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Freelance Artist

A Freelance Artist creates and sells art in various mediums, specialising in themes, taking commissions, and managing their marketing.

How do I become a freelance artist

Get qualified to work as a freelance artist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Freelance Artist generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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This industry has seen an increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 11,000 people working as an artist in Australia compared to 8,700 five years ago. Freelance Artists may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re planning a career as a Freelance Artist, consider enrolling in an Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. You’ll learn about art theory, creativity and business skills and develop the skills to set up a professional arts practice. This course allows you to specialise in painting, pottery, ceramics, glasswork, photo imaging, sculpture, jewellery or textiles.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Further reading

Top 3 tips for freelancing

2nd October 2019

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

Career spotlight: Advertising and marketing professionals

2nd October 2019

Freelance Artist careers

A Freelance Artist produces art pieces in a range of mediums. You might specialise in a type of artwork such as sculptures or paintings and you might put together collections of work in various themes. Freelance Artists may display their work for sale online or in an exhibition or gallery. You may also take commissions for customers who want to buy a specific piece of work.

Freelance Artists should have strong technical skills and a creative mind. It’s important you can work to a deadline and produce pieces of high quality. Freelance Artists should be able to communicate well with customers and may need to carry out a range of administrative tasks when marketing and selling their work.