Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

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

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
• Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
• Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 61.6% of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are creative and hands-on.

Related careers

• Graphic Designers
• Interior Designers
• Public Relations Specialists
• Writers and Authors
• Editors
• Commercial and Industrial Designers

Quick questions

How much does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrator make?

The median pay is $26.68 per hour — roughly $55,500 a year, with the real range running from about $15.21/hr (10th percentile) to $69.33/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrator?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrator actually do all day?

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.