Fine Artist

Fine artists use visual expression to convey ideas, thoughts and feelings. They create original works of art, such as drawings, paintings, etchings, photographs, sculptures, linocuts, lithographs, screenprints, and computer-aided digital graphics. Artists often experiment with different art forms and techniques, and may work in two or three dimensions.

As well as experimenting and creating their own recognisable style of work, artists may also:

• research topics and create a series of related works for exhibition
• accept fee-paid commissions, which involves creating a piece of art to a specific brief
• sell and promote their work through galleries, craft exhibitions, shops, markets and fairs and sometimes through an agent or dealer
• display their work on their own website and online art galleries
• apply for work on community projects that enable them to pass on art skills to others.

Other ways of earning money may include setting up local projects or art festivals, and teaching adults or children within community learning, further or higher education.

Networking with other artists and gallery curators and promoting their work is a crucial part of a fine artist's working life.

Most artists are self-employed and set their own working hours. They often work at weekends and during the evenings. Artists' residencies may consist of a few days of intensive workshops or longer periods, sometimes lasting several weeks or months. Relocation for the duration of a residency may be required. Although some artists rent a studio space, many work from home. They may work outdoors at times.

Income levels for fine artists vary enormously. Sample rates, excluding overheads, suggested by a-n The Artists Information Company amount to around £22,900 a year for new graduate artists, potentially reaching £37,000 a year with ten years' experience.

Artists need to have:

• creativity and plenty of new ideas
• self-motivation and commitment
• technical understanding of form, colour and media
• ability to express their ideas visually and write about their work.

Career development and gaining work involves constant networking to market their work and create new opportunities. It is a highly competitive field, with many more artists than there are formal exhibiting places or commissions.

Although freelance artists do not need formal training, in practice most have a qualification such as a HND, foundation degree or degree in art and design or fine art. These are offered across the UK in universities and art colleges. Some colleges or universities may offer places to applicants who lack formal qualifications but possess a good portfolio. Fine art graduates often progress to studying at postgraduate level, completing a Masters degree or Masters of Fine Arts (MFA).

Developing creative and organisational skills is a vital part of an artist's professional development. Although competition is fierce, scholarships, awards and bursaries can provide valuable research, studio time, networking and career development opportunities. Some academic scholarships and residencies are available overseas.

There is no structured career path. Success depends on an artist's reputation with curators, gallery directors, collectors, commissioners, critics and other artists. After group exhibitions, fine artists often seek to secure solo shows.

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