Art Editor and Critic

Job overview
Art editors in the print media cover a wide range of subjects, not only the graphic arts,? (?painting, sculpture?)?, but also music? (?pop, light, classical, opera etc?) ?and stage, TV and cinema productions.

What do people do in this job?
Art editors and their editorial staff and freelance art critics, are responsible for the make-up and presentation of the art section of a newspaper or periodical in the same way as news editors and their staff present the news section.

Art journalists, reporters or critics interview stage, television and film personalities, directors, and other entertainers.

They attend concerts, and often accompany film and television teams, sometimes writing their reports on the spot and faxing, phoning or e-mailing them to their editor.

Speed is essential if the article is to be ready for the next issue of the paper, which might be appearing on the following day.

This is not a job for someone who cannot work under pressure.

What kinds of people are suitable for this job?
An interest in and broad knowledge of the various art forms are essential, together with a willingness and capacity for keeping?  ?abreast of the latest happenings in the art world.

In addition to this, ease in relating to and communicating with people in the art and entertainment world is a great asset.

Finally, it goes without saying that the ability to write well and persuasively in the language of the newspaper or periodical concerned is absolutely fundamental.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications, but many people in this field will have had a fairly liberal education in the arts.