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
Art teacher
Cartoonist
Decorator
Engraver
Painter
Photographer
Printmaker
Screen printer
Sculptor
Spray painter
Discover related courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art
UndergraduateCUR-FIA-CTF
Explore your talent and develop your artistic skills
Your introduction to fine art studies at university level. You can use this course to discover the methods, mediums, and media you connect with. Paint the first strokes on your professional career in today’s art industry or work towards further study.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Arts and Health
UndergraduateTAS-CAH-CTF
Use your passion for the arts to help patients thrive
Discover how creative outlets such as music, theatre and dance can improve individual and community wellbeing. Learn how to deliver patient-centred arts programs. Graduate with job-ready skills that apply to numerous health and community settings.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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
PostgraduateCUR-ART-GCE
Embrace your creativity and build your expertise
Prepare for creative industries and roles. You’ll choose from topics including creative writing and fine art. Get to know professional publishing. Consider creating online. Add new specialised skills to your resume and watch your career bloom.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?

Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan
Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.