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How to become a painter or visual artist

Express creative ideas through visual mediums including photography, sculpture, video, and installations.

What does a painter or visual artist do?

Artists put their own emotions into works, making art engaging for its audience. Traditional artists use mediums such as paints and canvas to create scenes or portraits. Visual artists prefer to use unusual mediums to share their stories. Artists call on their creativity, good hand-eye coordination, and a large amount of patience to create original pieces.

Duties and tasks

  • Capture and hold the attention of an audience through visual works.

  • Create unique, interesting, and appealing visual works.

  • May be commissioned to create specific pieces of art.

  • Work in fine detail for an extended period of time (some projects).

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related courses

Griffith University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG

Innovators, communicators and creators start here!

Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Creative Writing
  • History and Society
  • Journalism
  • Literature and Culture
  • Strategic Communication
University of Southern Queensland

Your creativity can improve the lives of others

Get ready for a creative career in community services. You’ll learn to use your talent to help people feel happier and healthier. The visual art specialisation covers painting, ceramics, and more. Gain the confidence to lead and facilitate.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Diploma of Arts

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP

Start with the subjects you’re passionate about

Follow your interests on this humanities pathway into university. Choices range from languages to history, politics, and philosophy. Pick up important skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Shape your future in the arts and social science.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Arts stream
  • Criminology stream
  • Global studies stream
  • Politics, philosophy and economics stream
  • Visual arts stream
University of Tasmania

Diploma of Creative Arts and Health

UndergraduateTAS-CAH-DIP

Combine arts with health

Discover how creative arts interventions in health care settings can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Learn through case studies, data and neuroscience. Explore your own creativity and ties to community. Advocate creativity.  

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Explore art & creative design courses

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