Craft Artists
O*NET files this work under Craft Artists: people who create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft. The skills rated most useful are critical thinking, speaking, and reading comprehension. Expect to select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics. On the six-type interest model it reads ARE, meaning creative work with room for original expression comes first, followed by hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Getting in usually takes one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree, a level O*NET calls medium preparation. If you want creative work with room for original expression, keep it on your list. If you need helping, teaching or caring for people, it may feel thin.
What they do
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Main tasks
- 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.
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You want room to make something in your own way.
- You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
- You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
- You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and speaking.
May not suit you if
- You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
- You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.7 out of 7 here.
- You need to start within a few months, with no training period.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ARE takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.
Preparation
Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Artist
- Ceramic Artist
- Decorative Arts Production Artist
- Fiber Artist
- Fine Craft Artist
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.