Most artists work in fine or commercial art studios located in office buildings, or in private studios in their homes. Some fine artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work. Studio surroundings usually are well lighted and ventilated; however, fine artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials. Artists who sit at drafting tables or use computers for extended periods may experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.
Artists employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, and design firms generally work a standard 40-hour week. During busy periods, they may work overtime to meet deadlines. Self-employed artists can set their own hours, but may spend much time and effort selling their artwork to potential customers or clients and building a reputation.
Working conditions and places of employment for designers vary. Designers employed by manufacturing establishments, large corporations, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Self-employed designers tend to work longer hours.
Designers who work on a contract, or job, basis frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules, meeting with them during evening or weekend hours when necessary. Designers may transact business in their own offices or studios or in clients' homes or offices, or they may travel to other locations, such as showrooms, design centers, clients' exhibit sites, and manufacturing facilities. Designers who are paid by the assignment are under pressure to please clients and to find new ones to maintain a constant income. All designers face frustration at times when their designs are rejected or when they cannot be as creative as they wish. With the increased use of computers in the workplace and the advent of Internet websites, more designers conduct business, research design alternatives, and purchase supplies electronically than ever before.
Occasionally, industrial designers may work additional hours to meet deadlines. Similarly, graphic designers usually work regular hours, but may work evenings or weekends to meet production schedules. In contrast, set and exhibit designers work long and irregular hours; often, they are under pressure to make rapid changes. Merchandise displayers and window trimmers who spend most of their time designing space typically work in office-type settings; however, those who also construct and install displays spend much of their time doing physical labor, such as those tasks performed by a carpenter or someone constructing and moving stage scenery. Fashion designers may work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows. In addition, fashion designers may be required to travel to production sites across the United States and overseas. Interior designers generally work under deadlines and may work extra hours to finish a job. Also, they regularly carry heavy, bulky sample books to meetings with clients. Floral designers usually work regular hours in a pleasant work environment, but holiday, wedding, and funeral orders often require overtime.
