Explore This Path

Fine Artist

💰 Earn $38K-$155K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 -2.9% Job Growth

Express creativity through diverse media to captivate and inspire audiences.
Transform ideas and emotions into visual masterpieces that resonate deeply.
Collaborate with clients to bring unique artistic visions to life.

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What Fine Artists DoCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.

Fine Artists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings2,200 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$58,240

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$38K25th percentile

$155K75th percentile

National Median

$55,490

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$38K25th percentile

$83K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness

Go Deeper: Fine Artists Explained

Fine ArtistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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What Is the Arts Media & Performance Industry?