ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Portrait Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kansas City Art Institute

Artist Model

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Artist Model Part-time, Non-Exempt The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), a ... Portrait Poses - It is important that the head is kept completely still, and the eyes open. Other ...

Butler Portraits

Photoshop Painter Expert

Midlothian, VA · Remote

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Experience working in a fine art or portrait studio environment. * Knowledge of framing, canvas stretching, or gallery presentation. * Strong artistic instincts and an eye for lighting, tone, and ...

Tri-C

Art Model - Metro

Cleveland, OH

SUMMARY Sustains nude and clothed professional portrait poses for art students to observe anatomy and structure to compose artistic drawings and/or paintings. ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS * Sustains a variety ...

Tri-C

Art Model - East

Warrensville Heights, OH

SUMMARY Sustains nude and clothed professional portrait poses for art students to observe anatomy and structure to compose artistic drawings and/or paintings. ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS * Sustains a variety ...

Tri-C

Art Model - West

Parma, OH

SUMMARY Sustains nude and clothed professional portrait poses for art students to observe anatomy and structure to compose artistic drawings and/or paintings. ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS * Sustains a variety ...

Images Photography

Freelance Photographer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$61.25 - $69.25/hr

Services may include portraits, events, commercial shoots, and lifestyle photography. Team members are encouraged to bring their artistic perspective while maintaining strong client service and ...

New

Jaizai Investment Inc

Lead Photographer

Matthews, NC · On-site

... event, portrait, and fine art photography. The Lead Photographer will collaborate closely with ... Bachelor's degree in Photography, Visual Arts, or a related field. * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Tri-C

Art Model - West

Parma, OH · On-site

Work in studio art classes based on need SUMMARY Sustains nude and clothed professional portrait poses for art students to observe anatomy and structure to compose artistic drawings and/or paintings.

Tri-C

Adjunct Faculty, Art (2D)

Westlake, OH · On-site

$951/wk

Department: Creative Arts Location: College-Wide Reports To: Associate Dean Recruitment Type ... or Portrait Drawing & Painting. * Prepares and delivers learning activities in order to achieve ...

Tri-C

Art Model - Metro

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$14/hr

Work in studio art classes based on need SUMMARY Sustains nude and clothed professional portrait poses for art students to observe anatomy and structure to compose artistic drawings and/or paintings.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsArts JobsFine Artist JobsPortrait Artist Jobs

Portrait Artist information

See salary details

$7

$21

$71

How much do portrait artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for portrait artist in the United States is $21.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a portrait artist?

A portrait artist is a professional who specializes in creating artistic representations of people, capturing their likeness, personality, and mood. They use various mediums such as oil paints, charcoal, pencil, or digital tools to produce portraits from life, photographs, or imagination. Portrait artists often receive commissions for personal, family, or official portraits and may work independently or for art studios. Their work can be found in galleries, museums, private collections, and public spaces.

What is a portrait artist?

A portrait artist is a professional artist who specializes in creating paintings or taking photographs of a person or group of people. You either work as an artist that sells your pieces in galleries, or a commissioned portrait artist that works for a client. As a commissioned portrait artist, your duties include meeting with the client to discuss their desires for the portrait and having them sit for a painting or photograph. Your responsibility is to cater to their needs and produce a portrait the client is happy with, as opposed to focusing on your artistic expression. However, if you instead work to sell your pieces in fine art galleries, you may have complete creative control. You must have above average skills in your discipline, but formal education is not required. Portrait artists generally work for themselves, but photographers can find work with portrait companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a portrait artist?

To thrive as a Portrait Artist, you need strong drawing and painting skills, a solid understanding of anatomy, color theory, and art composition, often developed through formal art education or extensive practice. Familiarity with traditional media (such as oils, acrylics, charcoal) and digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate is increasingly important in the field. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective client communication help artists capture likeness and personality while managing commissions. These skills are vital for producing compelling, marketable artwork and maintaining successful client relationships.

How do portrait artists typically collaborate with clients to ensure satisfaction with commissioned work?

Portrait artists often begin by consulting with clients to discuss their vision, preferences, and the intended purpose of the portrait. This may involve reviewing reference photos, agreeing on pose, style, and medium, and clarifying expectations regarding timelines and revisions. Throughout the process, artists usually share preliminary sketches or progress updates, inviting feedback to make adjustments before finalizing the piece. Clear communication and a collaborative approach help ensure the finished portrait aligns with the client’s wishes and results in a positive experience for both parties.

What is the difference between Portrait Artist vs Portrait Photographer?

AspectPortrait ArtistPortrait Photographer
CredentialsArtistic training, portfolioPhotography skills, camera proficiency
Work EnvironmentStudios, art galleries, clients' homesStudios, outdoor locations, events
Industry UsageFine art, commissions, galleriesCommercial, personal, event photography

While both Portrait Artists and Portrait Photographers create images of individuals, Portrait Artists focus on hand-drawn or painted portraits often emphasizing artistic interpretation. Portrait Photographers capture images using cameras, emphasizing technical skills and lighting. The choice depends on whether you prefer traditional art or modern photography, but both roles require a keen eye for capturing personality and character.

How much do portrait artists get paid?

Portrait artists' earnings vary based on experience, reputation, and commission size. On average, they can earn from $20,000 to over $100,000 annually, with many working freelance and setting their own rates. Income depends on skill level, client base, and the complexity of the portraits created.

Is it hard to be a portrait artist?

Being a portrait artist requires strong drawing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to capture likeness and expression. Success often depends on practice, building a portfolio, and developing a unique style, which can take years of dedication. The profession may involve irregular income and self-marketing, making it challenging but rewarding for those passionate about art.
More about Portrait Artist jobs

What cities are hiring for Portrait Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Portrait Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Portrait Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Portrait Artist jobs are:

What states have the most Portrait Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Portrait Artist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Portrait Artist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Portrait Artist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Portrait Artist jobs?

For Portrait Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Portrait Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Portrait Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $45,496 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Portrait Artist needed for Hospice Personalized Portrait Program!

Elara Caring - New Braunfels, TX

Seguin, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Make a real difference in someone’s life!

Elara Caring, one of the nation’s largest providers of home-based care, is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide exceptional end-of-life care to local hospice patients and their families.

We are looking for individuals and groups to donate items for patients.

Portrait artist volunteers use a hospice patient’s photo to create a unique and personalized version of the original cherished image. Each volunteer creates the portraits utilizing their own style and techniques so that each portrait is truly a one-of-a-kind work of art. Works under the direction and supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator and other skilled team members.

Share your artistic craft today. To make arrangements for a craft, drop off, or mail donations, please contact our volunteer coordinator Misty Alva 210-325-1451

Apply