Craft Artists

What the job really is

Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-1012
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
• Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
• Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
• Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
• Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
• Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
• Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
• Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
• Pack products for shipping.
• Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production.
• Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted.
• Develop product packaging, display, and pricing strategies.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Alcohol lamps, Allen wrenches, Aluminum silkscreening screens, Angled paint brushes, Artists' air brushes, Artists' paint brushes, Artists' palette knives, Artists' palettes, Bail shaping pliers, Ball mills, Bastard hand files

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
• Interior Designers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Furniture Finishers
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
• Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
• Etchers and Engravers
• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Craft Artists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.