Occupation Profile for Fine Artists, Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.

About 62 percent of artists and related workers are self-employed.
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.
Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.

Core — Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Core — Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Core — Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Core — Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Core — Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, in order to produce desired effects such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.