Craft Artists : Career Overview, Education & Earning

The occupation of craft artists is one of those where the maximum number of professionals is self employed. The career of craft artists allows them to create (or craft) handmade objects which can be sold or exhibited. The craft artist uses their techniques in fields like pottery, weaving, welding, wood carving, needlecraft etc. On an estimate, as many as 62% of the total number of craft artists remains self employed. Whether you are looking for salaried jobs or freelance assignments, the craft artist's career offers you both. The occupational career is all about creativity and innovative skills. Therefore, candidates have to face stiff competition to establish their career in this field.

Options are aplenty for skilled crafts artists. Candidates may choose to join commercial art studios and they can also open their own private studios. Depending on the need, many crafts artists also decide to share some space in studios where they can exhibit their own works of art and get recognition. Employment opportunities for artists await at places like advertising agencies, publishing houses and design firms among others. While you work for companies or firms, you will need to complete projects within the given deadlines. In case, you have your own office or are self employed, you are at liberty to decide your own working hours. Craft artists may need to sit at the drafting tables or at the computer for several hours to complete their projects. Self employed professionals would need to devote a good amount of time to build their reputation and broaden their client base.

Usually, craft artists create or produce objects of art and craft with their own hands. After the work is completed, these products are sent to be sold and exhibited at studious, retail stores and art and craft exhibitions. Artists possess the skill to make use of a variety of materials to produce works of art which can attract all eyes. Artists use and combine different materials like ceramics, textile, metal and paper among other to create impressive objects of art and craft. It is actually the craft artist's creative level and the innovative skill that decides their success and recognition in this field.

Education & Training of Craft Artists
To become a craft artist, students need to acquire a degree in fine arts. Numerous accredited colleges and universities across America offer bachelor's degree programs and master's degree programs in fine arts. Apart from universities and colleges, there are many professional art and design schools where students can undergo training in crafts, fine arts and multimedia. Associate degrees or bachelor's degree in fine arts is essential to kick start your career in the field of art and craft. Art and design schools mainly emphasize on studio work rather than theoretical knowledge. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design has given accreditation to around 282 postsecondary art and design institutions.

Most of the training programs in art and craft also train students in computer techniques. Knowledge of computer graphics is very essential to excel through craft artists career, as computer techniques have found extensive use in visual arts and multimedia arts. Candidates should carefully go through the curricula of art and design schools before they decide to enroll themselves in a specific art and craft training program. The curriculum may slightly vary from institution to institution. Candidates, who aspire to join a secondary school as teacher, will need to obtain an additional teaching certification, aside from their bachelor's degree in fine arts. Internships provide great opportunities to candidates who wish to gain a competitive edge over their counterparts. An impressive portfolio is a pre-requisite to land a profitable job in the filed of art and craft. The portfolio should effectively display some of the best works of the artists.

Craft Artist's Earning
In the initial phase of their career, craft artists earn an average annual salary of $24,100. The earning can be higher for experienced professionals. With a few years of experience, craft artists can earn an annual salary of $46,700. However, the income of self employed artists varies widely depending on the skill, reputation and the number of years they have been in business. Craft artists who have earned a reputation earn higher than salaried professionals.