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Portrait Artist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Red Carrot

Photographer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct studio and location-based portrait sessions for staff, leadership, and program participants ... achieve the most artistic results for photographs taken. * Ability to manage changes in ...

Red Carrot

Photographer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct studio and location-based portrait sessions for staff, leadership, and program participants ... achieve the most artistic results for photographs taken. * Ability to manage changes in ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Studio Makeup Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$19/hr

Free annual family portrait session * Referral bonus program * Paid learning and development ... We are seeking highly motivated Makeup Artists with outstanding client service skills and a strong ...

CADY

Studio Makeup Associate

Herndon, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Free annual family portrait session * Referral bonus program * Paid learning and development ... We are seeking highly motivated Makeup Artists with outstanding client service skills and a strong ...

CADY

Studio Makeup Associate

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$19/hr

Free annual family portrait session * Referral bonus program * Paid learning and development ... We are seeking highly motivated Makeup Artists with outstanding client service skills and a strong ...

Cady Studios, LLC

Studio Makeup Associate

Herndon, VA · On-site

$21/hr

Free annual family portrait session * Referral bonus program * Paid learning and development ... We are seeking highly motivated Makeup Artists with outstanding client service skills and a strong ...

Red Carrot

Photographer / Video Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Take and edit official portraits for customer leadership and staff * Support events across the ... BA/BS (or equivalent) in Art, Multi-Media, Graphic Arts, Design, Photojournalism, Videography ...

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Portrait Artist information

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$7

$21

$69

How much do portrait artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for portrait artist in Virginia is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $21.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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?

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.

Do portrait artists make money?

Portrait artists can earn income through commissions, selling artwork, or teaching art classes. Their earnings vary based on experience, reputation, location, and the complexity of projects, with some earning a full-time income and others supplementing income through part-time work or freelance projects.
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For Portrait Artist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Portrait Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Portrait Artist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,246 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Photo Finisher, Framer and Retouch Expert

Butler Portraits

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$37K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Photoshop & Production Specialist (Full-Time)

Join a Premier Fine Art Portrait Studio

Location: Midlothian, VA

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday

Pay: $18-$25/hr (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Paid time off, benefits package, and an inspiring, collaborative environment


About Us

Butler Portraits is a nationally recognized fine art portrait studio with over 50 years of legacy, located on a serene lakefront property in Midlothian, Virginia. We specialize in luxury, museum-quality portraits printed on archival canvas and finished to timeless perfection. Our studio is renowned for its artistry, craftsmanship, and extraordinary client service, with features in national publications and a portfolio that includes prominent families and public figures. Our work has become heirloom-quality art for generations. We foster a supportive, respectful studio culture where excellence, creativity, and positivity are the foundation of everything we do.


About the Role

We are seeking a talented Photoshop & Production Specialist with at least 3 years of professional experience in portrait retouching and large-format production. This full-time role combines advanced Photoshop artistry with expert-level printing, mounting, and finishing. You'll work closely with our creative and production teams to bring each portrait to life with precision and care, ensuring each piece reflects the highest industry standards.


Why Join Butler Portraits

  • Be part of a tight-knit, passionate team in a beautifully maintained lakefront studio.
  • Enjoy paid time off and health benefits.
  • Benefit from a consistent weekday schedule (Tues-Sat) with Sundays and Mondays off.
  • Access ongoing training and opportunities to grow into senior or specialized production roles.
  • Gain exposure to high-end, creative projects and unique fine art commissions.
  • Thrive in a studio culture that values respect, collaboration, and craftsmanship.


What You'll Be Doing

  • Conduct high-level retouching, color correction, and compositing in Adobe Photoshop.
  • Perform expert color correction of portraits and skin tones to match our studio's signature style.
  • Operate and maintain large-format inkjet printers with exacting color standards.
  • Coat, cut, mount, and finish prints for final delivery.
  • Manage files and workflows using Lightroom, Bridge, InDesign, and RIP software.
  • Participate in occasional client consultations, in-person and by phone.
  • Support quality control, packaging, and team collaboration across departments.


What We're Looking For

Required:

  • Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with Photoshop and production workflows.
  • Proven expertise in color correcting portraits and skin tones.
  • Large-format inkjet printing experience with strong knowledge of color calibration.
  • Highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a positive team dynamic.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Bonus Qualifications:

  • 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 texture.
  • Familiarity with professional customer service in creative or visual fields.


Call to Action

  • Candidates interested in joining our esteemed studio are encouraged to apply. Please send your resume and portfolio to [provided email address], showcasing your retouching and production experience.