Painter

Painters, or fine artists, create and sell original works of art.

They use a variety of methods such as painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, printmaking, photography or lithographs.

A painter, or fine artist, would: work from their own ideas or to an order (known as a 'commission') from an individual or an organisation; specialise in a particular subject such as abstracts, landscapes or portraits; sell their work through an agent or personally through galleries, exhibitions, shops, craft markets and fairs; display their work for sale on their own website or an online gallery; network with agents, dealers and galleries; and attend exhibitions and join artists’ groups.

As well as selling their work, some painters add to their income by: working as ‘artist in residence’ – running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals; teaching art classes privately, in colleges or through community learning; running local art projects.

There is no set income for this role. Earnings will differ greatly depending on work opportunities and reputation.

It is common for fine artists to earn their living from a combination of exhibiting and selling their creative work and part- or full-time work in other jobs.

To be successful, you will need a high level of skill and talent in your chosen art form.

If you are exceptionally talented you may be able to sell your work without formal training or qualifications. However, most fine artists have some training in art or design.

You will need to network and sell your work – you can either do this yourself or use an agent. If you sell your own work you keep all the money gained from the sale, but you may be restricting yourself if you have a lack of contacts. An agent may give you access to more potential buyers, but they will take commission from sales.

Visit the Association of Illustrators (AOI) website for listings of agents, publishers, advertising agencies and other specialist organisations like children's book publishers.

As an AOI member you can also list your contact details and display samples of your work – many members have set up their own websites to do this.

The Society of Artists Agents also has details of agents and examples of artists' work, which will give you an idea of the standards of commercial work in demand. also has details of agents, as well as examples of artists' work, which will give you an idea of the standards of work in demand.

You could also set up your own website to showcase your work.

Visit a-n The Artists Information Company for advice and resources on all aspects of working in the visual arts – you will need to subscribe to use some of the resources.

The Writers and Artists Yearbook also has advice and useful links for artists.