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How exposed to AI is a Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrator?

Of the 32 tasks O*NET lists for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, 2 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 14 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
ArtistAutomotive ArtistBlacksmithFine ArtistIce CarverIllustratorMuralistPainterPortrait ArtistSculptor
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
32
tasks rated for this occupation
35%
hold a degree, from a survey of only 17
9k
people do this job in the US
22 of 40
least protected in arts, design and media

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

2
  • Submit artwork to shows or galleries
  • Study styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process

Only with software built on top

16
  • Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods
  • Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced
  • Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities
  • Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors
  • Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities
  • Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials
  • Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary
  • Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary
  • Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations
  • Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs
  • Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials
  • Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging
  • Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies
  • Render sequential drawings that can be turned into animated films or advertisements
  • Create graphics, illustrations, and three-dimensional models to be used in research or in teaching, such as in demonstrating anatomy, pathology, or surgical procedures
  • Examine and test paintings in need of restoration or cleaning to determine techniques and materials to be used

Cannot be sped up

14
  • Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork
  • Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites
  • Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material
  • Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects
  • Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal
  • Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale
  • Frame and mat artwork for display or sale
  • Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art
  • Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons
  • Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages
  • Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish
  • Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work
  • Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings
  • Teach artistic techniques to children or adults
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET 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. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.