Occupation · SOC 27-1013
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
951 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingActive LearningActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
DesignComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingFine Arts
Technology & tools
Document management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing software
Representative tasks
Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwoIntegrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produceConfer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nat
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic drawing and painting materials such as pencils, watercolors, and charcoal — apply under direct guidance to complete assigned studio exercises.Visual elements including line, color, and basic perspective — identify and incorporate into simple compositions with instructor feedback.Client or editor briefs — listen to and interpret with supervision to understand the scope of a basic illustration assignment.Personal artwork portfolio — assemble and organize under guidance to document early stylistic development and completed coursework.Social media and basic web tools — use with direction to post artwork samples and begin establishing an online presence.New artistic techniques such as ink wash or cross-hatching — study and attempt through structured exercises following demonstrated examples.Art exhibitions, publications, and online galleries — attend and browse regularly to build awareness of current trends and styles.Reference photographs of objects or scenes — capture using a smartphone or basic camera under instructor direction to support assigned projects.Graphics or photo imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop — navigate fundamental tools and workflows to produce simple digital compositions.Feedback from instructors and peers — receive and apply during studio critiques to make basic revisions to works in progress.
developing
Traditional and digital media including oils, acrylics, and vector software — select and apply independently to fulfill defined project briefs.Visual principles such as mass, space, color harmony, and depth — integrate purposefully across a range of compositions to convey specific moods or ideas.Client meetings and art director consultations — participate in and contribute clearly to align creative output with project requirements.Portfolio of finished works across multiple media — maintain and update consistently to reflect evolving style and growing range of capabilities.Marketing materials including brochures and artist websites — develop and distribute with limited guidance to attract commissions and exhibition opportunities.Emerging techniques learned through workshops or peer study — adapt and incorporate into personal practice to expand creative problem-solving approaches.Art world trends, gallery openings, and industry publications — monitor routinely to inform thematic and stylistic decisions on active projects.Reference photography of locations, still-life setups, and subjects — plan and execute independently to build accurate visual reference libraries for illustration work.Desktop publishing and web page editing software — use with growing proficiency to produce self-promotion materials and manage an artist website.Critical thinking during creative problem-solving — apply to evaluate multiple compositional or conceptual options before committing to a final direction.
proficient
A full range of fine art media — select, combine, and execute with technical mastery to produce original works that meet both aesthetic and client-driven outcomes.Complex visual narratives integrating line, perspective, color theory, and emotional tone — develop autonomously to fulfill demanding editorial or gallery briefs.Stakeholder discussions with editors, writers, and art directors — lead confidently to define creative scope, negotiate revisions, and ensure alignment with communications goals.Comprehensive professional portfolio — curate strategically across styles and subjects to target specific markets, galleries, or licensing opportunities.Multi-channel marketing strategy including mailings, social platforms, and personal websites — design and execute independently to sustain a professional client base.Unfamiliar techniques or materials encountered through research or exhibitions — evaluate critically and integrate selectively to advance personal artistic development.Broader cultural and art-world context gleaned from publications, exhibitions, and artist communities — synthesize continuously to position original work within contemporary discourse.Professional-grade photography sessions for complex reference material — plan, execute, and edit to supply high-fidelity visual references for detailed illustration projects.Advanced graphics software including CAD, video editing, and object-oriented design tools — deploy fluidly across projects to expand creative and commercial output.Judgment and decision-making under ambiguous creative conditions — exercise consistently to resolve non-routine aesthetic challenges and deliver polished final works on deadline.
advanced
Innovative studio practice integrating traditional and emerging digital media — model and champion for emerging artists, establishing benchmarks for technical and conceptual excellence.Sophisticated visual language developed over a sustained career — leverage to create signature bodies of work that influence peers, educators, and industry standards.High-stakes client relationships with publishers, galleries, and institutional art directors — manage strategically to shape long-term creative partnerships and revenue streams.Professional portfolio strategy aligned to legacy and brand positioning — design and refine to guide career milestones, retrospective exhibitions, and licensing negotiations.Artist marketing frameworks including agency representation, speaking engagements, and media outreach — architect and lead to build sustained market visibility and institutional recognition.Mentorship programs and critique structures for developing artists — establish and facilitate in studio, academic, or professional settings to accelerate others' growth.Industry trends, cultural movements, and technology shifts in the art world — analyze at a systems level to forecast directions and position original practice at the forefront.Reference and research methodologies including fieldwork, archival study, and collaborative photography — design as replicable workflows that others can adopt on large-scale or collaborative projects.Organization-wide or cross-disciplinary creative technology stacks — evaluate, adopt, and champion to modernize production pipelines for studios, agencies, or educational programs.Strategic vision for artistic or organizational direction — articulate and communicate across stakeholders including boards, funders, and media to lead field-level conversations about the value of fine art.
Also known as
96 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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