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27-1013.00 · Task explorer

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 28 tasks, including 8 marked Core and 20 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2017.

28 tasks shown

Core · Task 10989 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.

Core · Task 10990 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.

Core · Task 10991 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.

Core · Task 10993 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.

Core · Task 20990 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.

Core · Task 10997 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.

Core · Task 10996 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.

Core · Task 20991 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.

Supplemental · Task 11011 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.

Supplemental · Task 11000 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.

Supplemental · Task 20992 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.

Supplemental · Task 10998 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.

Supplemental · Task 11003 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.

Supplemental · Task 20993 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.

Supplemental · Task 20994 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Submit artwork to shows or galleries.

Supplemental · Task 10992 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.

Supplemental · Task 11004 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.

Supplemental · Task 10995 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.

Supplemental · Task 11013 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons.

Supplemental · Task 11002 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.

Supplemental · Task 11005 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.

Supplemental · Task 10994 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.

Supplemental · Task 10999 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.

Supplemental · Task 11009 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.

Supplemental · Task 11010 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.

Supplemental · Task 11012 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.

Supplemental · Task 11008 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.

Supplemental · Task 20995 · 07/2017 · Incumbent

Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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