As a visual artist, you have the power to captivate people with your creative works. And while your art may speak for itself, it’s equally important to understand the role you play in society as a visual artist.

This article is designed to provide you with a complete guide to the job description of a visual artist. We’ll be covering everything from the key responsibilities of the job, to the skills required for success and the career prospects available to you.

But first, let’s take a moment to understand why visual artists are so important.

Overview of Visual Artist Job Description

Visual artists are responsible for creating art that communicates a message or tells a story. This can include a wide range of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video.

In addition to creating art, visual artists must also promote their work, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and network with other artists and professionals.

Importance of Visual Artists

Visual artists play a crucial role in society. They have the power to evoke emotions and spark conversations around important issues. Art has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, which is why it’s important for artists to have a diverse perspective and consider the impact their work will have on their audience.

Brief history of visual arts

The history of visual arts dates back thousands of years. From the earliest cave paintings to modern day installations, people have been using art as a form of expression for centuries.

Throughout history, art has been heavily influenced by the social and political climate of the time. From the Renaissance to the Abstract Expressionist movement, artists have used their work to comment on the world around them.

Understanding Visual Artist

Visual art is a wide-ranging discipline that encompasses various mediums of expression, and it takes a broad understanding to appreciate the various features that make up this field. Understanding visual artists is crucial because they play an indispensable role in our everyday lives. Their imaginative and inspired creations communicate with people, stimulating our imaginations and invoking a wide range of emotions.

A. Definition of Visual Artist

A visual artist is a professional who creates artwork using a multitude of mediums, tools, and techniques. These artworks can be produced on paper, canvas, or digital platforms. Visual artists have a unique ability to interpret and represent imagery, concepts, and ideas in a visually appealing and profound way. Essentially, visual artists use their creativity, knowledge, and skills to create visual representations of emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

B. Different Types of Visual Artists

Visual artists can be categorized into four main types, including fine artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers. Each of these categories has its unique characteristics and creative processes.

1. Fine Artists

Fine artists are professionals who create artwork that reflects their personal expressions, emotions, and perceptions. They use diverse mediums such as oil, watercolor, or charcoal to generate artworks that are designed to evoke a specific response from the viewer. Fine artists often work independently and may showcase their work in galleries, museums or private exhibitions.

2. Illustrators

Illustrators are visual artists who specialize in creating images that accompany written content. They use their skills and creativity to design appealing and captivating visuals that enhance the overall understanding of the text they intend to accompany. Illustrators may work in a variety of industries, including advertising, publishing, and entertainment.

3. Graphic Designers

Graphic designers are professionals who create visuals and graphics to convey specific messages in different industries such as advertising, branding, and marketing. They apply their knowledge of color, typography, and imagery to develop appealing and informative designs that can communicate complex information effectively.

4. Photographers

Photographers are visual artists who use their cameras to capture images that reflect the world around them. These images can be in various genres, such as nature, portraits, sports, and events. Photographers can work in various industries such as journalism, commercial photography, and fine arts.

Understanding visual artists is essential in recognizing the diversity and scope of the art industry. Visual artists have a unique skill set that allows them to communicate and express ideas and emotions through their mediums of choice. The four categories of visual artists: fine artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers, all have different characteristics that cater to a range of industries and artistic objectives.

Educational Requirements

Visual artists require a combination of formal education and professional training to develop and refine their skills. The following are some educational requirements for a career in visual arts:

A. Formal Education

Most visual artists hold a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or a related field. A formal education provides artists with a comprehensive understanding of art history, theory, and techniques. Formal education in visual arts usually includes courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media.

B. Professional Training

Professional training enhances an artist’s skills and helps them develop a unique style. Here are some types of professional training that can benefit visual artists:

Art Schools – Attending art schools provides visual artists with a structured curriculum, exposure to a variety of art mediums, and opportunities to network with other artists. Art schools also offer specialized training in areas such as animation, graphic design, and game design.
Internships – Internships allow artists to gain real-world experience and learn from industry professionals. Many large companies and museums offer internship programs for visual artists. Internships can also lead to job opportunities.
Workshops – Workshops provide artists with intensive training in a specific area of visual arts. Artists can learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and network with other artists.
Apprenticeships – Apprenticeships are a traditional form of professional training in which visual artists work under the guidance of established artists. Apprenticeships offer a hands-on learning experience and allow artists to develop relationships with other artists in their field.

