OFO No:

What is an Art Historian?

An Art Historian loves and studies art. 

They are interested in the different historical aspects of the artworks. This includes: the artistic movements to which they belong and the social and political times when during which they were made in. 

An Art Historian has a broad knowledge of art, or they specialise in one art movement or style. 

Some Art Historians work in education, while others work as museum curators, preservationists or in private art houses. Other jobs for Art Historians include publishing or journalism, work as an appraisers or art curator.

What does an Art Historian do?

• Art Curator

They are employed by an art gallery, museum, or large company which invests in large quantities of art. They will be involved in researching and buying new pieces of art. They will know how pieces should be displayed or stored properly. They will be responsible for getting the right insurance.

• Preservation

Some Art Historians (Preservationists) make sure artworks (paintings, sculptures, and buildings etc) remain as close to their original state as possible. This may involve controlling environmental factors, eg lighting and temperature.  Some Preservationists will perform restorative work to cut down or correct damage which has happened over time.

• Writer and/or Editor

An Art Historian may have a career in journalism or publishing. They write articles about art-related topics for magazines and newspapers. They may write textbooks on various aspects of art history or may edit the work of other art history authors.

• Appraiser

The Art Historian uses their knowledge to work out the value of artworks. They may be employed by a fine art auction house, private company or a wealthy private person.

• Art Educator

An Art Historian might consider a career in education – teaching at a high school or at a university or college. 

Are you … ?

• passionate about art?
• passionate about history?
• interested in research?
• observant?
• a person with an eye for detail?
• responsible?
• trustworthy?

How do I become an Art Historian?

Most Art Historian jobs require a degree. College-level art educators, curators, and preservationists need a PhD in Art History specialising in an area of interest.

An Art Historian who wishes to work in journalism, publishing, or art appraisal may need a master’s degree.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts with strong emphasis on Art History is highly recommended. 

Most universities offer a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art. 

Minimum requirements:   

National Senior Certificate meeting degree entry or equivalent NQF qualification 

A portfolio of your work is, however, compulsory. No application will be received without it! 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Or see under Fine Artist for more detailed study options.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Art Critic … or … Archeologist

Is becoming an Art Historian the right career choice for me.

OFO No:

What is an Art Critic?

An Art Critic’s job is to give their opinion and technical analysis of art works (drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, collages, prints etc etc).

The art pieces are usually displayed in a gallery, at an exhibition, public show or private viewing.

Art Critics comments on galleries and artists too. 

A respected Art Critic gathers a following based on their informative opinions.  Their comments may directly affects an artist’s future. In some instances, Art Critics can have a lot of power and influence in the art world.

Art Critics may work for a magazine, newspaper or web site or choose to offer their opinions on a freelance, contractual basis

What does an Art Critic do?

• travels a lot to galleries, exhibitions, private collections
• talks to gallery managers, exhibitors and private owners
• makes informed opinions on various pieces of fine art
• researches background, personalities, techniques of the artists
• constantly updates their art knowledge
• compares different artworks
• writes reports/crits clearly
• communicates with magazines and newspapers

Are you … ?

• passionate about art and art history?
• a person who loves fine art and techniques?
• observant?
• open-minded?
• able to write intelligently, creatively and clearly?
• able to give both positive and negative criticism?
• interested in research?
• good with people?

How do I become an Art Critic?

Most Art Critics have a degree in art, art history or art appreciation.

As with many positions in the art world, having a mentor in the industry is an advantage. 

An Art Critic needs experience and education in the type of art on which they will be commenting on. This will provide a valid, informed base for their opinion, giving the Art Critic credibility.

Most universities or specialised colleges will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts or similar diploma. 

A BA Fine Art degree is a 4 year programme. Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to locate a University or College that offers the qualification or see under Fine Artist for more details.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Art Historian … or … Art Teacher

Is becoming an Art Critic the right career choice for me?

What is a Sculptor?

Sculptors are artists who create three-dimensional works of art.

