How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role.
How to become a fine artist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- self-teaching
University
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:
- art and design
- art history
- fine art
- visual arts
- graphic arts
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design or Art Practice.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
More Information
Volunteering
Volunteering with community arts projects can open up possibilities and extend your network of contacts, which could be useful for finding work.
Other Routes
If you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself, you may be able sell your work without formal training or qualifications.
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Career tips
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You could become a member of a-n The Artists Information Company for networking and professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a fine artist from:
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Typically you will:
- work from your own ideas, or a commission from an individual or an organisation
- sell your work through an agent or through galleries, exhibitions, shops or online
- research subjects, materials and new artistic techniques
- network with agents, dealers, gallery owners and other artists
- attend exhibitions and join artists’ groups
You might also:
- work as ‘artist in residence’ – running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals
- teach art classes privately, in colleges or through community learning
- run local art projects
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.
Career path and progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.
Career path and progression
You could move into areas like art therapy, art conservation, valuation or art sales.
You could combine working as an artist with teaching.
Current opportunities
Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a fine artist right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
- Provider: NCG
- Start date: 02 September 2024
- Location: Carlisle
Diploma in Art and Design
- Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
- Start date: 02 September 2024
- Location: London
Find courses near you
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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