Fine Artist
Job Description:Fine artists create original works of art using methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.
Job Category:What you will do:
Typically you will:
- work from your own ideas, or a commission from an individual or an organisation
- sell your work through an agent or through galleries, exhibitions, shops or online
- research subjects, materials and new artistic techniques
- network with agents, dealers, gallery owners and other artists
- attend exhibitions and join artists’ groups
You might also:
- work as ‘artist in residence’ – running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals
- teach art classes privately, in colleges or through community learning
- run local art projects
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- creativity – ability to think ‘outside the box’
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- self-teaching
University
You’ll need a high level of skill and talent in your chosen art form. To develop these skills, you could train by doing a degree or postgraduate award in:
- art and design
- art history
- fine art
- visual arts
- graphic arts
College
You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design or Art Practice.
Volunteering
Volunteering with community arts projects can open up possibilities and extend your network of contacts, which could be useful for finding work.
Other Routes
If you’re exceptionally talented and have taught yourself, you may be able sell your work without formal training or qualifications.
Career tips
You’ll need to be able to promote yourself in different ways.
You could:
- create an online presence through your own website, blog or through social media channels
- join together with other artists to form a ‘collective’ or artistic community
organise your own shows in galleries or other venues
You could also:
- get an agent
- raise funds through crowdfunding websites
- illustrate products like books or greetings cards
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
Career Path & Progression:
You could move into areas like art therapy, art conservation, valuation or art sales. You could combine working as an artist with teaching.