Fine artist
Fine artists create original works of art using methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.
What you'll do
As a fine artist, you'll
- create artworks from your own ideas, or commissions from an individual or an organisation
- promote and sell your work through an agent, or through galleries, exhibitions, shops or online
- research subject matter, materials and new artistic techniques
- develop your expertise in one or more media
- network with agents, dealers, gallery owners and other artists
- attend exhibitions and join artists' groups
You might also:
- work as ‘artist in residence' – running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals
- teach art classes privately, in colleges or community learning centres
- run local art projects
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- design skills and knowledge
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to learn through your work
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a fine artist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- self-teaching
University
You'll need a high level of skill and talent in your chosen art form. To develop these skills, you could train by doing a degree or postgraduate award.
Subjects include:
- art and design
- art history
- fine art
- visual arts
- graphic arts
- printmaking
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could do a college course like art and design or creative practice, to develop your skills.
Courses will usually give you the option to choose to study your preferred medium, for example:
- painting or drawing
- printmaking
- photography and digital arts
- ceramics
- sculpture
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Volunteering
Volunteering with community arts projects can open up possibilities and extend your network of contacts, which might be useful for finding work.
Other routes
If you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself, you may be able sell your work without formal training or qualifications.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into areas like:
- art therapy
- set design
- art conservation
- gallery management
- valuation and sales
You could also combine working as an artist with teaching.
Career tips
When applying for art courses, you will often need a portfolio of your work. It is a good idea to make a start on this as early as possible.
As a fine artist, you'll need to be able to promote yourself in different ways.
You could:
- create an online presence through your own website, blog or social media channels
- join together with other artists to form a 'collective' or artistic community
- organise your own shows in galleries or other venues
You could also:
- get an agent
- illustrate products like books or greetings cards
Entering competitions or open exhibitions can also raise your profile as an artist. a-n The Artists Information Company regularly lists opportunities.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of a-n The Artists Information Company or Visual Artists Association for networking and professional development opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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