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Artists
Overview » Industry Pathways » Visual Arts 
Artists use their imagination and create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. They love to express how they perceive the world around them. They use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, illustration, and more—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists’ works may involve objects, people, nature, or events. Some of the occupations listed further on involve a lot of creativity and a few also require some administrative responsibilities. Read them carefully as you think about your own special interests regarding this entire topic of artistic expression.
Artists generally fall into one of three categories: art directors; fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators; and multi-media artists and animators.
Fine artists typically display their creative work in museums, commercial art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (done on request from clients), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. The gallery and the artist decide in advance how much each will earn from the sale. Only the most successful fine artists are able to support themselves solely through the sale of their works.
This is a very fulfilling occupation and requires lots of determination and belief in oneself. Many “struggling artists” work in an unrelated field to support their art careers. Some work in museums or art galleries as fine-arts directors or as curators, planning and setting up art exhibits. Others work as art critics for newspapers or magazines or as consultants to foundations or institutional collectors.
One of the great attractions about this occupation is that being an artist involves the opportunity to choose whatever medium holds the greatest interest for you! Many fine artists specialize in one or two art forms.
Illustrators enjoy creating images and pictures for books, magazines, and other publications, and for commercial products such as textiles, wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Increasingly, illustrators work in digital format, preparing work directly on a computer.
There are many different types of illustrators. Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing skills with knowledge of biology or other sciences, illustrating the human anatomy, surgical procedures, animal and plant life, atomic and molecular structures, planetary formations, and much more.
Sketch artists, cartoonists, sculptors, painting restorers, and animators are just some of the other occupations that fall under the “artist” category.
Artists held about 30,000 jobs in 2006. More than half were self-employed. Of the artists who were not self-employed, many worked in advertising and related services; newspaper, periodical, book, and software publishers; motion picture and video industries; specialized design services; and computer systems design and related services. Some self-employed artists offered their services to advertising agencies, design firms, publishing houses, and other businesses on a contract or freelance basis.
Employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average through the year 2016. Because the arts attract many talented and creative people, competition for both salaried jobs and freelance work is expected to be tough.
Fine artists mostly work on a freelance or commission-basis and may find it difficult to earn a living solely by selling their artwork. Only the most successful fine artists receive major commissions for their work. Competition among artists for the privilege of being shown in galleries is expected to remain very strong, and grants from sponsors such as private foundations, state and local arts councils, and the National Endowment for the Arts should remain competitive.
It is important to note that studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Talented fine artists who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills, including computer skills, will have the best job prospects. If you believe in yourself and your artistic talents, don’t give up!
The need for artists to illustrate and animate materials for magazines, journals, and other printed or electronic media will increase demand for illustrators and animators of all types. Growth in motion picture and video industries will provide new job opportunities for illustrators, cartoonists, and animators. Competition for most jobs, however, will be strong, as the number of people interested in these positions is usually greater than the number of available openings. Employers should be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates.
Training requirements for artists vary by specialty. Although formal training is not necessary for fine artists, it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without some training. Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to the Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) and Master in Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.
Independent schools of art and design also offer postsecondary studio training in the fine arts. Typically, these programs focus more intensively on studio work than do the academic programs in a university setting. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits more than 200 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most award a degree in art.
Computers are used widely in the visual arts, and knowledge and training in computer graphics and other visual display software are critical elements of many jobs in these fields.
If you enjoy art and think you may want to teach fine arts at public elementary or secondary schools, you must have a teaching certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree. An advanced degree in fine arts or arts administration is necessary for management or administrative positions in government or in foundations or for teaching in colleges and universities.
Illustrators learn drawing and sketching skills through training in art programs and through extensive practice. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree; however, some illustrators are contracted on the basis of portfolios of their past work.
Evidence of appropriate talent and skill displayed in an artist’s portfolio is an important factor used by art directors, clients, and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or to contract out work. It is very important to also have strong administrative and organizational skills. It may be helpful to provide evidence of how you have managed creative projects in your portfolio. Internships also provide excellent opportunities to develop and improve portfolios.
Freelance artists try to develop a set of clients who regularly contract for work. Some freelance artists are widely recognized for their skill in specialties such as magazine or children’s book illustration. These artists may earn high incomes and can choose the type of work they do.
Fine artists advance professionally as their work circulates and as they establish a reputation for a particular style. The most successful artists continually develop new ideas, and their work often evolves over time.
Typical annual earnings of salaried artists were $42,070 in 2007.
Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work. Others, such as well-established freelance fine artists and illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Like other self-employed workers, freelance artists must provide their own benefits.
While being an artist is wonderful to imagine, unless you are very, very committed, choosing this profession is a tough journey. Yet, like anything else in life, it is very important to dream big, carefully plan, get the necessary education and training and set achievable goals helping you achieve your dream!
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
For information on continuing education in art-related programs, contact:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org
For information on careers in medical illustration, contact:
Association of Medical Illustrators: http://www.ami.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center.
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