Artist

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Work Tasks

• Create works of art which express ideas, thoughts, and feelings
• Use shading, form and shape, color, and other techniques to make works of art
• Show work in museums, art galleries, and to collectors
• May also teach or give private art lessons to support themselves
• Work in studios, universities, museums, etc., or their own homes
• Work with oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen, art paper, canvas, palette knives, brushes, thinners, palettes, easels, and models

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (36,900 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year or 4-year degree in fine arts and a portfolio of the artist's best works
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in fine arts and a portfolio of the artist's best works
• Skills/Courses: College courses include core subjects such as English, social science, and natural science, in addition to art history and studio art.