More information from O*NET OnLine:

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators - 27-1013.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Artist
Automotive Artist
Blacksmith
Fine Artist
Ice Carver

Illustrator
Muralist
Painter
Portrait Artist
Sculptor

SOC Occupation Groups

27-0000	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
27-1000	Art and Design Workers
27-1010	Artists and Related Workers
27-1013.00	Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Related Occupations

27-1011.00	Art Directors
27-1012.00	Craft Artists
27-1014.00	Special Effects Artists and Animators
27-1021.00	Commercial and Industrial Designers
27-1022.00	Fashion Designers
27-1024.00	Graphic Designers
27-1027.00	Set and Exhibit Designers
27-4021.00	Photographers
51-9123.00	Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
51-9194.00	Etchers and Engravers

Tasks

Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.
Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.
Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.
Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
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 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.
Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.
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.
Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.
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.
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
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.
Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons.
Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
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.
Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
Submit artwork to shows or galleries.
Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.
Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.
Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.

Detailed Work Activities

Apply finishes to artwork, crafts, or displays.
Arrange artwork, products, or props.
Build models, patterns, or templates.
Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
Entertain public with comedic or dramatic performances.
Estimate costs for projects or productions.
Maintain records, documents, or other files.
Monitor current trends.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Perform marketing activities.
Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
Present work to clients for approval.
Research new technologies.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Teach classes in area of specialization.