How to Be Professional Artist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 9, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of the professional artist has had a major effect on the art world. With the ability to share their work online, and receive instant feedback, these artists have been able to reach an unprecedented number of people, elevating the level of engagement with art. This has had a direct impact on how art is priced and sold, and has created a new era of art collecting.

The increased demand for art has led to the emergence of galleries, museums, and online marketplaces dedicated to selling art. Furthermore, with access to a larger number of potential buyers, artists are able to negotiate higher prices for their work and make a living through their art. This has provided an opportunity for more people to pursue a career in art, which has led to an increase in artistic expression and creativity.

Steps How to Become

Take Art Classes. The best way to become a professional artist is to take classes in art. These can include classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, or any other art-related field. Taking classes in art will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a professional artist.
Practice Drawing and Painting. Drawing and painting are the two main skills an artist needs to be successful. Practice drawing and painting often. Look at other artists' works for inspiration and find books on drawing and painting techniques.
Develop Your Own Style. Once you have mastered the basics of art, begin to develop your own style. Experiment with different techniques and materials until you find something that works for you.
Show Your Work. Start showing your work to friends, family, and other artists. You may also want to enter art contests or local art shows. This will give you exposure and allow people to see your work.
Find a Mentor. Find someone who is experienced and successful in the field of art that you want to pursue. Ask them for advice and guidance as you develop your skills.
Market Yourself. Once you feel confident in your artwork, start marketing yourself. Create a website, portfolio, and social media presence to showcase your work. Attend art shows, conventions, and networking events to meet potential clients and buyers.
Get Paid. Once you have established yourself as an artist, begin charging for your work. Price your artwork fairly but don't undersell yourself. This will help ensure that you are taken seriously as a professional artist.

An efficient and ideal artist must have the right combination of creativity, technical skills, self-motivation, and passion to create great art. Creativity is essential to coming up with unique ideas and concepts to inspire artworks. Technical skills are needed to accurately execute those ideas.

Self-motivation is necessary to stay on track with projects and deadlines. Finally, passion is the driving force that makes the artist strive for excellence in their craft. All these elements come together to create an ideal and efficient artist.

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Job Description

Painter
Sculptor
Illustrator
Printmaker
Draftsperson
Art Director
Art Instructor
Art Conservator
Art Critic
Art Historian

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical proficiency in a variety of mediums, such as sculpture, painting, photography, and digital art
Creative and imaginative skills for creating unique pieces
Knowledge of art history, art movements, and artistic trends
Business acumen for marketing, promoting, and selling artwork
Ability to communicate effectively with potential buyers and other artists
Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects at once
Eye for detail and precision in creating artwork
Knowledge of digital tools for editing photographs and artwork
Good work ethic and dedication to the craft
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision

Creativity is a vital skill for any professional artist to possess. Without creativity, it would be impossible to produce anything of artistic merit. Being able to think outside the box is essential for any artist, as it allows them to come up with unique ideas and develop new techniques.

having good technical skills is also key for success in this field. Being able to draw, paint, or sculpt will help an artist produce pieces that are visually appealing. Furthermore, having an understanding of basic design principles and color theory will help an artist create interesting compositions and balanced artworks.

Finally, having a good understanding of the history of art and the works of different artists is essential for any professional artist. By learning from the successes and failures of the past, an artist can develop their own style and create meaningful works.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in art?
What is your experience in the art world?
What kind of exhibitions have you been involved in?
How do you stay current with the latest trends in art?
How have you incorporated technology into your artwork?
What has been your biggest success as an artist?
How do you approach creating new pieces of artwork?
How do you handle criticism and feedback on your work?
How do you handle artistic blocks and creative burnout?
What strategies do you use to promote your artwork?

Common Tools in Industry

Pencils. Used to create sketches, drawings, and outlines. (eg: hb pencils for shading)
Paint Brushes. Used to apply paints and other mediums to a surface. (eg: flat brushes for painting broad strokes)
Canvas. A flat surface used to display artwork. (eg: stretched canvas for painting)
Easel. A stand used to support the canvas for painting or drawing. (eg: H-frame easel for stability)
Palette. A tool used to mix colors and hold paints. (eg: glass palette for easy cleaning)
Charcoal. A type of drawing medium made from carbonized wood. (eg: compressed charcoal for bold lines)
Artist Pencils. Specialized drawing pencils used to draw fine details. (eg: prismacolor premier pencils for subtle shading)
Paint Pots. Containers used to hold and store paints. (eg: airtight containers for long-lasting colors)
Table Easel. A smaller version of an easel that can be used on a tabletop or desk. (eg: a tabletop easel with adjustable angles)
Drawing Paper. A type of paper specifically designed for drawing and other media. (eg: cold press paper for smooth lines)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Alliance of Museums
Association of Art Museum Directors
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
National Association for the Visual Arts
International Association of Professional Artists
International Association of Art Critics
International Council of Museums
Society of Illustrators
National Sculpture Society
American Society of Portrait Artists

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Common Important Terms

Artwork. A physical or digital representation of creative expression, usually in the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other visual art.
Artist Statement. A written explanation or description of an artist's work, which is often used to promote their artwork.
Medium. The material and technique used to create a work of art. Examples include paint, ink, clay, photography, and digital media.
Art Criticism. The discussion and evaluation of artwork, which seeks to understand the artist's intentions and the impact of the work on its audience.
Studio. A workspace used by an artist to create their art.
Art Market. The system of buying, selling and trading artworks, which includes galleries, auction houses, and other venues.
Gallery. A physical or virtual space where artwork is presented for sale and exhibition.
Curator. A professional responsible for selecting, organizing, and displaying artwork in a gallery or museum.
Copyright. A legal right that gives the creator of a work exclusive control over how it is used and distributed.
Patronage. Financial or other support provided to an artist or arts organization by a benefactor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to become a professional artist?

Generally, there is no minimum age requirement to become a professional artist. However, some organizations may require artists to be over 18 years old.

What qualifications are required for a professional artist?

Professional artists are expected to have a strong portfolio of artwork, as well as experience in the field. Additionally, knowledge of art history, techniques, and media can be helpful.

How much does a professional artist usually earn?

The amount earned by a professional artist depends on their area of expertise, the demand for their work, and other factors. Generally, professional artists can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars per year.

What is the most popular medium used by professional artists?

The most popular medium used by professional artists is painting, followed by drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art.

What organizations provide certification or accreditation to professional artists?

Organizations such as the National Association of Professional Artists and the American Society of Contemporary Artists offer certification or accreditation to professional artists.