Craft art takes many forms from handmade furniture and jewelry to clothing and stained glass. Craft artists create these, and other handmade objects and digital products, to be functional works of art. Craft artists work with many different materials to create their pieces, and may also use fine-art techniques for example, painting, sketching, and printing to add finishing touches to their products. Some craft artists earn a living from selling their work such as potters who make bowls and plates to sell in shops… or tattoo artists, who may produce drawings of their designs on commission from customers. Other craft artists use their skills to develop patterns or models to guide the production of an item. Most craft artists spend a lot of time promoting their artwork to potential customers and building a reputation… many have another job to support themselves financially. Craft artists may also sell their work at craft shows, or via their own website or online merchandising websites, to reach a wider audience of potential customers. A degree is typically not needed for craft artists instead they develop their skills through practice, increasing the complexity of the projects they create. Some attend classes offered by colleges, art centers, museums, or other artists.
What they do:
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
On the job, you would:
Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
Business
sales and marketing
customer service
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
put together small parts with your fingers
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
create new and original ideas
come up with lots of ideas
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.