Artist

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Arts Administrator or Manager
Painter (Fine/Visual Arts)
Potter and Ceramic Artist
Sculptor


 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Artistic or CreativeSkill Level 1Skill Level 2Skill Level 3Skill Level 4
Skill Level 5

Artists create visual and three-dimensional forms using painting, drawing, printmaking, carving, sculpting, photography, modelling, film-making, music, acting, dancing, video and computers to communicate an impression or idea. FutureGrowthModerate

Artists conceive and create visual representations to investigate, respond to or communicate an impression or idea.

An artist may be concerned with the production of two-dimensional or three-dimensional forms, employing a number of methods such as painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics to realise their ideas. They may also use film, digital technology and performance techniques and forms.

ANZSCO ID: 211411

Specialisation: Performance artist

A performance artist uses their own or other people's physical attributes to create a performance. They use their body as the site and material of their art practice. Through action and spectacle performance and live art, artists may explore ideas of process, experience and production. The performance may be scripted or unscripted and can include audience participation.

The performance is occasionally enhanced by the use of props or visual aids to enhance the artistic impact.

Alternative names: Art Practitioner, Visual Artist,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • artistic ability
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • creativity
  • self-discipline
  • promotional skills
  • knowledge of business/management skills, if self-employed.


Duties and Tasks

 

Working conditions

Artists may concentrate on a specific area of work or may use a combination of these techniques. They work in studios and may share rented space with other artists.
 

Education and training/entrance requirements


Did You Know?

Sculpture with Skin

Jo Bain hails from a long line of taxidermists and from a very early age he knew he wanted a career in taxidermy too.

At fifteen he joined the South Australian Museum where he's still employed to this day.

He's worked on everything from blue whales to tiny spiders and 500 million year old fossils. In this feature we meet Jo in his basement workshop and he explains his passion for preserving dead creatures in a way that shows their natural power and beauty.

For him, taxidermy isn't just the craft of stuffing things; it's an art-form which he calls 'sculpture with skin'. Jo shows us what he has in his acid bath and takes us into his walk-in freezer to see what's on the shelves. He also tells us some stories about the first taxidermist at the museum, George Beazley, a troubled man who left secret messages inside some of the animals he preserved.
(Source: ABC: RN: Earshot, 2015)

To read more about the Taxidermist & Preparator go here!

Life on the Job: Jane Tosh: Taxidermist

 

Painter Visual Arts
Leisure and Entertainment

Artistic or CreativeSkill Level 1Skill Level 2Skill Level 3
Skill Level 4Skill Level 5


A painter (fine/visual arts) conceives and develops ideas for paintings, drawings, designs or installations. Painters select a medium such as oil, watercolour, pencil, pastel, acrylic or ink and prepare surfaces such as canvas, paper or board to produce designs or illustrations for publications.FutureGrowthModerate Painters mix or apply colours using appropriate techniques while taking into account the relationships of line, colour, design and form. Painters may run workshops and oversee community arts projects.

Artists become renowned for their individual techniques and in some cases have created dynamic artistic movements based on their original style.  Pablo Picasso is remembered for his cubism, and Salvador Dali began the surrealist movement.

ANZSCO ID: 211411

Alternative names: Art Practitioner, Visual Artist,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • artistic ability
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • creativity
  • self-discipline
  • promotional skills
  • knowledge of business/management skills, if self-employed.

 

ArtistPainter


Duties and Tasks

  • Conceives and develops ideas, designs and styles for paintings and drawings.
  • Arranges objects, positions models, and selects landscapes and other visual forms according to chosen subject matter.
  • Selects artistic media, method and materials.
  • Applies media to surfaces using appropriate techniques
  • Maintain portfolios of artistic work to show styles, interests, abilities and realisations
  • Research sculpture trends and disruption, in order to keep up with current researches and design evolutions
  • Select artistic materials to create artworks based on strength, colour, texture, balance, weight, size, and other characteristics that should guarantee the feasibility of the artistic creation regarding the expected shape, colour, etc. – even thought the result might vary from it. Artistic materials such as paint, ink, water colours, charcoal, oil, or computer software can be used as much as garbage, living products (fruits, etc) and any kind of material depending on the creative project.
  • Monitor art scene developments, artistic events, trends, and other developments. Read recent art publications in order to develop ideas and to keep in touch with relevant art world activities.
  • Study a variety of artistic techniques and learn how to apply them in concrete artistic projects.
  • Design objects to be crafted by sketching, drawing or designing sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.
  • Study artworks including styles, techniques, colours, textures, and materials used in works of art.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You need a high level of artistic skill to work as a Painter (Visual Arts). Formal qualifications might be useful but aren't essential. VET (Vocational Education and Training) and university are both common study pathways for Painters (Visual Arts).

