establish independent studios or galleries. Employment opportunities exist with design firms, advertising agencies, education institutions, and cultural organizations throughout South Carolina.

Visual Arts at a Glance

4

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

South Carolina visual arts standards cover drawing, color theory, composition, art history, and professional practices. Standards integrate both traditional and digital art media.

Students develop comprehensive art portfolios, complete gallery exhibitions, and engage in critique and reflection. State standards emphasize creative risk-taking and artistic voice development.

View South Carolina CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Visual Arts Concentrator
Visual Arts Completer
Visual Arts Certification
Professional Art Practices

View South Carolina course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Freelance Illustrator

Entry Level
$36,000in South Carolina

Adjusted for cost of living: $38,635

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Graphic Artist

Entry Level
$40,000in South Carolina

Adjusted for cost of living: $42,928

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Art Director

Experienced
$66,130in South Carolina
National: $111,040-40%

Salary range: $56,410 - $103,960

Adjusted for cost of living: $70,970

+2.8% growth200 openings/yr
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Fine Artist/Gallery Director

Experienced
$99,340in South Carolina
National: $102,950-4%

Salary range: $66,730 - $148,690

Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611

+0.4% growth4,100 openings/yr
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Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students work with galleries, art studios, design firms, and cultural institutions throughout South Carolina to create and exhibit artwork.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in National Art Education Association, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

South Carolina Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in South Carolina

Digital Art and Design

South Carolina's Digital Art and Design pathway prepares students for careers in graphic design, web design, multimedia production, and digital media. This creative program combines artistic skills with technical proficiency, teaching students to communicate visual messages using industry-standard design software and contemporary digital media tools. With businesses across all sectors requiring digital content and visual communication, design skills are increasingly valuable in South Carolina's economy. The pathway progresses from design fundamentals through advanced digital media production. Students develop skills in graphic design principles, digital imaging, web design, video production, animation, and interactive media. The curriculum emphasizes both creative problem-solving and technical execution, preparing students to create professional-quality visual content for diverse audiences and platforms. Students build comprehensive design portfolios showcasing their skills and creative vision. South Carolina's Digital Art and Design programs connect students with design professionals through industry partnerships, guest speakers, and portfolio reviews. Graduates are prepared for entry-level design positions, freelance creative work, or continuation to four-year design or digital media degree programs. The pathway develops both creative expression and marketable technical skills applicable across numerous industries.

Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Graphic Communications

South Carolina's Graphic Communications pathway prepares students for careers in print and digital design. The state's growing media and marketing industries create opportunities for skilled graphic professionals. Students learn design principles, typography, digital tools, print production, and project management. They work with industry-standard software and learn both digital and traditional printing techniques. Graduates work as graphic designers, print production managers, marketing specialists, or establish design businesses. Employment opportunities exist with design studios, printing companies, marketing agencies, and corporate communications departments throughout South Carolina.

Arts, AV Technology, & Communications

Media Technology

South Carolina's Media Technology pathway prepares students for careers in video production, audio engineering, and multimedia content creation. The state's growing film industry incentives and streaming media demand create opportunities for skilled media professionals. Students learn video production, audio engineering, editing, animation, and project management. They work with industry-standard equipment in production facilities and create projects for real clients. Graduates work as videographers, audio engineers, production coordinators, or content creators. Employment opportunities exist with film companies, television stations, streaming services, corporate communications, and advertising agencies throughout South Carolina.

Arts, AV Technology, & Communications

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