BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasFine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

O*NET · 27-1013.00

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Also called 3D Artist · 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist) · 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist) · AIR · Animated Cartoons Painter · Artist · Artist in Residence (AIR) · Automotive Artist
86 more

Balloon Artist · Blacksmith · Book Illustrator · Card Painter · Caricature Artist · Cartoon Artist · Cartoonist · Character Artist · Color Artist · Comic Artist · Comic Book Artist · Comic Book Designer · Comic Illustrator · Commercial Artist · Commercial Illustrator · Commercial Retoucher · Concept Artist · Concrete Sculptor · Crayon Painter · Custom Motorcycle Painter · Delineator · Editorial Cartoonist · Exhibit Artist · Fashion Artist · Fashion Illustrator · Fine Artist · Forensic Artist · Freelance Artist · Fresco Artist · Glass Artist · Graphic Illustrator · Histological Illustrator · Ice Carver · Ice Sculptor · Illustrator · Landscape Artist · Landscape Painter · Manga Artist · Medical Artist · Medical Illustrator · Motion Picture Cartoonist · Motion Pictures Cartoonist · Multimedia Illustrator · Mural Painter · Muralist · Newspaper Illustrator · Non-Representational Metal Sculptor · Oil Painter · Painter · Patent Illustrator · Pattern Illustrator · Picture Painter · Police Artist · Political Cartoonist · Portrait Artist · Portrait Painter · Printmaker · Production Artist · Production Illustrator · Quick Sketch Artist · Reproduction Artist · Resident Artist · Scene Painter · Scenic Artist · Scientific Artist · Scientific Illustrator · Sculptor · Set Illustrator · Silhouette Artist · Sketch Artist · Specialty Artist · Sports Cartoonist · Stained Glass Artist · Stained Glass Painter · Statuary Painter · Statue Maker · Suspect Artist · Tattoo Designer · Technical Artist · Technical Illustrator · Texture Artist · VFX Artist · VFX Artist (Visual Effects Artist) · Visual Artist · Water Colorist · Watercolor Artist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code ARI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Craft Artists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ARIArtistic · Realistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic7.00
  • R Realistic4.05
  • I Investigative2.68
  • E Enterprising2.37
  • C Conventional2.34
  • S Social2.28

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent27%
  • Some College Courses37%
  • Bachelor's Degree35%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (26%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Learningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time Management2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Monitoringbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Operations Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
Show the other 23
  • Service Orientation2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Coordination2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Quality Control Analysis2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Operations Monitoring2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Persuasion2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operation and Control2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Negotiation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Selection2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Troubleshooting1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing1.80.9
  • Technology Design1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

8 core · 20 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.4.5
  2. 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.4.3
  3. Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.3.9
  4. Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.3.6
  5. Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.3.5
  6. Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.3.5
  7. Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.3.1
  8. Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.3.1
Show the other 20
  1. Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.4.2
  2. Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.4.0
  3. Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.4.0
  4. Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.3.9
  5. Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.3.9
  6. Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.3.9
  7. Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.3.8
  8. Submit artwork to shows or galleries.3.8
  9. Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.3.7
  10. Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.3.6
  11. Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons.3.6
  12. Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.3.5
  13. Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.3.5
  14. Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.3.4
  15. Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.3.4
  16. Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.3.3
  17. Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.3.3
  18. Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.3.2
  19. Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.3.2
  20. Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Design4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Computers and Electronics4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Production and Processing3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Fine Arts3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
  • Communications and Media3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Education and Training3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
  • Mathematics3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Psychology2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Administrative2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Geography2.72.7
  • Engineering and Technology2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Sales and Marketing2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Public Safety and Security2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.43.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Transportation2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and Government2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Mechanical2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Telecommunications2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.7Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Physics1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Biology1.41.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Foreign Language1.30.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Originality4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Fluency of Ideas4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Visualization4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.85.3Level 6 looks like: Paint a color portrait of a person
  • Near Vision3.63.9
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Expression3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Speech Clarity3.02.9
  • Speech Recognition3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Control Precision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Multilimb Coordination2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Selective Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written Expression2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Static Strength2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Perceptual Speed2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Trunk Strength2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Dynamic Strength2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Time Sharing2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Depth Perception2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.11.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Gross Body Coordination1.90.9
  • Stamina1.90.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.8
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Rate Control1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Explosive Strength1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively4.85.8
  • Getting Information3.92.9
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers3.52.9
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.32.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.82.8
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.82.9
  • Processing Information2.72.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.62.8
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Write brief messages to others
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Coaching and Developing Others1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams1.6—
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Training and Teaching Others1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.4—
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.3—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.1
  • E-Mail3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.6
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions3.6
  • Telephone Conversations3.5
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets3.5

Technology

53 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Adobe Illustratorhot
  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Autodesk Maya

Hot (17; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C#
  • C++
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
Other tools (33)
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FrameMaker
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe ImageReady
  • ArtScope.net eArtist
  • Autodesk 3D Studio Design
  • Camp Software Art Licensing Manager
  • ClassDojo
  • Code Line Art Files
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Corel Painter
  • Corel Photo-Paint
  • Credit card processing software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Email software
  • FileMaker Bento
  • GroupMe
  • GYST
  • Inkscape
  • Microsoft Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Pixologic Zbrush
  • Serif DrawPlus
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Twitter
  • Unity Technologies Unity
  • Unreal Technology Unreal Engine
  • Web browser software
  • WorkingArtist Systems WorkingArtist
  • Xara Designer Pro X

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Special Effects Artists and Animators
  2. Graphic Designers
  3. Craft Artists
  4. Etchers and Engravers
  5. Art Directors
  6. Set and Exhibit Designers
  7. Photographers
  8. Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  9. Commercial and Industrial Designers
  10. Fashion Designers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.