If you plan to devote your life as studio artist inâ??painting, drawing, sculpture, or printmaking and establish yourself in the art worldâ??be prepared. It takes real courage to become a fine artist. This is the toughest of all art careers, but if you are passionate about your work you will do what it takes to create a lifestyle and situation to continue to explore your talent.
- About 62 percent of artists and related workers are self-employed.
- Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.
- Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelorâ??s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.
- Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art. â??Bureau of Labor Statistics
Fine Arts attract special kinds of people who have given up the traditional career path and benefits such as economic security and opted to live a life style of creating and growing their work and themselvesâ??where self-discovery and exploration become the fine artistsâ?? priority.
The works of fine artists are displayed in museums, galleries, private collections in homes or corporate headquarters. Some artwork is commissioned (done by request). For these pieces, artists meet with clients to discuss objectives, ideas, and themes to be portrayed. Most artwork, however, is created by artists and purchased by people who like the item. Because there is no guarantee that artwork will sell, many fine artists hold other jobs. Some teach art in high schools and colleges. Others work as administrators of arts programs. Fine artists also work as art critics and consultants to foundations that invest in art.
Drawing is an independent art form that challenges the artist to use various mediums and materials to find their own artistic style of expression. Drawing requires exceptional self-motivation and discipline.
Painters use oils, watercolors, and acrylics to create portraits, landscapes, and still life pictures. They use brushes, palette knives, and other tools to apply color to canvases. They use lines, color, and perspective to produce the desired effect. Painters have different styles such as abstract or realistic.
Printmakers create printed images from designs cut or etched into wood, stone, or metal. Some printmakers use computers to design and process prints.
Sculptors design three-dimensional works. They model materials such as clay and wax using small tools and their fingers. Some sculptors carve stone or wood using chisels and gouges. Some sculptors cut, bend, and fasten materials such as steel to form works of art.
Although the market for fine art encompasses greater areas, a real market for the work is very limited, so it’s important for us to point out that fine arts should not be a field one enters to “make money”. The intention here is not to discourage anyone, but rather to emphasize the point that a career in the fine arts might necessitate the consideration of an additional career as a means of support.
Some artists have been known to take special commercial assignments that might meet the needs of a magazine or newspaper. Teaching in high school or at the university level is a way to make a living and enjoy the community of artists that surround you in that environment and continue to pursue your art. Learning to choose and approach galleries is important in getting visibility. Few artists are selected to exhibit, although most galleries willingly look at slides of their work. For these few, any sales made by the gallery provide the income for the artist. The best galleries pay the artist a monthly stipend to help continue work. Other financial resources to help the artist are government and private grants, fellowships and residencies. You will find a list of these opportunities listed at your local art council and in the resource section of this site.
Travel and Study
Kendall offers a number of summer travel/study experiences. Upon graduation there are a number of opportunities to choose from such as Residencies, Colonies and Graduate School
Wage and Salary Information
Wages vary by employer and the artist’s reputation. Many fine artists are self-employed and sell their work by the piece. Others work for a commission, which is a percentage of the amount a painting is sold for. Some artists obtain grants to support the time they devote to their art. Others win prize money in competitions.
Median annual earnings of salaried fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and Illustrators were $41,970. The middle 50% earned between $28,550 and $58,550. The lowest 10% earned less than $18,350. Earnings for self-employed artists are not available.
About half of all fine artists are self-employed. They must provide their own benefits. Fine artists who are not self-employed and work full time for an employer may receive benefits.