A combination of formal education and professional training is essential for visual artists to develop and maintain their skills. Art schools, internships, workshops, and apprenticeships provide artists with the tools and experience they need to succeed in their chosen field.

Essential Skills for Visual Artists

As a visual artist, there are essential skills you should possess to excel in your field. These skills can be broadly categorized into technical and non-technical skills.

A. Technical Skills

Technical skills are hands-on abilities that artists use to create their artwork. These skills require practice, dedication and talent. Common technical skills visual artists should possess are:

1. Drawing and Sketching

Drawing and sketching are fundamental skills for visual artists. These skills are the foundation for almost every other medium used in creating art. The mastery of drawing and sketching helps artists to develop an eye for proportion and composition, which are critical to creating visually appealing artwork.

2. Painting

Painting is another essential skill for visual artists. It involves using pigment to create a visual representation of a subject on a canvas or other surfaces. Artists use different techniques such as blending, layering, and texture to create depth and dimension in their artwork.

3. Sculpting

Sculpting involves creating 3-dimensional art using materials such as clay, stone, metal, etc. It requires precision, planning, and creativity to bring abstract ideas into a tangible form.

4. Computer Software

With the advancement of technology, visual artists can use computer software to create digital art that simulates traditional mediums such as painting and drawing. Artists need to be proficient in software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create digital artwork.

B. Non-Technical Skills

Non-technical skills are essential qualities that contribute to an artist’s success, even beyond their artistic abilities. These skills include:

1. Creativity

Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts or ways of doing things. It is a crucial skill for artists as it contributes to originality and innovation in their artwork.

2. Communication

Visual artists need communication skills to interact with potential clients, collaborators, and audience. Effective communication helps to build relationships and networks that may lead to opportunities for artists.

3. Time Management

Time management is critical for artists as it ensures that they meet deadlines and complete their projects on time. Managing time also helps visual artists balance between creating art and dealing with the administrative aspects of running a business.

4. Business Skills

Visual artists must master the essential business skills required to manage their careers successfully. These skills include budgeting, marketing, negotiation, and salesmanship. Artists must understand the art market and use various strategies to promote and sell their work.

Possessing both technical and non-technical skills is essential for a successful career as a visual artist. As an artist, you must be willing to continually develop your skills to remain competitive in the industry.

Visual Artist Job Market

A. Employment trends for visual artists

With the rise of digital technology, the employment trends for visual artists have shifted towards the online world. Many artists are finding opportunities in digital media, such as animation, web design, and video game design. This trend is expected to continue, as there is an increasing demand for visual content online.

On the other hand, traditional industries such as print media and advertising have been declining, leading to a decrease in job opportunities for visual artists in these fields.

B. Opportunities for visual artists

Despite the challenges in traditional industries, there are still many opportunities available for visual artists. In addition to digital media, there are opportunities in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, product design, and architecture.

Visual artists can also find opportunities in industries such as film, television, and video production. There is a growing demand for visual effects artists and animators in these industries.

C. Salary and Earning Potential

The salary and earning potential for visual artists can vary greatly depending on several factors:

1. Factors affecting earnings

Education and experience
Geographic location
Industry and job type
Clientele and reputation

Additionally, the type of visual art job can also impact earnings. For example, freelance graphic designers may earn less than those working for a large design agency.

2. Average salaries for different visual art jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for visual artists was $64,360 in May 2020. However, the average salary can vary greatly depending on the specific job:

Fine artists: $50,660
Graphic designers: $57,430
Multimedia artists and animators: $77,700
Art directors: $98,520

It is important to note that these figures only provide a general idea of the earning potential for visual artists. The salary can vary based on location, years of experience, and individual skills and talents.

Visual artists have a range of employment opportunities in both traditional and digital industries. While earnings can vary greatly, there are many factors that can impact salary and earning potential.

Visual Artist Job Duties

Visual artists are individuals who create visual content to communicate ideas and evoke emotions through different mediums. Visual artists may specialize in various creative disciplines, including sketching and drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic designing, and photography. In this section, we will discuss the job duties of visual artists in more detail.

