Ever wondered how to turn your love for painting into a lucrative job?
You’re about to read a curated list of high-paying roles perfect for painting enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fine artist, a hobbyist, or just someone who enjoys mixing colors, these jobs are designed to let your creativity shine.
What Makes a Good Job for People Who Love Painting?
We looked for jobs that:
- Allow room for creative expression
- Offer a visually stimulating environment
- Involve hands-on tasks with tangible results
- Provide opportunities for skill development in techniques and styles
Best Jobs for People Who Love Painting
Not all the job options we’re about to share require a formal degree. In fact, many of them offer a nice paycheck even if you’re self-taught or have gained your skills through less traditional means. Certifications and a strong portfolio can often be just as compelling as a degree.
Alright, let’s dive into some cool job opportunities for people who love painting.
1. Digital Matte Painter
Average salary: $57,275
A Digital Matte Painter creates realistic digital environments for films, games, and other visual media.
Job duties:
- Crafting photo-realistic environments
- Merging 2D and 3D elements
- Working closely with the VFX team
- Utilizing software like Photoshop and Maya
- Participating in post-production
Job requirements:
- Strong portfolio of relevant work
- Proficiency in Photoshop and Maya
- Good eye for composition and color
- Ability to work in a team
- Attention to detail
2. Graphic Recorder
Average salary: $48,139
A Graphic Recorder, also known as a visual note-taker, captures and organizes ideas in a visual format during meetings or presentations.
Job duties:
- Live sketching during meetings
- Creating visual summaries
- Collaborating with meeting facilitators
- Translating complex data into visuals
- Maintaining a portfolio
Job requirements:
- Strong portfolio demonstrating visual note-taking
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Strong listening skills
- Adaptability to various subject matters
- Manual dexterity for drawing
3. Concept Artist
Average salary: $66,290
A Concept Artist designs visual elements for games, movies, or animation.
Job duties:
- Sketching initial ideas
- Creating mood boards
- Designing characters and settings
- Collaborating with art directors
- Fine-tuning designs based on feedback
Job requirements:
- Strong portfolio of creative work
- Knowledge of design software like Adobe Creative Suite
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Strong communication skills
- Creative flair and originality
4. 3D Texture Artist
Average salary: $78,982
A 3D Texture Artist, often just called a Texture Artist, applies surfaces to 3D models in games and films.
Job duties:
- Mapping textures onto models
- Creating texture libraries
- Collaborating with modelers
- Refining textures to achieve realism
- Tweaking textures during post-production
Job requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in texturing
- Proficiency in software like Substance Painter or Maya
- Good eye for detail
- Strong technical skills
- Ability to adapt to project needs
5. Medical Illustrator
Average salary: $62,748
A Medical Illustrator creates detailed illustrations for medical textbooks, journals, and educational materials.
Job duties:
- Sketching anatomical features
- Creating illustrations for medical procedures
- Designing visual aids for medical presentations
- Converting complex medical concepts into visuals
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in medical illustration or a related field
- Proficiency in illustration software like Adobe Illustrator
- Strong understanding of medical terminology
- Detail-oriented approach
- Strong collaboration skills
6. Set Designer
Average salary: $53,951
A Set Designer, also known as a Scenic Designer, crafts the visual scenery for theatrical productions, films, or television shows.
Job duties:
- Drafting set blueprints
- Creating set models
- Selecting set materials
- Collaborating with directors and producers
- Overseeing set construction
Job requirements:
- Portfolio showcasing previous set designs
- Knowledge of design software like AutoCAD
- Good spatial awareness skills
- Ability to interpret scripts creatively
- Strong time-management skills
7. Storyboard Artist
Average salary: $61,093
A Storyboard Artist sketches out scenes to visualize a film, animation, or commercial project.
Job duties:
- Sketching scene layouts
- Drawing character movements
- Indicating camera angles
- Collaborating with directors
- Revising drawings as needed
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in digital drawing tools
- Strong grasp of storytelling techniques
- Ability to work under deadlines
- Good communication skills
8. Surface Pattern Designer
Average salary: $55,214
A Surface Pattern Designer, often known as a Textile Designer, creates patterns for fabrics, wallpapers, and other surfaces.
Job duties:
- Sketching initial designs
- Digitizing sketches
- Choosing color palettes
- Testing pattern repeats
- Collaborating with manufacturers
Job requirements:
- Portfolio of previous surface pattern designs
- Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator
- Knowledge of printing techniques
- Keen eye for detail
- Ability to interpret trend forecasts
9. Tattoo Artist
Average salary: $52,948
A Tattoo Artist inks designs onto skin, sometimes referred to as a Tattooist or Tattooer.
Job duties:
- Sketching tattoo designs
- Prepping client skin
- Sterilizing equipment
- Applying ink to skin
- Giving aftercare instructions
Job requirements:
- Tattoo Artist license
- Knowledge of sterilization techniques
- Basic drawing skills
- Steady hand
- Ability to work long hours
10. Architectural Illustrator
Average salary: $63,642
An Architectural Illustrator visualizes architectural projects through sketches and 3D renderings.
Job duties:
- Creating initial sketches
- Turning sketches into digital art
- Working with CAD software
- Collaborating with architects
- Making revisions based on feedback
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Design
- Proficiency in CAD software
- Solid sketching abilities
- Understanding of architectural terminology
- Team collaboration skills
11. Museum Exhibit Designer
Average salary: $62,386
A Museum Exhibit Designer plans and creates layouts for museum displays, also known as Exhibit Planners or Exhibit Coordinators.
Job duties:
- Drafting initial concepts
- Selecting materials
- Working with curators
- Installing displays
- Coordinating with lighting and sound teams
- Making adjustments post-launch
Job requirements:
- Portfolio showcasing previous work
- Knowledge of museum protocols
- Basic carpentry skills
- Collaboration skills
- Time management skills
12. Package Designer
Average salary: $57,596
A Package Designer creates the look and feel of product packaging.
Job duties:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Drafting initial designs
- Finalizing artwork
- Selecting materials
- Collaborating with marketing
- Reviewing prototypes
Job requirements:
- Proficiency in graphic design software
- Print production knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Strong visual communication skills
13. Scenic Artist
Average salary: $56,880
A Scenic Artist paints and creates visual elements for theater sets, sometimes going by titles like Set Painter or Backdrop Artist.
Job duties:
- Sketching designs
- Mixing paints
- Painting backdrops
- Creating textures
- Installing visual elements
- Coordinating with set designers
- Repairing damaged pieces
Job requirements:
- Portfolio of previous work
- Basic carpentry skills
- Ability to interpret blueprints
- Strong color theory knowledge
- Time management skills
- Physical stamina for lifting and moving set pieces
See, There Are Careers for People Who Love Painting!
From Concept Artist to Package Designer, this roster offers a colorful array of jobs that’ll let you make your mark in the art world.
What’s your pick? We’re curious—let us know in the comments!