Visual Artists and Artisans
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. (National Occupational Classification)
Artisans and craftspersons use manual and artistic skills to design and make ornamental objects, pottery, stained glass, jewellery, rugs, blankets, other handicrafts and artistic floral arrangements. Artists, Artisans and Craftspersons are usually self-employed or may be employed by guilds, colleges, private studios and recreational organizations. Art instructors and teachers are usually employed by art schools. Artistic floral arrangers are usually employed in florist shops and floral departments of retail establishments. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- O*NET Online
- OCCinfo by Alis - Alberta-based Occupational Information
- A Day in the Life of an Artist - The Princeton Review
- Careers in Culture What Visual People Do - Cultural Human Resources Council
- Profiles: Craft & Design Specialists - Craft Ontario
- National Gallery of Canada – Artist Interviews
- National Gallery of Canada Youtube Channel
- Art Talk Interviews - Art in Canada
- On Set Manitoba - Film Industry Job Profiles - Art Department
- Meet the 25-Year-Old Canadian Jewellery Designer Who… - Fashion
- Five Canadian Women Ceramic Artists on Their Passion for Clay - Toronto Star
Education
Becoming a visual artist or artisan required 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, artisan guilds, and private art schools may be required. A period of apprenticeship with a Master craftsperson may be required. (National Occupational Classification)
UM Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar and Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and department homepages
Visit UM's faculty and department homepages to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities. The following faculties offer courses relevant for this profession.
Exploring other education options
- Craft Education Across Canada - Canadian Crafts Federation
- Search Education Directories
- Information for Foreign-Trained Artisans and Craftspersons - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- I Want to be an Artist. What will my Salary be? - The Globe and Mail
- I Want to be a Florist. What will my Salary be? - The Globe and Mail
- How do Artists Make Money? - Guelph Arts Council
- A Statistical Profile of Artists in Canada in 2016 - Canadian Council for the Arts
Professional associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Manitoba Society of Artists
- Martha Street Studio (Manitoba Printmakers Association)
- Manitoba Craft Council
- Federation of Canadian Artists
- Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators
- Sculptors Society of Canada
- Society of Canadian Artists
- Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour
- Canadian Academy of Floral Art
- Canadian Society of Decorative Arts
Directories, industry associations, and sector councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Creative Manitoba
- Manitoba Artist Run Centres Coalition - members
- Contemporary Art Galleries Association - Galleries
- Gallery directory - Artists in Canada
- Universities Art Association of Canada (UAAC) (see institutional members at bottom)
- Canadian Jewellers Association
Job boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- School of Fine Arts Students Association (SOFA) (Facebook Page)
- University of Manitoba Ceramics Club (Facebook page)
- School of Art Gallery - University of Manitoba
- Arts Accessibility Network of Manitoba - not-for-profit artist run charitable organization dedicated to the full inclusion of artists and audiences with disabilities
- The Art of Managing Your Career: A resource for self-employed artists and cultural workers - Cultural Human Resources Council
- Artists in Canada’s Visual Arts Directory (Winnipeg) – artists, art galleries and art resources
- Canadian Crafts Federation
- Studio: Craft and Design in Canada - Magazine
- Business / Arts - national charitable organization highlighting partnerships between business and arts
- Artists Toolbox – from the Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC)
- Canadian Florist magazine
- Canadian Senior Artists’ Resource Network (CSARN)
- Women’s Art Association of Canada
- MFA Questionnaire – article focusing on graduating artists and grad school admissions from C Magazine
- The Art Career Project (U.S)
- ArtEd - MAWA Education Resource