Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Fine Artist
What fine artists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a fine artist?
Paint in the studio. From there, the day usually includes create artwork, take commissions, and exhibit work. Self-directed hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a fine artist working full time.
- Paint in the studio.
- Email a gallery.
- Sketch a commission.
- Apply for a public art grant.
- Post new work online.
- Paint.
- Attend an opening.
Where fine artists work
Fine artists work in studios, often at home.
Hours and schedule
Self-directed hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Create artwork
- Take commissions
- Exhibit work
- Sell art
- Apply for grants
- Market work
- Manage a studio
Tools you’ll use every day
- Paints and brushes
- Sculpting tools
- Drawing tablets
- Procreate or Photoshop
- Cameras
- Online portfolios
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative freedom
- Be your own boss
- Public impact
- Flexible schedule
What’s hard
- Uncertain income
- Competitive market
- Self-promotion
- Rejection
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I must make art
- I’m persistent
- I can handle rejection
- I can promote myself
- I want creative freedom
- I can manage irregular income
Not sure? Take the free Fine Artist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Ventilate paints and solvents
- Use tools safely
- Protect lungs from dust
- Work safely on scaffolds