1

Professional Artist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

All levels of experience welcome, from recent graduate through seasoned professional. If you are ... Graphic Designer/Production Artist Role: As a vital member of MSM's creative team, you will learn ...

Music Sales Advisors

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Promote the Music & Arts lesson program * Create business by networking with teachers/schools, churches, and community organizations * Develop customer relationships and provide compelling sales ...

Music Sales Advisors

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

Promote the Music & Arts lesson program * Create business by networking with teachers/schools, churches, and community organizations * Develop customer relationships and provide compelling sales ...

The University's curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and emphasizes ... Models professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability consistent with REOC and industry ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

Associate General Dentist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$215K - $250K/yr

Liberty Dental Arts is a thriving, modern private practice located in the heart of Rochester, NY ... professional potential. We believe in fostering a positive culture where your skills, growth, and ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Artist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$24

$39

How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional artist in Rochester, NY is $24.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.50 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Artist jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Professional Artist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Professional Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,579 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Graphic Designer / Production Artist

MSM, Inc.

Webster, NY • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Graphic Designer/ Production Artist
MSM is seeking a talented Graphic Designer/Production Artistto join our team! All levels of experience welcome, from recent graduate through seasoned professional. If you are just starting your career in graphic design and are interested in learning more about a role in trade shows and events, we would love to mentor you.
MSM is a passionate, woman-owned experiential agency. We bring brands to life through strategy, award-winning experience design, and flawless execution for trade shows, events, branded environments, and customer engagements.
We deliver with genuine passion and are committed to exceeding expectations and creating exceptional customer experiences. Our service culture means we:
  • Thrive in a demanding environment
  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and adapt to change
  • Set high standards and strive to exceed

Ideal Candidate Attributes
You're more than a Graphic Designer - you're process-minded, detail-obsessed, and eager to partner across functions, delivering show-stopping exhibit design with compelling graphics. The right candidate will:
  • Focus on process & quality excellence: Create consistent, production-ready files.
  • Embrace the bigger picture: Learn how graphic design intersects with fabrication, lighting, interactivity, and spatial design for trade shows and beyond.
  • Adapt and innovate under pressure: Respond confidently to changing priorities, tight timelines, and unexpected challenges while finding practical, creative solutions.
  • Champion continuous improvement: Seek feedback, refine processes and creative approaches, and identify opportunities to elevate quality, efficiency, and client impact.

Graphic Designer/Production Artist Role:
As a vital member of MSM's creative team, you will learn how to:
  • Design/layout large-format graphics for tradeshow exhibits, branded environments, event signage, and experiential installations.
  • Prepare high-impact visuals-including booth graphics, wayfinding systems, banners, and environmental graphics-aligned with brand standards and event goals.
  • Collaborate with exhibit designers, project managers, and production partners to ensure seamless integration of graphics into 3D environments and physical assets.
  • Produce precise, print-ready artwork-set up correct color profiles, bleeds, resolutions, dielines, and large-scale output requirements for diverse substrates and fabrication methods.
  • Adapt creative concepts to a variety of spatial layouts, ensuring visuals remain legible, on-brand, and engaging at any scale.
  • Review proofs, vendor samples, and production outputs for quality control, accuracy, and manufacturability prior to event delivery.
  • Stay current on trends, materials, and advances in tradeshow and environmental graphic production.

Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibit/Interior Design, Visual Communication, or related field preferred.
  • Seasoned professionals - strong portfolio showcasing creative, production-ready work-exhibit/tradeshow design work is highly valued.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite required.
  • Experience with CAD/3D tools (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, 3ds Max, SketchUp) is a plus.
  • Ability to design for large format, physical spaces, and digital/presentation media a plus.
  • Excellent artistic, organizational, and communication skills required.
  • Experience in agency, exhibit/tradeshow, or production-facing environments a plus.

The initial compensation offered may be outside of this range and will be determined by multiple factors, including the applicant's job-related skills, relevant experience, and education. This role offers significant opportunities for growth in terms of role development and compensation.
Compensation Range: $65,000 - $85,000
Location: Rochester, NY (In-Office)
If you're a creative visionary with a passion for tradeshow exhibits, branded environments, graphics, or presentations, we encourage you to apply and help us craft unforgettable brand experiences for our clients.
The pay range for this role is:
65,000 - 85,000 USD per year (MSM)