Craft Artist

Craft Artist Overview

A craft artist produces pieces that are usually handmade in the artist’s studio or home. Craft artists are known for creating a variety of items, including collages, scrapbooks, ornate household items like salt and pepper shakers, and woodwork. These artists make pieces of art that are displayed in the home and they often use fine art techniques for finishing their work. A career as a craft artist requires creativity and the ability conceptualize a finished product before it is started. There are many benefits to being a craft artist. Craft artists have the flexibility of choosing projects, working as many hours as they need, and networking with other artists to build and sustain their practice. Craft artists are often entrepreneurs at heart and have learned the ropes of building and managing a small business.

Craft Artist Training & Education

It is important for a craft artist to gain skills and discipline through education and training. Most craft artists have a natural ability for art that must be polished, focused, and practiced in order to grow as a professional. There are many courses that a craft artist could take depending on the type of art the artist wishes to pursue. For example, it may be important for a clay artist to take sculpting courses whereas a fabric artist may require a course in needlework methods.

Earning a degree in fine arts can only enhance the craft artist’s skill and scope. While artists may have the talent to create works of art very few will be able to make a living without formal education. A bachelor’s degree in fine arts will prepare the student to show a portfolio, build on existing schooling and talent, and expand the artist’s view of the world. These skills and abilities will augment the artist’s talents. Artists will continue to take continuing education courses in order to stay informed of current trends in the crafting world.

An artist’s portfolio is a collection of work that will be used to showcase the artist’s abilities to potential clients. This portfolio will grow with the artist during coursework and throughout the years after the artist has completed a degree. The craft artist who chooses to pursue and obtain a degree will have a well-rounded portfolio and the feedback of instructors and peers.

Craft artists need to know how to market their work and maintain business records. Courses in accounting, marketing, and finance will enhance the craft artist’s business and lead to a successful career.

Craft Artist Career & Salary Oulook

Craft artists have a varied earning potential. Because many craft artists are self-employed, their earnings fluctuate with how much work they are producing and selling. Salaried craft artists make $24,090 per year on average. The top 10 percent of salaried craft artists earn over $46,700 per year while the lowest 10 percent earn less than $14,130.

A freelance artist also has the added responsibility of providing their own health and retirement benefits. Career outlook for this field is predicted to stay within normal growth averages.

Characteristics of a Sucessful Craft Artist

Successful craft artists are passionate about their work. They often describe their work as fun and enjoyable, something they would choose to do whether they were receiving pay or not. It is important for craft artists to practice and polish their skills. They may start a project several times before it turns out exactly as they had pictured it.

Craft artists often become mentors to less experienced crafters. They lend their expertise and wisdom to new artists and this mentorship helps them to grow in their own crafting. Teaching is a way for craft artists to reflect in their own work.

Change is vital to a craft artist. Craft artists change their processes and style when they know that something could be done better or more efficiently. They enjoy trying new methods and learning from others in the craft community.

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