The UK's official graduate careers website
: Job description
Fine artists create original pieces of art work, through a variety of mediums. They often specialise in a particular type of art which may be categorised in the following ways:
two-dimensional work (drawing, painting, collage);
three-dimensional work (sculpture, installation);
four-dimensional work (moving images, performance).
Many artists also specialise in a subject and may concentrate on areas such as landscapes, portraits or abstract.
Fine artists can be commissioned to produce a piece of work or they can create their own pieces for sale at a later date. They may also run art classes or be part of community art projects.
Typical work activities
A fine artist will usually be involved in researching, planning and creating art work. Typical tasks for an artist include:
generating ideas, idea development, sketching, making models;
creating or developing a piece of work in response to a brief or commission;
working in a studio or off-site and adhering to health and safety procedures;
sourcing materials and developing relationships with suppliers;
researching, visiting locations, interviewing people, using libraries and the internet;
administration, correspondence, creating publicity;
project planning, creating and managing a budget, financial planning, calculating expenditure;
managing tax and self-employment issues;
organisation and administration tasks associated with running a studio;
writing project proposals for galleries, competitions or artist residencies;
writing funding applications (public and private);
applying for residencies and competitions;
liaising with contacts, gallery owners, curators and other artists;
curating individual and group shows;
negotiating a sale or commission;
self-promotion, networking, attending private views and other events;
writing press releases;
maintaining a portfolio which will typically include a website;
evaluating a project and feeding back to the main funder or sponsor.