Fine artist

Fine artists create original works of art using methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.
Salary range: Variable

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 in:
- art and design
- art history
- fine art
- visual arts
- graphic arts
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
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements

College
You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design or Art Practice.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- funding advice for higher education courses in college
- search for courses

Volunteering and experience
Volunteering with community arts projects can open up possibilities and extend your network of contacts, which could 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.
More information
Career tips
You’ll need to be able to promote yourself in different ways, like:
- having an online presence through your own website, blog or through social media, like Instagram
- joining together with other artists or ‘collectives’
- organising your own shows in galleries or other venues
You could also:
- get an agent
- raise funds through crowdfunding websites
- illustrate products like books or greetings cards
Entering competitions or open exhibitions can also raise your profile as an artist. The Artists Information Company regularly lists opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a fine artist from:
- Creative Choices
- Guild Society of Artists
- Artquest
You can get more information on working in this and other creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks will be:
- work from your own ideas, or a commission from an individual or an organisation
- sell your work through an agent or through galleries, exhibitions, shops or online
- research subjects, materials and new artistic techniques
- 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 through community learning
- run local art projects
Working environment
You could work from home, in a creative studio or in a workshop.

Career path and progression
You could move into areas like art therapy or art conservation.
©opyright The CV Writer
The career profiles database is designed to compliment the sreries of five Career Advice Guides. Providing information covering the qualifications, skills, expertise and an overview of the responsibilites required for each job role that you can use to build your CV, application letters, application forms and that all important job interview.

For a more detailed description of what’s included in the pack click here
By placing your order with The CV Writer you agree to our Terms and Conditions in full.