Painters, sculptors and other visual artists

Overview

Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This unit group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • 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 such as 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.

Job titles

  • animal art painter
  • animal art sculptor
  • art instructor
  • art instructor (except primary, secondary, post-secondary education)
  • art teacher (except primary, secondary and post-secondary education)
  • artist

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$47,969

Median

$81,297

High

$94,624

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

1,023

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools.

  • 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.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.