They can create their pieces using metal, wood, glass, wire, stone, concrete, plastic, paper, clay or fibreglass, or any combination of these and other materials, by either moulding, cutting, welding or carving art pieces from such materials.

Their works can either be realistic or abstract representations of objects, nature, people, events, emotions or thoughts etc.

Sculptors mostly create their pieces to fulfil their own need for self-expression, but, on some occasions, could be commissioned by a specific client/organisation.

Their work can be displayed in art galleries, at flea markets/ art exhibitions or in their own homes. Sculptors are often good artists overall and are able to express themselves creatively.

What does a Sculptor do?

• researching their ‘subject’:  an object, a person, an event, an emotion etc
• doing preliminary sketches of their ideas
• sourcing various materials for the project
• making/building/moulding/welding etc it all together
• finishing off the sculpture by: polishing, sanding, painting etc
• meeting with prospective clients and discussing the commission
• quoting on commissions
• sometimes, working with deadlines
• working unusual and long hours – sometimes through the night
• creating sculptures for a one-man exhibition
• attending exhibitions

Are you … ?

• extremely talented?
• a sculptor at heart?
• very creative?
• good with your hands?
• a person with a good sense of 3d?
• dedicated?
• good with colour?

How do I become a Sculptor?

Taking art classes at school or at a local community centre, may start you off as a Sculptor.  You will collect many different skills that will help you.

Once you leave school, you can continue your ‘art’ from home and try and sell it.  If you are very good you may do well but this is a very difficult way to become a Sculptor.

Another way is to do a Bachelor in Fine Arts.  This will give you more skills and push you into being even more creative than you think you are.  You will also mingle with like-minded artists that will inspire you too.

From here, you may get noticed and a gallery may offer to exhibit your work.

Most universities in South Africa offer a Bachelors in Fine Arts.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Art Teacher and Art Historian

Is becoming a Sculptor the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:

What is a Fine Artist?

A Fine Artist creates original pieces of fine art to sell.

Fine art usually includes one-of-a-kind pieces or limited editions.  These can include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and digital.

Fine Artists explore subjects such as social and political issues, emotions, colour, space, textures, patterns etc. 

Fine Artists usually specialise in:

• Painters use paints on canvas to create artistic works
• Multi-media artists use absolutely anything to create a piece of art
• Sculptors use stone, metal, concrete, and other materials to create three-dimensional pieces
• Ceramicists make 3-D items out of clay
• Photographers use either film or digital cameras
• Printers express themselves through silkscreen, etchings, linocuts, woodcuts etc etc

What does a Fine Artist do?

• researches a subject matter
• makes preliminary drawings
• experiments with materials
• masters techniques
• creates works for an exhibition
• frames works, where necessary
• talks with art galleries and clients
• orders supplies
• organises packing and delivery of piece to final destination (local or export)

Are you … ?

• artistic?
• a person who works well on their own?
• ‘in tune’ with your emotions?
• interested in experimenting with various artistic techniques?
• uninhibited?
• prepared to work long and strange hours?
• able to communicate well with others?

How do I become a Fine Artist?

A degree is not required to become a Fine Artist, although many artists do choose to study further, like a Bachelors in Fine Arts, to improve their skills.

Accomplished artists often sell their works through galleries, private commissions and through websites.
Most universities or Schools will offer a BA in Fine Arts or similar diploma. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

For example:

• MICHAELIS AT UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

Offers a BA Fine Art degree which is a four year programme. 

Minimum requirements:  Grade 12 or Matric.  A portfolio of your work is, however, compulsory.  No application will be received without it! 

School subjects:  Art is highly recommended but not compulsory. 

• RUTH PROWSE SCHOOL OF ART

Offers a Diploma in Fine Art:

Minimum requirements: Grade 12.  A portfolio of your work is necessary.  No application will be received without it! 
For portfolio requirements:

School subjects:  Art, however, is not compulsory, but recommended. English is required.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Art Teacher and Art Historian

Is becoming a Fine Artist the right career choice for me?