Artists

£42,757

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

40 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2022 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

3.68%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Artists

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 3411

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

Common tasks include:

conceives and develops ideas and ways of working for artistic composition
selects appropriate materials, medium and method
prepares sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes
builds up composition into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc.
approaches managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed
uses artistic skills to restore damaged artworks
liaises with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations
markets and sells finished work directly to customers
produces works on commission basis for clients

Qualifications

No specific academic qualifications are required although a variety of vocational qualifications, degrees and postgraduate courses are available. Entry can be based upon portfolio work.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Artists

Regional employment: Artists

Future employment: Artists

Top 12 industries: Artists

Alternative & related job titles: Artists

Animator (hand drawn) Artist Illustrator Portrait painter Sculptor

Equality focus: Artists

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.