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Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Also called: Artist, Fine Artist, Painter, Sculptor

What they do:

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

On the job, you would:
  • Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
  • Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
  • Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • computers and electronics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language
  • music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Basic Skills

  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • create new and original ideas
  • come up with lots of ideas

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Artistic

People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Photoshop

Instant messaging software

  • GroupMe
  • Twitter

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $57,560

Education

Some college or bachelor's degree is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Arts & Entertainment industry.