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Artist

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Artist Career Details

Artists create original art work, such as paintings, sculptures and installations, which they then try to sell through art galleries, agents and dealers. They may also be commissioned to produce a specific piece of art work.

They may produce art work by painting, drawing, installations/conceptual art, printmaking, carving, sculpting, modelling, using photography, video and computers.

They may specialise in one medium, such as oil painting, one area, such as portraits, or in a combination of techniques and subjects.

Artists need to market and promote their work, and they spend time ‘networking’ and meeting with people such as curators, dealers and agents, as well as identifying potential galleries, clients or supporters. Developing a portfolio of previous work is essential for securing new work.

Artists may be involved in organising events to help sell their work, such as exhibitions and open studios, or displaying work in online galleries on the internet.

Some artists do residencies, working for a fixed period in places such as schools, hospitals or prisons. This may involve running workshops and teaching, as well as producing decorative work or murals.

Working Environment

Hours are usually irregular and include weekends and evenings.

It is common to supplement income by other full or part-time work.

Artists may work in a studio or at home, rent space within a group building, or use specialist facilities such as a print or sculpture workshop.

Artists may have to relocate to find work, especially when taking up a residency.

Artist Related Skills

To be a fine artist you should:

be creative
have a good appreciation of colour and form
have good communication skills to present ideas, and liaise and negotiate with other professionals
be able to encourage people to participate in community residencies and workshops
be able to work to a brief
be self-motivated and enjoy working alone
be able to accept criticism
have some business and financial skills in order to promote and market your work
be able to cope with a fluctuating workload.

Artist Career Opportunities

Many artists have a ‘portfolio career’ and combine their work as an artist with paid work in areas such as art education, community arts, gallery management, critical writing, project management and creative consultancy.

There is no recognised career path and prospects depend on factors such as selling work to collectors, holding solo or collaborative exhibitions or completing a major public art commission or residency.

Jobs and work opportunities are available in most areas. There may be opportunities for artists to work abroad.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Artist related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Artist? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Artist? Take a look at Postgraduate Artist courses, Postgraduate Artist courses, Undergraduate Artist courses, Undergraduate Artist courses, Adult learning Artist courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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