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Portrait Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Theme/Prop Artist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Duties and skills may include: -Creating wax and resin figures. -Wax figure paint artist. -Figure Finish -Portrait Painter - Repairing/restoring of exhibits. -Theming props for galleries. -Ensuring ...

Tri-C

Art Model - West

Parma, OH · On-site

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 - 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 · On-site

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 ...

Jaizai Investment Inc

Lead Photographer

Matthews, NC · On-site

$45K/yr

... 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.

Jaizai Investment Inc

Lead Photographer

Matthews, NC · On-site

$45K/yr

... 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 - 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.

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How much do portrait artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Portrait Artist, and why are they important?

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.

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 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.

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Portrait Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Portrait Artist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 76% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,496 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Studio Portrait Photographer - Luxury Family Portraits

Sanders Fine Portraits

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Sanders Fine Portraits is a nationally recognized, luxury fine-art portrait studio specializing in museum-quality family artwork.


We are hiring a staff photographer who is passionate about creating an exceptional client experience and executing a refined, consistent artistic style at the highest level.


This is not a hobbyist or "side photography" role.

This is a professional position within a high-performance, client-focused studio environment where every detail matters.


You will be trained in our signature style, posing system, and client experience process.



Who This Role Is For


This role is ideal for someone who:


  • Loves working with people and dogs as much as photography
  • Takes pride in precision, consistency, and execution
  • Thrives in a structured, team-driven environment
  • Wants to be part of a luxury brand delivering meaningful, lasting artwork to families
Position Details


  • Schedule: 3-4 days per week (30-40 hours)
  • Weekend availability required
  • Compensation: Hourly + performance bonuses
  • Health & Wellness Stipend
  • All equipment and training provided
What You Will Do


  • Photograph families, children and their dogs in our signature luxury portrait style
  • Build genuine rapport quickly with clients of all ages
  • Guide and direct posing with confidence and warmth
  • Create a calm, elevated, enjoyable studio experience
  • Prepare images for viewing and sales presentation
  • Support team workflow (assisting with posing, props, and session flow)
  • Contribute to an efficient, high-energy studio environment
A-Player Traits We Are Looking For


Our top performers consistently demonstrate:


  • Emotional intelligence & presence - clients feel at ease immediately
  • Precision & attention to detail - small things matter
  • Coachability & humility - able to take direction and implement feedback quickly
  • Consistency under pressure - calm, patient, solutions-oriented
  • Professional polish - well-spoken, confident, poised
  • Team mentality - contributes to a positive, supportive environment
  • Ownership mindset - takes pride in outcomes and client experience
  • Reliability - always on time, always prepared
Experience Requirements


Required:


  • Experience working in a luxury brand or client-focused environment
  • Strong people skills and communication ability
  • Proven ability to follow a structured process or system
  • Portrait or photography experience
  • Experience working with children or families

We will train the right candidate in our exact photographic style and process.



Important Fit Criteria (Read Carefully)


This role is not a fit for individuals who:


  • Want to run or promote their own photography business
  • Prefer full artistic control over a specific brand style
  • Struggle with consistency, structure, or direction
  • Are looking for occasional or flexible "gig" work

Our photographers are part of a long-term team and operate within a clearly defined brand and process.


A non-compete agreement is required for this position.


Compensation & Growth


  • Paid training: $18/hour, Post-training: $20/hour + strong bonuses ($45k-$55k annual)
  • Opportunities for income growth based on performance
Why This Role Is Special


  • Work in a high-end, luxury studio environment
  • Be part of a top-tier, high-performing team
  • Create artwork that families will treasure for generations
  • Receive direct training and mentorship in a refined, proven portrait system
  • Enjoy a positive, energetic, and purpose-driven workplace culture