A. Sketching and Drawing

Visual artists who specialize in sketching and drawing create 2-dimensional art using various traditional and digital tools such as pencils, pens, charcoal, and tablets. Their job duties involve:

Creating sketches and preliminary drawings to plan artwork
Choosing appropriate compositions, styles, and techniques to communicate the intended message
Refining and revising artwork based on feedback from clients or supervisors
Collaborating with other artists or designers to develop visuals for projects
Keeping up to date with industry trends and new techniques to improve their craft

B. Painting

Painting is another essential aspect of visual art, and artists who specialize in painting use various colors and textures to create 2-dimensional artwork. They may create paintings using various media such as watercolors, acrylics, and oils. Their job duties involve:

Using techniques such as brushwork, color mixing, and layering to create visually appealing artwork
Planning and sketching artwork before translating it onto the canvas
Collaborating with clients to determine the appropriate style and composition for each project
Maintaining their materials and artwork, so it is always in good condition
Keeping up to date with painting trends and new techniques to improve their craft

C. Sculpting

Sculpting involves creating 3-dimensional art by manipulating materials such as metal, wood, clay, and stone. Sculptors use various tools to shape and carve the materials into their desired form. Their job duties involve:

Conceptualizing and designing the sculpture before bringing it to life
Selecting the appropriate materials and tools to create the artwork
Carving, shaping, and refining the sculpture to create the intended style and message
Collaborating with clients or supervisors to determine the sculpture’s purpose and message
Maintaining their materials and sculpture, so it remains in good condition

D. Graphic Designing

Graphic designers create visual content such as logos, infographics, and websites to communicate messages and ideas effectively. They use various tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create their designs. Their job duties involve:

Conceptualizing and designing graphics based on clients’ needs
Choosing appropriate color schemes, typography, and layouts to communicate the intended message
Collaborating with other artists or designers to develop visuals for projects
Refining and revising designs based on feedback from clients or supervisors
Keeping up to date with design trends and new techniques to improve their craft

E. Photography

Photographers specialize in capturing images using various photographic equipment, including digital cameras, lenses, and tripods.

Visual Artist Job Description

A visual artist is someone who creates art with the intention of communicating a message or eliciting an emotional response. There are four main types of visual artists: fine artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers. Each type of visual artist requires a different skill set and has a different job description.

A. Fine Artist Job Description

Fine artists create art for the purpose of aesthetic enjoyment, expression, or social commentary. They typically work with traditional art mediums such as paint, charcoal, sculpture, or printmaking. Fine artists may also use digital tools to create art, but the traditional mediums remain the foundation of their craft.

Fine artists often work independently, creating their own original pieces that they sell to collectors or exhibit in galleries. They may also receive commissions from clients, such as corporations or individuals who want a custom piece of art for their home or office.

Fine artists must be skilled at developing their own unique style and aesthetic. They must be able to work independently, manage their own time effectively, and be self-motivated to continually produce new, innovative works of art.

B. Illustrator Job Description

Illustrators create visual representations of written text, such as books, magazines, or advertisements. They use a variety of mediums, including pen and ink, watercolor, digital illustration software, and more.

Illustrators may work as freelancers, or they may be employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, or other businesses that require visual representations of their ideas or products. They may also work in industries that require detailed illustrations, such as scientific or medical fields.

Illustrators must have strong drawing skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to interpret and visually represent written text. They must be able to work collaboratively with writers, editors, and other professionals to create engaging and informative illustrations.

C. Graphic Designer Job Description

Graphic designers create visual designs for a variety of applications, such as websites, mobile apps, branding materials, packaging, and more. They use a combination of typography, color theory, and visual communication principles to create designs that communicate a message or elicit a response from the viewer.

Graphic designers may work as freelancers, or they may be employed by design agencies, marketing firms, or other businesses that require visual design services. They must be proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and have a strong understanding of design trends and best practices.

Graphic designers must have excellent communication skills, as they will often work collaboratively with clients, marketing teams, and other professionals. They must be able to effectively communicate their design ideas and explain their design choices to non-designers.

D. Photographer Job Description

Photographers use cameras to capture images that tell a story or convey a message. They may work in a variety of fields, such as journalism, advertising, fine art, or commercial photography.

Building a Visual Arts Portfolio

As a visual artist, your portfolio is your strongest tool in showcasing your skills and capabilities to potential clients and employers. A visually appealing and well-organized portfolio can make a huge impact on your career advancement.

