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Job Definition
View MovieCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Knowledge
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
Tasks
Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.
Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
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.
Examine and test paintings in need of restoration or cleaning to determine techniques and materials to be used.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
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 styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process.
Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.
Alter, modify, or retouch photographs to update likenesses so that photographs can be used in criminal investigations.
Classify and code components of images to help identify suspects, using established systems; search police photograph records to locate any existing photographs of suspects.
Consult with criminal justice specialists, hypnotists, psychics, and medical doctors to obtain information needed to render likenesses of suspects and victims.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $67,440.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $28,600.00 and $119,330.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 2,700 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 3,000 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 30 openings due to growth and about 60 replacement openings for approximately 90 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Art/Art Studies, General - A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
Fine/Studio Arts, General - A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction 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; color theory; composition and perspective; anatomy; the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio; and art portfolio marketing.
Similar Occupations
Floral Designers - Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Graphic Designers - Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.
Costume Attendants - Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance - Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Jewelers - Fabricate and repair jewelry articles. Make models or molds to create jewelry items.
Precious Metal Workers - Cast, anneal, solder, hammer, or shape gold, silver, pewter or other metals to form jewelry or other metal items such as goblets or candlesticks.
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