Skip to main content

How to become a painter or visual artist

Express creative ideas through visual mediums including photography, sculpture, video, and installations.

What does a painter or visual artist do?

Artists put their own emotions into works, making art engaging for its audience. Traditional artists use mediums such as paints and canvas to create scenes or portraits. Visual artists prefer to use unusual mediums to share their stories. Artists call on their creativity, good hand-eye coordination, and a large amount of patience to create original pieces.

Duties and tasks

  • Capture and hold the attention of an audience through visual works.

  • Create unique, interesting, and appealing visual works.

  • May be commissioned to create specific pieces of art.

  • Work in fine detail for an extended period of time (some projects).

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related courses

University of Tasmania

Use your passion for the arts to help patients thrive

Discover how creative outlets such as music, theatre and dance can improve individual and community wellbeing. Learn how to deliver patient-centred arts programs. Graduate with job-ready skills that apply to numerous health and community settings.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Curtin University

The digital world needs technically literate communicators

Study digital publishing, virtual collaboration and social networks alongside networked technologies, regulation and the economics of the internet. Take electives in media, design, IT and marketing to secure skills that are coveted by every industry.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of the Sunshine Coast

Bachelor of Design

UndergraduateUSC-DES-DEG

Explore the latest design practices and new technologies

One of the most flexible design degrees on offer. Majors include digital culture, game design, interactive media, and visual communication. With so much choice, you can tailor your degree to your goals. Design your future as a creative professional.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Curtin University

Master of Arts (Fine Art)

PostgraduateCUR-AFA-MAS

For professional fine art skills and expertise

Deep dive into the discipline of Fine Art. Unpack approaches to arts research. Consider the materials and methods of the artist’s studio. You’ll build up your portfolio with a series of artworks. Prepare for professional practice as an artist.

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore art & creative design courses

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to choose electives, plus hot new picks

When it's time to pick your elective subjects, where do you even start? We asked student advisors Jayde and Puja for their top tips.

Kori's journey: from dropping out of high school to getting a degree

Like many, Kori was taught that if you don’t graduate high school, you can’t go to university—so it was a life-changing moment when he spoke to a student advisor and discovered that this wasn't true.

Why you should study art online

Studying art online might sound hard to imagine. But there can be many benefits to exploring your creativity through a virtual university short course or degree.

Is it possible to make a career in the arts?

Artist and arts entrepreneur James Voller reflects on how he made it in this competitive and creative sector, and gives advice on how you can too.