There are many careers out there that allow an individual to use their talents to make a difference. If one were interested in art as well as in law enforcement, becoming a forensic sketch artist might be a satisfying occupation. Being a forensic artist is a career that combines both artistic creativity and helps protect citizens. People in this line of work have often been portrayed on television as helping to find criminals based on the descriptions they’re given and are also seen by their work to find missing people on the news.
Forensic artist usually do their work by hand, however if they have to show age progression they can use computer graphic programs. Their skills are not only put to use to find suspects, missing or unidentifiable people. Forensic artist also prepare reports, exhibits and displays for court proceedings. They can “enhance or alter surveillance photographs as they interview informants, asking them to choose from examples of noses, eyes, mouths, foreheads and chins.” People in this field are required to collect a variety of features that can hopefully match what is being described. They must also be able to ask the right questions in order to get the best descriptions. This process can be challenging due to limited information or trial and error, as they update their work to correspond to eyewitness reports.
Someone who wishes to go into this career will have to recieve an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Having an internship and doing art workshops can help future forensic artists gain the experience employers will look for. Finally, to become a forensic artist, an art certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) will be needed. To obtain an IAI certification, candidates should have two years of criminal sketching experience, be supported by a law enforcement agency, have a professional portfolio and pass a written exam.
Finding a career choice that best fits your passion and talents is out there.
I absolutely love this post! When I was younger I fell in love with art. I was fascinated by my hands and how they perceived what saw with my eyes. I wanted to learn more and push the ability of my hands to the limit. I was later discouraged when I found out that the artist world is very competitive and many don’t get to do what they love full time. But I wanted to use art to change something in the world; make it better. I contemplated this profession after watching “No Ordinary Family”. The idea of art that makes the world a better place always amazes me.