Fine Artist
What is the work like?
Fine artists create original works of art using a variety of methods such as painting, drawing, engraving, printmaking, photography or lithographs.
As a fine artist you could:
- work from your own ideas or to an order (known as a 'commission') from an individual or an organisation
- sell your work through an agent or personally through galleries, exhibitions, shops, craft markets and fairs
- display your work for sale on your own website or an online gallery
- network with agents, dealers and galleries
- attend exhibitions and join artists’ groups
As well as selling your work, you could also make money by:
- working as ‘artist in residence’, running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals
- teaching art classes privately or through community learning
- running local art projects.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be successful as a fine artist you will need skill and talent in your chosen art form. If you are exceptionally talented you may be able to sell your work without formal training or qualifications. However, most fine artists have some training in art or design. See below for more details.
You will need to network and sell your work. You can either do this yourself or use an agent. If you sell your own work you keep all the money gained from the sale, but you may be restricting yourself if you have a lack of contacts. An agent may give you access to more potential buyers, but they will take commission from sales – as much as 30% or more.
Visit the Association of Illustrators (AOI) website for listings of agents, publishers, advertising agencies and other specialist organisations like children's book publishers. As an AOI member you can promote your work by listing your contact details and displaying samples of your work on the AOI website.
The Society of Artists Agents website also has details of agents, as well as examples of artists' work, which will give you an idea of the standards of work in demand.
You could also set up your own website to showcase your work.
See the Artists Information Company website for advice and resources on all aspects of working in the visual arts – you will need to subscribe to use some of the resources.
What further training and development can I do?
You could develop your technique and ideas by attending courses at all levels. These include BTEC National certificates and diplomas, BTEC HNCs/HNDs and degree courses.
You should check with colleges and universities for their entry requirements. Talent is usually more important than qualifications – you will be asked to present a portfolio of your work, and you could be accepted onto some courses on the strength of this.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (link opens in new window).
You can get information on workshops, conferences, courses, mentoring schemes, critical appraisal services and other useful resources from the CreativePeople network.
Artquest is another source of advice and information about training, funding, finding studio space, selling and exhibiting. The website is mainly aimed at artists in London, but you will find much of the information useful wherever you are based.
Membership of organisations such as the Association of Illustrators is also useful for training opportunities, advice, networking and support.
Where can I go for more information?
11 Southwark StreetLondon
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
356 Holloway Road
London
N7 6PA
Tel: 020 7619 6160
Minicom: 020 7619 6161
Back Building
150 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3AR
Tel: 020 7613 4328
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Earnings will differ greatly depending on work opportunities and reputation.
It is common for fine artists to earn their living from a combination of exhibiting and selling their creative work and other part- or full-time jobs.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would arrange your own working hours. This could involve fitting your art work around another full- or part-time job.
You may work in a studio, at home, in rented space within a shared studio, or in specialist facilities such as a print or sculpture workshop.
You may have to relocate to find markets for your work or to take up a residency.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity
- a good appreciation of colour and shape
- self-motivation
- willingness to work alone
- business skills to promote and market your work
- the ability to cope with a changing workload.
What opportunities are there?
Your local regional arts board (contact details on the Arts Council website) will advise on possible funding and studio space. The Arts Council website is also a useful source of information on local and national arts projects and initiatives that you could get involved in.
Your success will depend on the amount of work you are able to sell. You may need to combine your art work with work in related areas such as teaching, community arts, gallery management, critical writing, project management and creative consultancy, or in a completely different area.
Your fine arts training could help towards moving into other areas, such as art therapy or art restoration and conservation.
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