Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.
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.
Tasks
Create graphics, illustrations, and three-dimensional models to be used in research or in teaching, such as in demonstrating anatomy, pathology, or surgical procedures.
Examine and test paintings in need of restoration or cleaning to determine techniques and materials to be used.
Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.
Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.
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.
Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.
Study styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process.
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.
Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
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 in order to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.
Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, in order to produce desired effects such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Render sequential drawings that can be turned into animated films or advertisements.
Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons.
Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.
Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.
Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.
Skills
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education
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.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
School Classes
Wages
In 2007, the California average annual wage was:
$44,435 for entry level workers, and
$90,409 for experienced workers.
Outlook
During 2006, there were approximately 2,700 people employed in this field in CA.
We estimate that in 2016 there will be 3,000 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 30 new positions each year (1.10%). Additionally, 60 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.
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