Painters, Sculptors, and Other Visual Artists
(NOC 5136)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportPainters, sculptors, and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools. Art instructors teach their students how to develop their technical skills and express themselves artistically through drawing, sculpting, painting, and other means of visual expression.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,891
Minimum$8,165
Median$35,213
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools. Art instructors teach their students how to develop their technical skills and express themselves artistically through drawing, sculpting, painting, and other means of visual expression.
Job duties
Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists:
- Painters create drawings, paintings and other artwork using oils, pastels, watercolours, charcoal, ink, and other media.
- Sculptors create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by shaping, carving, and working with materials like clay, ice, paper, stone, wood, or metal.
- Art instructors and teachers teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression.
Sample job titles
- art instructor
- artist
- lithographic artist
- painter - visual arts
- printmaker - visual arts
- sculptor
- silkscreen artist
- video artist
- watercolourist
- wood sculptor
Skills
- You should be dedicated, motivated, and willing to accept constructive criticism. Talent, creativity, and technical skills are essential. You must be comfortable working with others. Self- discipline and a good business sense are also helpful.
Job requirements
- A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required.
- Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.
Other considerations
- Most people in these jobs are self-employed. Many work part-time, or full-time, but for only part of the year. Many factors can affect an individual's earnings in these jobs. Therefore, incomes will likely vary greatly throughout the year and from one year to the next. Many people find it necessary to work at other jobs to supplement their income. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools. Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools, and equipment are required. Some painters, sculptors, and visual artists are employed as teachers.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$9,624 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ANorth Shore
$6,000 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Educational services
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
65+
35-44
25-34
45-54
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$6,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$8,436 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$8,911 median annual incomeMaster
$17,779 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Art
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. These programs include courses in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Ceramic Arts
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. They include courses in hand-built and wheel-thrown techniques, moulding, slips and glazes, trimming and decorating, firing and kiln operation, oxidation, mixed media, ceramic murals, and personal style development.
Institutions providing this program
Design and Visual Communications
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences and that prepare students in any of the applied art media.
Institutions providing this program
Fine Arts
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. They include courses in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, colour theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.
Institutions providing this program
Metal and Jewellery Arts
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by fashioning art works from gems, other stones, and precious metals. They include courses in gemology; metalsmithing and finishing, stone cutting and polishing, metal and non-metal casting and moulding, electroforming, metal colouring, enamelling, photo etching, lapidary technique and art, design concepts, and personal style development.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.