To work as a fine artist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; 
• have a bachelor's degree in a related field; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many artists earn a bachelor's (BFA) or master's (MFA) degree in fine arts. Course work usually includes art design, history, and studio art. Art schools offer degree programs and studio training in fine arts. In general, colleges and universities offer more programs outside the subject of art than art schools do.

To teach art in a public school you need a teaching certificate plus a bachelor's degree. Director of arts programs or foundations often have a master's degree. Medical illustrators need both pre-medical and art training. They need both types of knowledge so they can draw organisms, surgical procedures, and anatomy.

Work experience

Exhibiting works in local fairs and shows is a good way to find new opportunities to sell artwork. Volunteering at art shows is a good way to meet artists and learn more about what they do.

On-the-job training

Fine artists have many years of artistic training and practice. Formal on-the-job training is not common, except in as much as you learn by doing and getting feedback from others. Fine artists are often self-employed and are responsible for their own training.