Job Description

A Sculptor often works with a number of different mediums to create pieces of three dimensional visual art. Traditionally working with stone, metal, ceramics and wood - there is now in reality almost a complete freedom of materials and processes available for sculpture, including newly developed materials and technology-enabled methods.

Traditional carving (removing material) and modeling (adding materials like clay for example) can be used on their own or combined with other methods like welding, casting or molding to create pieces for all sorts of clients and organisations.

Most sculptors work freelance, so rates of pay and hours can vary greatly depending on the type of project or commission.

Entry Requirements

There is no defined careers route and skills are more highly regarded but it may help if you have a degree or high national diploma in a subject such as:

Creative Arts Practice
Sculpture
Fine Arts Practice
Visual Art

You will usually need

2 or 3 A levels or equivalent including art and design or a related subject for a degree course
1 or 2 A levels or equivalent for a HND

University Course Search

College

To get started you could develop your skills by taking an art and design course a college.

Courses include:

Art and Design Level 2
Visual Special Effects and animation Level 3
Art and Design Level 3

You will usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent for a level 3
2 or 3 GCSEs grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent for a level 2

The following colleges may offer a relevant course:

or your local sixth form may be able to offer a relevant course

Career Tips

To find out whether sculpting is for you, you could take a short course or workshop at college, university or in a sculptors studio.

You will need to accrue experience on personal and commissioned projects in order to demonstrate your skills and reputation and continually update and maintain a portfolio of your works to demonstrate your abilities.

Required Skills

very strong creative flair
self motivation
determination and commitment
able to communicate ideas visually
good organisational skills
able to communicate effectively
self-discipline to meet deadlines
good networking skills to help promote your work
the ability to work to a brief, if you have been commissioned to produce a specific piece

Salary Range

Salaries can vary massively, depending on how successful you are

Sculptor