Artist - overview

As an artist, you’ll use your creativity to produce original pieces of art using a variety of materials and methods. You’ll also explore ways to show and sell your work. Learn more about a career as an artist, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Learn what the role involves below.

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What does an artist do?

As an artist, there’s a wealth of methods and subject matters available to express your ideas. You may choose to use a variety of these or specialise in one method like painting, drawing or sculpture, or focus on a type of art like landscapes, portraits, or abstract art.

You’ll create your own pieces to sell to the public or work on client commissions. You might use an agent or a gallery to help create interest and build your reputation.

Artists tend to be self-employed so working environments vary. You could work from home or hire a studio, working either independently or with other artists. A studio could give you an extra place to display your work and an opportunity to be part of a wider artist community.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Creating work for client commissions
  • Promoting and selling work to customers
  • Liaising with creative agencies and writers to produce illustrations
  • Restoring damaged artworks
  • Contacting galleries to promote your work and enquire about exhibitions
  • Entering artist competitions
  • Connecting and collaborating with other artists
  • Generating new ideas and testing out materials and techniques

FAQs

How much can you earn as an artist?

The average salary for an artist in the UK is £24,960. Graduates start at around £20,000.

Does an artist role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Artists may travel for residencies in the UK or abroad to carve out some time away from other commitments and distractions.

Can you work from home as an artist?

Artists mostly work from home or in a studio.

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