Fine Artists

Career summary

Job titles found under fine artists include painters, sculptors, print makers, painting restorers, visual artists, and illustrators.

#from ncis overview wois 9834 & 4726, checked 2/24/15 lh

Fine artists express their ideas through:

• Paints
• Sculptures
• Illustrations
• Oils
• Plasters
• Clays
• Computer programs

The works of fine artists are displayed in a variety of places, including museums, galleries, gift shops, public buildings, and private homes. Some artwork is commissioned (done by request). For these pieces, artists meet with clients to discuss objectives, ideas, budgets, and themes. Most artwork is created by artists without a commission. Many fine artists hold other jobs. Some teach art in high schools and colleges. Others work as administrators of arts programs. Fine artists also work as art critics and consultants to foundations that invest in art. Many also work at jobs very different from their work as artists.

Fine artists typically specialize in one or more types of art.

Illustrators

Illustrators paint or draw pictures for books, magazines, and other publications. They draw models and diagrams. Illustrators also create scenic backgrounds for movies.

Painting restorers

Painting restorers remove paint, or a layer of paint, from canvas to restore damaged or fading artwork. They use magnifying glasses to study the style and materials used by the original artist. Restorers perform tests to determine the age of the paint and its reaction to solvents and cleaning agents. They clean the surface of paintings, using solvents that do not damage the paint. Sometimes they scrape away old and damaged paint. Restorers retouch damaged areas and apply preservatives to protect paintings.

Painters

Painters use oils, watercolors, and acrylics to create portraits, landscapes, and still life pictures. They use brushes, palette knives, airbrushes, and other tools to apply color to canvases or other supports. They use lines, color, and perspective to produce the desired effect. Painters have different styles such as abstract or realistic.

Printmakers

Printmakers create printed images from designs cut or etched into wood, stone, or metal.

Sculptors

Sculptors design three-dimensional works. They model materials such as clay and wax using small tools and their fingers. Some sculptors carve stone or wood using chisels and gouges. Some sculptors cut, bend, and fasten materials such as steel to form works of art.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Animators and Multimedia Artists
• Art Therapists
• Cartoonists
• Glass Blowers
• Graphic Designers
• Jewelers
• Potters
• Sketch Artists
• Tattoo Artists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to fine artists.

• Use visual elements such as line, color, and perspective to create images.
• Apply paint, pastel, and other materials to canvases and other supports. Use brushes, palette knives, and other tools.
• Model sculptures out of clay or wax. Use small hand tools or fingers.
• Carve objects out of stone, concrete, or wood. Use chisels, gouges, and malls.
• Create forms out of metal or stone. Use welding and metalworking equipment.
• Study the style, technique, and materials used by the original artist before restoring items.
• Inspect surface of paintings to determine needed corrections. Use magnifying glasses.
• Test paintings to determine age and pigment stability.
• Apply solvents and cleaners to remove old paint and varnish.
• Retouch damaged areas and apply preservative for protection.
• Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches from memory, photos, or other reference materials.
• Paint backgrounds for movies and TV shows.
• Create drawings for textbooks, magazines, and other publications.
• Meet with clients to determine their needs. May develop project budgets and estimates.
• Meet with gallery owners to plan showings.

Common work activities

Fine artists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, fine artists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of social interaction. They talk to clients and customers, but spend most of their time alone.
• Usually communicate via telephone and e-mail.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors in studios. May work outdoors when they need natural lighting.
• May wear protective and safety gear, depending on the materials or methods they are using.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants, such as paint fumes or dust.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. They must be sure that customers are happy with their work.
• Rarely consult others before making a decision or setting daily tasks and goals.
• Work in a moderately competitive environment where they must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work more than eight hours a day to meet deadlines.
• May have flexible schedules.

Physical demands

Fine artists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for fine artists to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for fine artists to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Fine artists need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Ceramic Art and Design
• Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts
• Illustration
• Metal and Jewelry Arts
• Painting and Drawing
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Other programs of study to consider

• Art History
• Arts Administration
• Commercial and Advertising Art
• Computer Graphics
• Crafts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Medical Illustration
• Multimedia and Intermedia
• Museum Studies
• Photography

Training

To work as a fine artist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; 
• have a bachelor's degree in a related field; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many artists earn a bachelor's (BFA) or master's (MFA) degree in fine arts. Course work usually includes art design, history, and studio art. Art schools offer degree programs and studio training in fine arts. In general, colleges and universities offer more programs outside the subject of art than art schools do.

To teach art in a public school you need a teaching certificate plus a bachelor's degree. Director of arts programs or foundations often have a master's degree. Medical illustrators need both pre-medical and art training. They need both types of knowledge so they can draw organisms, surgical procedures, and anatomy.

Work experience

Exhibiting works in local fairs and shows is a good way to find new opportunities to sell artwork. Volunteering at art shows is a good way to meet artists and learn more about what they do.

