Artist Job Description
Job Description: An artist is someone who makes an art. An artist uses two ways in expressing art; applied and fine arts. A fine artist creates artworks like paintings and sculptures. On the other hand, an applied artist handcrafts different things like ceramic, rugs, pottery, furniture or jewellery. There are different kinds of artist in different industries such as fine artist, makeup artist, and others.
Duties: An artist has the capability to develop ideas, draw, make models and produce other types of work of art from hand or computer programs using various techniques. Depending on the type of art one does, artists find materials from various sources (such as paint store, craft shops, junk shops, vintage stores and other resources) to create one-of-a-kind or an “interpretation” of other art works. Some freelance artists, who have no manager, promote his/her work or services in various industry events, such as exhibits, conference, seminars and other events. They also write project proposals, maintain galleries and join competitions. Most artists have a well-maintained portfolio, either as a website, gallery, or store.
Education and Training: An individual may acquire courses in fine arts, visual art, art history, interdisciplinary fine art, art criticism, critical fine art, communications, painting, fine art digital techniques, graphic design, and new media or others. Some companies do not require educational background, but rely mainly on the artist’s skill, while others look for candidates with at least 1-year experience in the chosen field.
Knowledge and Skills: An artist must have determination and commitment in finishing his/her artwork. Skills and knowledge of an artist depend largely on the type of art being done. Generally, all artists must think outside the box and be creative, artistic, independent, and patient. Some must have advanced computer skills and knowledge in art-related software, such as Adobe Photoshop.
Working Conditions: An artist may be find full time or part time work in some industries such as education – teaching in schools, colleges and universities. Fine artists may work anytime at the day and any hour of the week, but they can also hold other 9-to-5 jobs related to their field. If an artist works exclusively for his/her art, they often do not have fixed schedules. However, artists who work in studios may have regular working hours from nine to six, Monday to Friday.
Salary: An artist may receive an average pay of $40,000, but this amount may vary largely because of benefits, company, experience, industry and location. Graphic artists receive a pay amounting to $32,000 annually, while some highly successful artists may earn more than $100,000 a year.
