Digital Artist

Digital artists: use computer-aided digital art to create images/sounds; work from their own ideas or to an order (known as a 'commission') from an individual or an organisation; specialise in a particular area; and sell their work through an agent or personally through galleries, exhibitions, shops and fairs.

They also: display their work for sale on their own websites or online galleries; network with agents, dealers and galleries; and attend exhibitions and join artists’ groups. They also work as ‘artist in residence’, running classes and workshops in places like schools, prisons or hospitals.

There is no set income for this role. Earnings will differ greatly depending on work opportunities and reputation.

It is common for artists to earn their living from a combination of exhibiting and selling their creative work and part- or full-time work in other jobs.

To be successful as an artist you will need skill and talent in your chosen art form.

If you are exceptionally talented you may be able to sell your work without formal training or qualifications. However, most fine artists have some training in art or design.

As an artist you will need to network and sell your work. You can either do this yourself or use an agent. If you sell your own work you keep all the money gained from the sale. However, agents will take commission, which could be as much as 30% or more.

Visit the Association of Illustrators (AOI) website for listings of agents, publishers, and advertising agencies. As an AOI member you can also list your contact details and display samples of your work – many members have set up their own websites to do this.

The Society of Artists Agents also has details of agents and examples of artists' work, which will give you an idea of the standards of commercial work in demand.

See the Artists Information Company website for advice and resources on all aspects of working in the visual arts – you will need to subscribe to use some of the resources.