Fine Artists and Illustrators

How AI is changing fine artists and illustrators work

6 of 8 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 75%.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Integrate and develop visual elements (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
• 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 (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Talk with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages — a lot of recorded AI use
• Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging — a lot of recorded AI use
• Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work — some recorded AI use
• Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons — some recorded AI use
• Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials — some recorded AI use
• Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary — some recorded AI use
• Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials — some recorded AI use
• Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects — no recorded AI use
• 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 — no recorded AI use
• Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale — no recorded AI use
• 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 — no recorded AI use
• Frame and mat artwork for display or sale — no recorded AI use
• Submit artwork to shows or galleries — no recorded AI use
• Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations — no recorded AI use
• Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art — no recorded AI use
• Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs — no recorded AI use
• Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies — no recorded AI use
• Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish — no recorded AI use
• Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings — no recorded AI use
• Teach artistic techniques to children or adults — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Integrate and develop visual elements”. Try the prompt for: “Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and fine artists and illustrators

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