Craft Artist

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Craft Artist?

A Craft Artist creates handmade objects that are both functional and decorative, using a variety of materials and techniques. Their work ranges from pottery and glassware to textiles and jewelry.

Sample job titles:

Artist, Designer, Furniture Maker, Glass Artist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Craft Artist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Craft Artist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$23K per year	$31K per year	$38K per year	$52K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Craft Artist do?

Work environment

Craft Artists typically work in studios, which can be in homes, shared artist spaces, or commercial facilities. They may also work in outdoor settings for certain materials or inspiration. Their work often involves attending craft fairs, galleries, or exhibitions to display and sell their creations.

Quick task list

Designs and creates a variety of art objects using materials like clay, glass, textiles, wood, and metal.
Selects appropriate materials and tools for each project.
Markets and sells finished products online, at craft fairs, or through galleries.
Maintains a workspace and manages inventory.
Keeps financial records of sales and expenses.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pottery and Ceramic Art: Creating objects from clay and other ceramic materials.
Glassblowing: Shaping molten glass into decorative and functional items.
Textile Arts: Crafting items using fibers, such as weaving, knitting, or quilting.
Metalworking: Designing and producing items from metal, ranging from jewelry to sculptures.
Woodworking: Carving or constructing items from wood, from small carvings to furniture.

Description

Craft Artists combine artistic talent with technical skill to create unique, handmade items. They often specialize in one or more mediums and develop a personal style. This occupation allows for significant creative freedom, as artists are typically self-employed or work on a freelance basis.

Success in this field depends not only on artistic ability but also on business acumen. Craft Artists must be adept at marketing and selling their work, which increasingly involves online platforms and social media. They also need to manage the financial aspects of their art practice, such as sourcing materials, pricing products, and keeping records.

The work can be highly satisfying, offering a tangible result of one's creative efforts and the joy of making a living from one's art. However, it can also be unpredictable, with fluctuating income and the need to continually attract new customers.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The joy of creating unique, tangible works of art.
Flexibility and independence in managing one's work and schedule.
The opportunity to express personal creativity and vision through art.

You might make a good Craft Artist if you are...

Artistically inclined, with a passion for creating and working with your hands.
Self-motivated and disciplined, able to manage your time and projects efficiently.
Business-savvy, with a knack for marketing and selling your work.
Willing to continually learn and experiment with new techniques and materials.
Comfortable working alone for extended periods.

Pros:

Creative freedom and personal expression.
Flexibility in work hours and environment.
Potential to turn a hobby into a profitable career.

Cons:

Potentially unstable income and the need to self-market.
The cost of materials and studio space can be high.
Physically demanding work with potential health risks (e.g., from chemicals or repetitive motions).

How to become a Craft Artist

Typical education

Formal education is not strictly required, as skills can be self-taught or learned through workshops. However, many craft artists have a bachelor's degree in fine arts or a related field, which typically involves 4 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art classes to develop basic skills and explore different mediums.
Business and marketing courses to understand the basics of running a small business.
Computer classes, particularly in design software, which can be useful for marketing and design purposes.
Shop classes or vocational training in specific crafts like woodworking or metalworking.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in art clubs or local craft workshops.
Volunteering for community art projects or local craft fairs.
Creating and maintaining a portfolio of personal work.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in fine arts, or a related field for formal training.
Attend workshops, classes, or seminars specific to your chosen craft.
Join artist collectives or communities for networking and collaborative opportunities.
Build an online presence to showcase and sell your work.
Consider internships or apprenticeships with experienced craft artists.

More resources

Crafts Council - Offers resources, guidance, and networking opportunities for craft artists.
American Craft Council - Provides shows, education, and resources for artists in various craft disciplines.
Etsy - An online marketplace ideal for selling handmade crafts.
Craftsy - Offers online classes and workshops in various craft disciplines.
National Endowment for the Arts - Provides grants and resources for artists and organizations in the arts.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.