Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Design or Fashion & textiles or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Design or Fashion & textiles or go back to all job sectors
Fine artists create original works of art using methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.
Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: freelance / self-employed; managing your own hours
There will be
0.5% more Fine artist jobs in 2027.
Typically you will:
You might also:
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
You can get into this job through:
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:
You'll usually need:
You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design or Art Practice.
You'll usually need:
Volunteering with community arts projects can open up possibilities and extend your network of contacts, which could be useful for finding work.
If you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself, you may be able sell your work without formal training or qualifications.
You'll need to be able to promote yourself in different ways. You could:create an online presence through your own website, blog or through 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; 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. a-n The Artists Information Company regularly lists opportunities.
You could become a member of a-n The Artists Information Company for networking and professional development opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a fine artist from:Artquest; Crafts Council; Discover Creative Careers
You could move into areas like art therapy, art conservation, valuation or art sales.
You could combine working as an artist with teaching.
You'll need: