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How to Become a Fine Artist

Fine art is a form of art that involves a variety of visual and performing arts including sculpture, painting, music, dance, architecture, theatre, printmaking, and photography. It often focuses just on visual art forms. Fine artists are artistic professionals that create original works of art using many different techniques and materials.

What does a fine artist do?

Fine artists create art such as paintings, drawings, and sculptures. They use a variety of mediums such as watercolor, pastels, oil paint, clay, chalk, and paper Mache. They often create two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms and use many different techniques such as color, perspective, and shading to create the desired look of their artwork. They usually display their creations in commercial art galleries, museums, corporate collections, and even in private residences. Fine artists often create their artwork and sell it independently or through private galleries. Sometimes they create pieces by request from clients. Fine artists typically specialize in one or two forms of art such as painting, sketching, illustrating, sculpting, restoring, and printmaking.

What kind of training does a fine artist need?

Fine artists typically need at least a high school diploma, but many complete formal education in fine arts or other related field. Many colleges, universities, and independent art schools offer a variety of programs in fine arts. Prospective fine artists typically complete courses in English, art history, studio art, and fine art techniques. Many aspiring fine artists complete internships at art establishments or shadow experienced artists to gain practical experience in the field. Many fine artists start creating art at a young age and continue to improve their skills over time. Some employers provide some on the job training to enable fine artists to learn the necessary policies and procedures. Many fine artists create detailed portfolios to showcase their work to potential employers and clients.

What are the prospects for a career as a fine artist?

Employment of fine artists is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 9% from 2008 to 2018 (1).

Job prospects are expected to be favorable with strong competition. Fine artists with specialized abilities and extensive experience will have the best job opportunities.

How much do fine artists make?

As of January 2010, fine artists with 1 to 4 years experience earn average annual salaries between $20,769 and $58,039. Those with 5 to 9 years experience earn average annual salaries between $12,289 and $45,781 (2).

A career as a fine artist is an excellent choice for individuals with a strong passion for fine art and creating a variety of different forms of art. Fine artists must have a solid understanding of a variety of fine art techniques and many different types of material. Good artistic ability, creativity, patience, determination, self-confidence, and perseverance are necessary characteristics. Fine artists must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills because they often interact with a variety of other artists and clients.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online arts and design schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.
(2) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report