A. Importance of a portfolio

Your portfolio serves as a testament to your creative talent and provides an overview of your previous work experiences. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of your artistic expertise, and is often used to determine whether you are a good fit for a specific position or project.

B. Creating a strong portfolio

To ensure that your portfolio stands out from the crowd, here are some tips:

1. Set Goals

Start by determining the primary purpose of your portfolio. Ask yourself what you want to achieve with it, and tailor your approach accordingly. For instance, if you’re looking to land a job in a specific industry, consider highlighting relevant samples of your work that align with that particular job sector.

2. Showcase your best work

Your portfolio should showcase your most impressive accomplishments in the field of visual arts. Select only the best pieces that represent your creative style, expertise and experience. By selecting the cream of the crop, employers can get an accurate representation of your artistic talent and your level of professionalism.

3. Tailor your portfolio to the Job

If you’re targeting a specific role or niche, be sure to include related work samples that are relatable to the job. By focusing on work that demonstrates your particular skills and strengths, you give yourself the best chance of standing out from other candidates.

4. Update and stay relevant

Your portfolio is not a static document; it should be updated regularly to reflect your latest work and showcase your continuous growth and development as an artist. It’s important to remain current with industry trends and technological advancement, so be sure to include pieces that represent the latest visual arts practices.

Creating a powerful and visually stunning portfolio takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth the investment. By implementing the above tips into your portfolio-building strategy, you can ensure that you’ll have a document that will leave a lasting impression and help propel your career in the visual arts industry.

Visual Artist Resume Writing Tips

A. Elements of a visual artist resume

A visual artist resume should include the following elements:

Contact information
Artist statement
Education and training
Awards and exhibitions
Professional experience
Skills
References

B. Tips for creating an effective visual arts resume

To create an effective visual arts resume, follow these tips:

Keep it simple: Your resume should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Use a simple font and layout, and avoid cluttering it with unnecessary details or graphics.
Highlight your strengths: Showcase your strongest abilities and accomplishments, including your most notable exhibitions and awards, and your specific skills such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or graphic design.
Customize your resume to the job: Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. Research the company or organization and adjust your resume to showcase the skills and experiences that are relevant to the position.

By following these tips, your visual artist resume can stand out and effectively communicate your qualifications and style to potential employers or clients.

Working as a Freelance Visual Artist

Working as a freelance visual artist can be a rewarding and challenging career path. As a freelance artist, you have the freedom to choose your projects and clients, set your own schedule, and work from anywhere. However, there are also some drawbacks to working as a freelance artist. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of freelancing and provide tips on how to get started as a freelance artist.

A. Pros and Cons of Freelancing

Pros

Flexibility: As a freelance artist, you have the freedom to choose your projects and clients. You can work as much or as little as you want, and you can set your own schedule and work from anywhere.
Creative Control: One of the biggest benefits of freelancing is the creative control you have over your work. You can experiment with new techniques and styles, and you don’t have to compromise your vision to satisfy a boss or client.
Higher Earnings Potential: Freelance artists have the potential to earn more money than those who work for a company. You can set your own rates and negotiate prices with clients.

Cons

Inconsistent Income: Freelance artists don’t have a steady paycheck like those who work for a company. Income can be unpredictable, and there may be dry spells where you don’t have any work.
Self-Marketing: As a freelance artist, you are responsible for marketing and promoting yourself. This can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are just starting out.
Lack of Benefits: Freelance artists don’t receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. You are responsible for your own expenses and taxes.

B. How to get started as a freelance artist

If you’re interested in working as a freelance artist, here are some steps to get started:

Create a portfolio: A portfolio is essential for showcasing your work to potential clients. Include a range of your best work that showcases your skills and style.
Identify your niche: Determine which type of art you want to specialize in and who your target audience is.
Set your rates: Determine your rates based on your experience, skill level, and the type of project.
Market yourself: Utilize social media, networking events, and online platforms to promote your work and attract potential clients.
Build relationships with clients: Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients is crucial for building a successful freelance career.

With these tips and an understanding of the pros and cons of freelancing, you can start your journey as a freelance artist. Remember, success takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your pursuit of your passion.

Visual Artist Job Description: A Complete Guide for 2024