MY DREAM JOB Fine Artist

By Roxanne Speaks

WHAT THEY DO

• Creates original works of art, or produces art work according to instructions, using such mediums as paint or canvas, wood, metal, clay, ceramics, or other materials. May specialize in a single medium.

SKILLS YOU NEED

• Seeing clearly up close.

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness.

• Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching.

BASIC SKILLS

• Active listening • Reading comprehension • Writing • Speaking • Mathematics • Science • Critical thinking • Active learning • Learning strategies • Monitoring

INTERESTS & VALUE

• A person interested in fine arts has to be willing to accept the fact that they may not always get to create what they want. Sometimes they will have others telling them what to paint, build, or mold whether they like it or not. They have to accept this, otherwise, they wont get paid.

EDUCATION & REQUIRMENTS

• In high school, I would need to take all my required classes, plus certain electives such as, art, photography, and key boarding.

• After high school, I would need to take courses in subjects such as, painting, drawing, metal and jewelry arts, and sculpture.

MONEY & HOURS

• Average hourly wage:$24.64

• Average annual wage:$51,250 • Average hours:Regular working hours and limited travel.

MY BACKUP CAREER Massage Therapist

By Roxanne Speaks

WHAT THEY DO

• Massages people for hygienic or remedial purposes.

SKILLS YOU NEED

• Using muscles repeatedly without tiring.

• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person.

• Speaking clearly.

• Exerting oneself physically over a long period of time without tiring easily.

• Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly without tiring.

BASIC SKILLS

• Active listening • Speaking • Active learning

INTERESTS & VALUE

• A person interested in being a massage therapist has to be willing to work hard and have irregular hours. Of course they also have to be willing to massage the backs of people whom they’ve never met. To some, that may sound gross, but that’s why soap was invented.

EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS

• In high school, I would only need to take my required classes. There are no specific electives that would help me to reach this job.

• After high school, I would need to take at least ten weeks to ten years of college classes to teach me techniques on how to manipulate skin, muscles, and connective tissues.

MONEY & HOURS

• Average hourly wage:$15.28

• Average annual wage:$31,780 • Average hours:irregular hours

ALL IN ALL…

• My dream job definitely fits my personality; and as long as my back up job allows me to paint and do what I love, I have no complaints.