Careers · Explore one path
Craft Artists
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Other titles employers use
Artist · Ceramic Artist · Decorative Arts Production Artist · Fiber Artist · Fine Craft Artist · Glass Artist · Goldsmith · Hand-Weaver
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
- Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to creative and practical work.
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Useful strengths
- Originality
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.0 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 3.1 | Occasional |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Most employers do not ask for a formal credential. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 44%
- A certificate or some college 43%
- A four-year degree 9%
- A master's degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Web page creation and editing software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Electronic mail software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Point of sale POS software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Instant messaging software
- Internet browser software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,390
- Job openings each year
- 140
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 17.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 1,390 | 140 | 17.8% |
| Michigan | 1,350 | 130 | — |
| California | 1,300 | 130 | 18.2% |
| Ohio | 980 | 90 | 1.0% |
| Georgia | 690 | 70 | 13.1% |
| Missouri | 510 | 50 | 6.3% |
| New York | 480 | 0 | — |
| Oklahoma | 410 | 40 | 7.9% |
| Tennessee | 350 | 30 | 6.1% |
| Arizona | 290 | 30 | 11.5% |
| Indiana | 280 | 30 | — |
| Maryland | 260 | 30 | 4.0% |
| New Jersey | 230 | 20 | 4.5% |
| Wisconsin | 220 | 20 | 15.8% |
| Utah | 210 | 20 | 10.5% |
| Minnesota | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Alabama | 160 | 20 | 14.3% |
| Puerto Rico | 160 | 20 | 23.1% |
| Colorado | 150 | 10 | 15.4% |
| Nebraska | 150 | 20 | 7.1% |
| Vermont | 150 | 20 | 7.1% |
| Kentucky | 130 | 10 | — |
| Washington | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Iowa | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Louisiana | 90 | 10 | — |
| New Hampshire | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Wyoming | 90 | 10 | 28.6% |
| Idaho | 50 | 10 | 25.0% |
| Maine | 50 | 0 | — |
| West Virginia | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| North Dakota | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Degrees each year
- 587
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $47,000
California State University-Long Beach
- Degrees each year
- 456
- Admit rate
- 47%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
California State University-Fullerton
- Degrees each year
- 433
- Admit rate
- 87%
- Annual cost after aid
- $6,000
California State University-Northridge
- Degrees each year
- 324
- Admit rate
- 93%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of North Texas
- Degrees each year
- 256
- Admit rate
- 72%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
San Diego State University
- Degrees each year
- 254
- Admit rate
- 34%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
San Jose State University
- Degrees each year
- 211
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 210
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000