Fine Artists
Fine artists create art with many different mediums, but the main purpose of fine arts is to create a piece that is asthetically pleasing. They can display their art in museums, art galleries, craft fairs, in corporate collections, on the internet, or in their homes.
Craft artists
Craft artists can use similar techniques to create artworks that are both pleasing to the eye and have a useful function, like pottery, quilts, jewlrey, clothes, stained glass, or even furniture.
What Do They Do?
Artists create works to express themselves, adress issues, to sell for prophit, just for fun, and a number of other reasons. They use mediums like glass, wood, paper, cloth, and string, and perform different techniques like painting, sculpting, knitting, weaving, drawing, or sewing. Artists are usually familiar with certain principles of art, like color, shape, value, size, or texture, and use that to create pleasing artworks. Artists create portfolios, which group all of their past artworks that can be used to highlight their artistic styles and abilities to people interested in the artists' work. Another important thing to note about an art career is that many artists have at least one additional job, and that reputation is very important - if you have a good reputation, you will be more likely to be employed.
What's The Work Environment?
Artists can work in different spaces, like art studios, office buildings, warehouses, lofts, or at home. An artist's studio space may also be shared. Their work spaces are usually well-lit and ventilated, due to exposure of different chemicals, fumes, glue, paint, ink, residue, or cleaning materials. Artists also may wear protective clothing due to sharp objects like ceramics, glass, or sharp tools, and to protect against being burnt by heated tools like heat guns or kilns. The work schedule depends on the artsist, as some are self-employed, while others are not, some work an additional job, others focus on their art. The hours worked may also increase when a deadline is near.
How Do You Become One?
To become a fine artist, many people go to college, but that is not needed for crafts artists, as high school classess can teach these people the skills they need. Attending postsecondary art school can lead to earning a certificate in an art related career, or to an associates, bachelor's, or master's degree in fine arts. Attending school also allows an artist to build their portfolio, whether it be online or physical. Having a portfolio keeps a collection of their artwork, and showcases their artistic styles and abilities. Developing skills really boils down to practice. Artists can, however, learn on the job, or take private or noncredit classes. Having artistic ability, business skills, dexterity, customer service skills, and interpersonal skills. Artists who are freelancers or self-employed usually try to obtain a set of customers who request art regularly.
What Does The Pay Look Like?
In 2024, the median annual wages for these artists were found to be:
| Fine Artist | $60,560 |
|---|---|
| Craft Artist | $38,480 |
| All Other Artists or Related Workers | $72,760 |
The earnings for different artists vary widely depending on the person. If they are a freelance artist, if they are paid salary, if they are well-established, or even just what area of art they focus on can change how much money they make annually.
What's The Job Outlook?
The overall employment outlook is predicted to have little to no change from 2024 to 2034. The employment, however, depends on the state of the economy at the time - in a time when the economy is doing well, the demandd for art is generally higher. When the economy is doing poorly, then the opposite is true.
What Are Some Similar Occupations?