On-the-job training

Fine artists have many years of artistic training and practice. Formal on-the-job training is not common, except in as much as you learn by doing and getting feedback from others. Fine artists are often self-employed and are responsible for their own training. Some artists learn their skills by working as an apprentice for a master artist or by working in a workshop with other artists.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Crafts
• Drawing and Painting
• Photography
• Pottery
• Printmaking and Graphics
• Sculpture
• Textiles

Many fine artists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers often review an artist's portfolio as part of the interview process. A portfolio is a collection of the artist's best work. It may include sketches and photographs of completed work.

Most fine artists are self-employed, which means that they must aggressively market and sell their work to potential customers.

There is no specific path that artists follow to become established as professionals although formal training and the study of art can be helpful. A bachelor's degree in art may be helpful. It is also important to display work at group or solo exhibitions.

Experienced artists are usually preferred, especially for solo exhibitions, grant awards, and commissions. However, much depends on the artist's background, portfolio, and knowledge in his or her specific area of art.

Tips

Read about visual art, visit galleries, and talk to curators and gallery owners. Volunteer at a local arts commission. Visit and talk to artists doing similar types of work. Make a realistic appraisal of the possibility for success in your chosen field. Set goals and time limits for reaching those goals. Understand the business side of art by taking classes or reading about business concepts. Courses in liberal arts are also helpful. Find ways to get pictures of your artwork published or teach art classes in your community to gain exposure.

Costs to workers

Costs vary from artist to artist but generally include tools, supplies, reference books, and portfolio production expenses. Some fine artists must pay rent for studio space. Additional costs may include professional workshops or college classes to stay current with changes in the field and professional association dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the artist's reputation. Many fine artists are self-employed and sell their work by the piece. Others work for a commission, which is a percentage of the amount a painting is sold for. Some artists obtain grants to support the time they devote to their art. Others win prize money in competitions.

About half of all fine artists are self-employed. They must provide their own benefits. Fine artists who are not self-employed and work full time for an employer may receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington State, the outlook for fine artists depends on the personal and aesthetic interests of art buyers, art collectors, museums, and galleries. Economic conditions also affect the sales of art. People are more likely to purchase art when the economy is doing well than when there is a downturn.

Some fine artists are finding employment opportunities with the growing interactive media market. Employers look for artists who are creative with traditional artistic skills. There are also a growing number of schools offering programs in art and digital media.

#PSBJ "Techflash" 3/8-14/13 pp13-17 lh updated from wftb http://www.wtb.wa.gov/Documents/NGAconferenceinteractivemedia.pdf 2/24/15 lh. Don't know how many game tech publishers there are now; decided to leave this in for time being, 3/28/18 cj. edited 2/27/19 lh

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 59% of fine artists are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Newspapers, magazines, and book publishers
• Colleges and universities
• Software publishers

National outlook

Growth in this occupation will show little to no change over the next few years. New technologies have increased the sale of inexpensive, machine-produced items that are designed to look like handmade crafts. However, there is increasing public in locally made products and crafted goods.

Competition will be very strong for several reasons. There are more qualified individuals than open positions. In addition, many independent and self-employed artists use the same online marketplace to sell their work. Talented artists with a mastery of skills will have the best prospects.

Other resources

Allied Artists of America 

American Artists Professional League 
47 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003
212.645.1345

American Craft Council 
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.206.3100

American Society of Artists 
PO Box 1326
Palatine, IL 60078
312.751.2500

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

Artist-Blacksmiths' Association of North America (ABANA) 
259 Muddy Fork Road
Jonesborough, TN 37659
412.913.1022

Association of Medical Illustrators 
201 East Main Street, Suite 1405
Lexington, KY 40507
866.393.4264

College Art Association 

How Can I Become a Medical Illustrator? 
Association of Medical Illustrators

International Sculpture Center 
14 Fairgrounds Road, Suite B
Hamilton, NJ 08619-3447

National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts 
4845 Pearl East Circle, Ste. 101
Boulder, CO 80301

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Society of American Silversmiths 
PO Box 786
West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators 
323.782.1010

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Western Washington 

Society of North American Goldsmiths 
PO Box 1355
Eugene, OR 97440

Textile Society of America 

US Small Business Administration 
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

Western States Arts Foundation 

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (27-1013.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Delineator (970.281-014) 
• Exhibit Artist (149.261-010) 
• Fashion Artist (141.061-014) 
• Illustrator (141.061-022) 
• Illustrator, Medical and Scientific (141.061-026) 
• Illustrator, Set (141.061-030) 
• Painter (144.061-010) 
• Paintings Restorer (102.261-014) 
• Printmaker (144.061-014) 
• Sculptor (144.061-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Realistic/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Arts Professional