Artist

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Work Tasks

ARTISTS create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings through various methods and materials. They may use oils, watercolors, acrylics, or pastels: or magic markers, pencils, or pen and ink; or a combination of any or all. Their works may be realistic, stylized, or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature, scenery, or events. They decide what they want to depict and choose the medium they will use. Some artists create works of art because they want to express themselves. Artists usually work with two-dimensional art forms. They use techniques of shading, perspective, color mixing, and other techniques to produce their works of art.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (36,900 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Entry Requirements

Although formal training is not needed for ARTISTS, it is hard to make a living without some training. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in fine arts. Art schools also offer post-secondary training. Artists usually put together a portfolio (samples of their best work) to get a job. A bachelor's degree program or postsecondary art school program will teach artists the skills needed to put together a good portfolio. Artists who are going into business for themselves should take some business courses.