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Professional Artist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

WOLF TRAP FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

$55K - $63K/yr

Maintain online access to teaching artist professional development resources, including session materials and follow-up content, extending learning opportunities beyond live participation. * Stay ...

CBN

On-Call Make-up Artist

Virginia Beach, VA

$25 - $30/hr

The 700 Club - Virginia Beach, VA The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) , a leader in Christian media, is looking for a professional Make-up Artist in Virginia Beach, VA to join our team. This is ...

CBN

On-Call Make-up Artist

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The 700 Club - Virginia Beach, VA The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) , a leader in Christian media, is looking for a professional Make-up Artist in Virginia Beach, VA to join our team. This is ...

CBN

On-Call Make-up Artist

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The 700 Club - Virginia Beach, VA The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), a leader in Christian media, is looking for a professional Make-up Artist in Virginia Beach, VA to join our team. This is ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST - 12832

Purcellville, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

We are looking for part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists for our team at 101g Maple Ave, ... Good personal hygiene and professionalism You should also be able to work on your feet for the ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST - 12832

Purcellville, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

We are looking for part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists for our team at 101g Maple Ave, ... Good personal hygiene and professionalism You should also be able to work on your feet for the ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST - 11618

South Boston, VA · On-site

$10 - $12.50/hr

We are looking for part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists for our team at 4001 Halifax Rd, South ... Good personal hygiene and professionalism You should also be able to work on your feet for the ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST - 38920

Sterling, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

We are looking for part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists for our team at 23520 Overland Dr ... Good personal hygiene and professionalism You should also be able to work on your feet for the ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST - 38920

Sterling, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $13.75/hr

We are looking for part-time and full-time Sandwich Artists for our team at 23520 Overland Dr ... Good personal hygiene and professionalism You should also be able to work on your feet for the ...

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All JobsProfessional Artist JobsProfessional Artist Jobs in Virginia

Professional Artist information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$24

$40

How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional artist in Virginia is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional artist?

Professional artists are individuals who create visual, performance, or digital art as their main occupation or source of income. They may work in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, or digital design. Professional artists often exhibit their work in galleries, sell pieces to collectors, or take on commissions. They might also collaborate with businesses, publishers, or organizations to create custom works. In addition to creating art, many professional artists engage in activities such as teaching, curating, or participating in public art projects.

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

To thrive as a Professional Artist, strong drawing or painting ability, creativity, and a solid understanding of art theory and techniques—often supported by a degree in fine arts—are essential. Familiarity with digital art software like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as traditional media and portfolio management platforms, is highly valuable. Standout soft skills include self-motivation, adaptability, and effective communication to market work and collaborate with clients or galleries. These skills are important for producing compelling art, building a recognizable brand, and achieving sustainable success in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges professional artists face when working with clients on commissioned projects?

Professional artists often encounter challenges such as aligning their creative vision with a client's expectations, managing timelines, and navigating feedback or revision requests. Clear communication at the outset is crucial to ensure that both parties understand the project goals and deliverables. Additionally, artists must balance their artistic integrity with the need to adapt their style or process to meet client needs, all while adhering to deadlines and maintaining a positive working relationship.

What is the difference between Professional Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectProfessional ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfolios, artistic certificationsDesign degrees, software proficiency, portfolios
Work EnvironmentArt studios, galleries, freelanceAdvertising agencies, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, commissionsMarketing, branding, digital media

While both Professional Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Professional Artists focus on fine arts, personal expression, and exhibitions, often working independently or in galleries. Graphic Designers primarily develop visual solutions for brands, marketing, and digital media, often working within corporate or agency settings. Both roles require strong artistic skills and portfolios but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

How much money does a professional artist make?

The average annual salary for a professional artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, typically ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. Successful artists who sell their work independently or work in commercial fields like illustration or design can earn higher incomes, especially with a strong portfolio and client base.

What does a professional artist do?

A professional artist creates visual works such as paintings, sculptures, illustrations, or digital art for clients, galleries, or commercial projects. They often develop a portfolio, use tools like brushes or digital software, and may work independently or for organizations to produce art that communicates ideas or evokes emotion.

What kind of job can you get as a professional artist?

A professional artist can work in various fields such as fine arts, illustration, graphic design, animation, and commercial art. They may find employment with art galleries, advertising agencies, media companies, or as freelance creators, often requiring skills in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Job roles can include painter, illustrator, concept artist, art director, or muralist.

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Artist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Artist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Artist job openings:

Professional Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,823 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Art Instructor (After School) - Woodbridge, Prince William County, VA

BBA Afterschool Inc

Woodbridge, VA

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

BA Afterschool Inc. is hiring enthusiastic and dependable After-School Art Instructors to lead fun, creative, and engaging art enrichment programs for elementary-aged students throughout Prince William County, VA.

If you enjoy inspiring creativity and helping children express themselves through art, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're an experienced educator, professional artist, teaching assistant, tutor, retiree, or simply someone who enjoys working with children, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.

Position Details

  • Part-time, after-school position

  • Monday through Friday

  • Between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM

  • 1.5-hour sessions

  • $37.50 per session ($25 per hour)

  • No weekends

  • No lesson planning required

  • Curriculum and art supplies provided

Why You'll Love This Role

  • Make a meaningful impact on children's creativity and confidence

  • Build leadership, communication, and classroom management skills

  • Flexible afternoon schedule

  • Consistent weekly schedule

  • Curriculum and supplies are provided

  • Opportunities for advancement within BBA Afterschool

  • Work in a fun, positive, and supportive environment

Ideal Candidates

This position is a great fit for:

  • Art teachers and substitute teachers

  • Professional artists and illustrators

  • Graphic designers and creative professionals

  • College students and recent graduates

  • Retired educators

  • Tutors and after-school instructors

  • Camp counselors and youth mentors

  • Childcare professionals

  • Anyone passionate about art and working with children

Responsibilities

  • Teach engaging art lessons to elementary students

  • Follow BBA's structured curriculum and activities

  • Foster creativity, imagination, and self-expression

  • Create a fun, safe, and inclusive classroom environment

  • Supervise groups of approximately 15–25 students

  • Encourage creativity, collaboration, and confidence

  • Communicate professionally with school staff and BBA leadership

Qualifications

  • Experience in art, teaching, tutoring, or working with children is preferred but not required

  • Comfortable working with students in grades K–5

  • Reliable transportation to schools throughout Alexandria

  • Dependable and punctual

  • Must successfully complete the required school district background check and fingerprinting process

Job Type

  • Part-time

  • Contract

  • Seasonal

  • In-person

Join BBA Afterschool and help inspire the next generation of young artists by creating fun, engaging, and memorable after-school art experiences while gaining valuable professional experience while making a difference in your local community.

We look forward to hearing from you!