 

Sculptor
Leisure and Entertainment

Artistic or CreativeSkill Level 1Skill Level 2Skill Level 3
Skill Level 4 Skill Level 5

 

A Sculptor conceives and develops a concept or design for a sculpture or installation project. FutureGrowthModerate

A sculptor's media may include: marble, sandstone, chisels, clay, wax & bronze for casting a sculpture, wood, steel and many other found materials.

Sculpting (or modelling) is an ancient artform that dates back to stone-age times. Modern sculpting can involve complicated procedures that involve a complex knowledge of materials.

ANZSCO ID: 211413

Alternative names: Installation Artist, clay sculptress, stone sculptress, wood sculptress, sculpting artist, clay sculptor, metal sculptress, ice sculptor, sculptress, welded steel sculptor, ice sculptress, marble sculptress, marble sculptor, wood sculptor, metal sculptor, stone sculptor, welded steel sculptress

Knowledge, skills and attributes David in Florence

To become sculptor, you would need:

  • a high level of creativity
  • a good appreciation of colour and shape
  • determination and commitment
  • self-motivation
  • willingness to work alone
  • business skills to promote and market your work.

Duties and Tasks

  • Conceives and develops ideas, designs and styles for sculptures.
  • Sketches designs of proposed sculptures, and makes wax and plaster models.
  • Devises forms from metal using welding and metalworking equipment, and from stone using masonry tools.
  • Carves and forms materials to desired shape using hand and power tools.

Tools and Technologies

Sculptor or installation artists may sketch designs and then decide on the material, techniques and the space where the sculpture or installation is to be exhibited. They often make models using wax or  plaster and then carve, model or assemble materials to the desired form using hand or power tools. They may also fire clay objects in kilns and prepare moulds for casting sculptures in metal.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You need a high level of artistic skill to work as a Painter (Visual Arts). Formal qualifications might be useful but aren't essential. VET (Vocational Education and Training) and university are both common study pathways for Painters (Visual Arts).

Sculptor

 

 

Potter or Ceramic Artist
Leisure and Entertainment

Artistic or CreativeSkill Level 1Skill Level 2Skill Level 3
Skill Level 4Skill Level 5

Potters or Ceramic Artists conceive and create functional or artistic articles by moulding clay, glass and other fusible materials using hand-building and wheel techniques. FutureGrowthModerate

ANZSCO ID: 211412

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • artistic ability
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • creative and the ability to conceptualise ideas
  • self-discipline
  • promotional skills

Bendigo Pottery
(Source: Visit Victoria)

Duties and Tasks

  • Selects artistic media, method and materials.
  • Moulds clay into functional and artistic articles by wheel-throwing, moulding and hand-building.
  • Mixes glazing materials and applies glazes to dried pottery by dipping and painting.
  • Places finished and decorated pieces in kilns.

Working conditions

A Potter or Ceramic Artist usually arrange their own working hours, which may involve fitting your art work around another full-time or part-time job.

You may work in a studio, at home, in rented space within a shared studio, or in specialist facilities such as a potter's workshop.


Tools and technologies

Potters Tools
(Source: Spruce Crafts)

In addition, are the potter's wheel for throwing pieces and the kiln for drying.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You need a high level of skill in your artistic medium to work as a Potter or Ceramic Artist. Formal qualifications might be useful but aren't essential. VET (Vocational Education and Training) and university are both common study pathways for Potters and Ceramic Artists.

 

Did You Know?

When young and poor, Pablo Picasso one of the world's most famous artists, kept warm by burning his own paintings!

Pablo Picasso
(Source: Independent)

It was lucky, then, that he produced 13,500 paintings, 100,000 prints and engravings, 34,000 book illustrations and 300 works of sculpture and ceramics

Lady in Red Hat
Weeping woman with red hat
(Source: Martinez Art Dealer)

 

Arts Administrator or Manager
Leisure and Entertainment

Clerical or OrganisingArtistic or CreativeSkill Level 5Skill Level 6

Arts Administrators or Managers plan, organise, direct, control, coordinate and promote artistic and cultural policies, programs, projects and services and make sure they are successful. In a senior arts administration role, you may also manage artistic and cultural venues such as theatres and art galleries.

