Craft Artist

By TACP Staff on July 08, 2021

Craft artists are individuals who take materials, objects, paint, and other design tools to create uniquely expressive pieces. While many craft artists choose to work as sole-proprietors, others can find employment within the scope of large craft retailers. These corporations need talented and experienced individuals for in-store display work, as well as for advertising layout and design. Whether marketing items online, in small stores or on a national scale, the craft artist is able to create one-of-a-kind works of art.

What Is Craft Art?

Craft art is a type of art that typically refers to the assembly of handmade goods. This type of art has been around for centuries, and it typically involves making items that are not only attractive but useful as well. In many instances, crafts are generally made from raw natural materials.

There are countless different types of crafts and crafting materials. Craft artist may work with wood, for example, and create things like birdhouses, furniture, and woven baskets. Fibers and textiles can also be used to create handcrafted goods, like material, blankets, clothing, and handbags. Other types of craft art may include ceramic dishes, candles, stuffed toys, jewelry, and soap.

Typical Work Environment

A craft artist will typically spend his time assembling his handmade goods. The exact method of assembling these items will typically depend on the artist’s chosen craft. Some crafts can be sewn or woven together, for example, while others can be nailed or glued together. Completing some crafts, like bath products may involve measuring and mixing several different ingredients.

In order to make crafts, however, a craft artist will also need to acquire the proper materials. Again, depending on an artist’s chosen craft, the necessary materials will vary. The majority of crafting supplies can be purchased from local craft stores. In some cases, however, a craft artist may also use a number of found and natural objects as well.

Once a craft artist obtains all of the necessary materials and supplies, he will then begin to assemble his items. Some craft artists choose to assemble each item one at a time, while others may use an assembly line method. After the items have been assembled, a craft artist will then usually try to sell them.

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Craft Artist Salaries and Job Outlook

Craft Artist Salaries

Salaries for Craft Artist are variable based on level of education, where you are located, experience and level of education.

According to BLS, the median salary in 2018 was $48,960. The lowest 10 perecent earned less than $22,020, and the highest 10 percent earned just short of $101,400.

The Highest Paying States for Craft Artist

  1. New York, annual mean wage = $59,960
  2. Maryland, annual mean wage = $59,490
  3. Illinois, annual mean wage = $53,800
  4. Oregon, annual mean wage = $51,860
  5. Georgia, annual mean wage – $48,900

Top Paying Industries for Craft Artist

  1. Advertising, Public Relations, and Related services, annual mean wage = $64,950
  2. Motion Picture and Video Industries, annual mean wage = $56,600
  3. Management of Companies and Enterprises, annual mean wage = $52,800
  4. College, Universities, and Professional Schools, annual mean wage = $44,050
  5. Performing Arts Companies, annual mean wage = $44,050

Craft Artist Job Outlook

Expect projected job growth to be flat from 2018 to 2028. Craft artist pay is based on how well the economy is doing  and should do well when the economy is good and make much less when the economy is down.

The majority of craft artists don’t intend to start a craft art career. Instead, many of these artists start assembling and making crafts as a hobby. In order to make a crafting hobby into a career, a person should be very skilled at what they do. Since this can be an extremely competitive career, aspiring craft artists should also be very determined and hard working.

Although formal education is not needed to start a craft art career, a little education never actually hurt anyone. To hone their skills and improve their crafting techniques, some craft artists may choose to participate in classes pertaining to their chosen craft. For example, an artist interested in making a career of selling homemade candles may find a candle-making class very helpful.

Related Careers in Craft & Fine Art

Consider these related careers in Craft and Fine Art.