Fine artist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Fine artists create original works of art using methods like painting, drawing and sculpture.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.
Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.
Submit artwork to shows or galleries.
Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Study styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process.
Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.
Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.
Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.
Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.
Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.
Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.
Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.
Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.
Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.
Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.
Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.

Average salary
30,217 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Fine artist

31,706 GBP
28,384 GBP

Average salary for full-time Fine artist

Showing:

30,217 GBP
28,384 GBP
31,706 GBP

Salary over time for Fine artist

Salary for this role has increased over time

28,232 GBP
29,338 GBP
29,360 GBP
27,566 GBP
29,823 GBP
27,506 GBP
30,217 GBP
35,780 GBP
33,674 GBP

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Future outlook for Fine artists

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

34% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Fine artist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent

You can do a Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design or Art Practice.

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
design skills and knowledge
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Fine artist

Art & Design

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

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Fine artist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Creative Practice: Art, Design, and Communication (Art and Design) Level 3 Extended Diploma (Oxford)

Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Art and Design) Level 3 Extended Diploma (Bracknell)

Future outlook for Fine artists

Fine artist - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Fine artist interview

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