ANZSCO ID: 139911

Specialisations: Art Gallery Director, Community Arts Centre Manager, Cultural Centre Manager.Future Growth Strong

As an arts administrator you could work for many different types of organisations, including:

  • theatres or art galleries

  • museums

  • music festivals or concert venues

  • opera houses or dance companies

  • community and disability arts

  • regional arts board or local authorities.


   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an arts administrator, you would need:

  • a general interest in the arts, or a particular branch such as theatre, dance or sculpture
  • administration and computer skills
  • good written and spoken communication skills
  • the ability to organise and prioritise work
  • problem solving skills
  • good time-management skills
  • able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
  • good organisational and management skills
  • able to handle finances
  • able to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • able to work varying hours
  • appreciation of the role of the arts in the community

Arts Administrator
(Source: Your Career)

 

Duties and Tasks

  • Selects items for display/presentation.
  • Arranges finance for show/production.
  • Selects the director and technical personnel and, in consultation with the director, auditions and selects cast.
  • Establishes operating budgets and production schedules.
  • Determines treatment and scope of production or display.
  • Supervises production and suggests or approves change in script or presentation
  • booking venues and artists
  • working with all types of local arts bodies
  • negotiating sponsorship and funding deals
  • coordinating publicity and ticket sales
  • writing for promotional publications or websites
  • marketing activities through social media
  • organising security and catering
  • managing budgets and keeping records
  • carrying out general administration
  • seek sponsorship and funding from federal, state, territory and local governments as well as community and industry organisations
  • prepare and submit funding applications
  • negotiate with artists and performers regarding contracts
  • coordinate arts programmes
  • coordinate sound and lighting, stage management and security, box office sales, distribution and sale of publications, public relations and catering
  • take part in the commissioning and purchasing of works of art
  • organise and promote exhibitions and events
  • help to develop and implement the organisation's strategic plans and marketing strategies
  • manage the organisation's human and financial resources, including budget preparation
  • provide an appropriate working environment for employees
  • liaise with the media
  • provide education services to the public
  • make recommendations on cultural grants
  • ensure compliance with corporate and legal requirements
  • provide support in policy development and report to the board of directors

In small galleries and arts centres you could be involved in the day-to-day running of the centre. In larger organisations, such as arts boards, you may specialise in one area, for example marketing, public relations or education.

Support Know My Name: a message from Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery of Australia
https://youtu.be/OcBCkTjnLJ4

 

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Either extensive experience or a bachelor degree in arts is needed to work as an Arts Administrator or Manager. Many Arts Administrators and Managers complete postgraduate studies.

Employment Opportunities

Arts administrators may work for national performing arts companies, local councils, regional community arts centres, museums, galleries, orchestras and entrepreneurial organisations such as concert and theatrical promoters. They also work for government departments and funding organisations such as the Australia Council for the Arts. Some are self-employed, while others work in partnerships.

Opportunities will vary depending on the level of activity in the arts and media industries in regional and metropolitan centres. The long-term job prospects for arts administrators are affected by the level of government funding and corporate sponsorship.

 

 

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Composer

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Actor

Choreographer

Music Director

Stunt Performer

Entertainer

theatrical costume maker and designer

Diver

Set Designer

Sports Development Officer

Horse Riding Instructor

Stage Manager

Cinema or Theatre Manager

Prop & Scenery Maker

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Tennis Coach

pyrotechnician

Snowsport Instructor

Raceday Officer

Artist

Aerobics Instructor

Dancer

Fitness Instructor

Sports Coach

Karate Instructor

Fisher

Sportsperson

Musician

Umpire/Referee

Composer

Jockey

Actor

Choreographer

Music Director

Stunt Performer

Entertainer

theatrical costume maker and designer

Diver

Set Designer

Sports Development Officer

Horse Riding Instructor

Stage Manager

Cinema or Theatre Manager

Prop & Scenery Maker

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Tennis Coach

pyrotechnician

Snowsport Instructor

Raceday Officer

Artist

Aerobics Instructor

Dancer

Fitness Instructor

Sports Coach

Karate Instructor