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Visual Artist Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

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 national leader in visual arts and design education, is seeking applications for the position of ...

$55K - $97K/yr

All visual and/or performing arts applicants MUST pass a secondary screen conducted by the District's Office of Arts & Creative Learning in order to be eligible for hire. Should you meet the minimum ...

Art Teacher

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Ann Catholic School in Normandy is seeking a creative and dedicated Art Teacher to inspire students in developing their artistic talents while fostering an appreciation for visual arts. This role ...

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Visual Artist information

See Missouri salary details

$34.2K

$101.1K

$143K

How much do visual artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual artist in Missouri is $101,143.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $142,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get as a visual artist?

A visual artist can pursue various roles such as fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, concept artist, muralist, or art director. These jobs often require skills in drawing, painting, digital tools, and a strong portfolio, and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

What is the difference between Visual Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectVisual ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfoliosDesign degrees, software skills
Work EnvironmentStudios, galleries, public spacesOffices, agencies, client sites
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, installationsAdvertising, branding, marketing

While both Visual Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Visual Artists focus on personal or fine art projects often showcased in galleries or public spaces. Graphic Designers typically work on commercial projects like branding and advertising, using specific software tools. The roles overlap in creativity and visual communication but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

How much money does a visual artist make?

The average salary for a visual artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, but typically ranges from $20,000 to $70,000 annually. Many visual artists supplement income through commissions, gallery sales, or teaching, and success often depends on portfolio quality and networking skills.

What does a visual artist do?

A visual artist creates works of art using a variety of materials. As a visual artist, your duties may be to draw images, work with paint, develop murals, design in 3D, or create art with mixed media. While many visual artists create art solely to display in galleries and sell to collectors, you can also work in a variety of other fields. Your responsibilities vary with the position, but you can work as an advertising specialist, marketing director, CAD designer, product designer, and more. Visual artists can also work in the movie industry, develop video games, or create brand images for a company. Social media is another growing area where visual artists can create content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Visual Artist, you need a strong foundation in drawing, color theory, composition, and art history, often supported by a degree in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate, as well as traditional media, is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective self-promotion are essential soft skills for standing out in a competitive field. These abilities enable artists to produce compelling work, adapt to evolving media, and build a sustainable career.

What are 5 careers in visual artist?

Five careers for a visual artist include becoming a fine artist, graphic designer, illustrator, art director, or muralist. These roles often require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio to showcase artistic skills. Opportunities exist in galleries, advertising agencies, publishing, and public art projects.

What is a visual artist?

Visual artists are creative professionals who use various mediums—such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital art—to express ideas, emotions, or concepts visually. Their work can be displayed in galleries, public spaces, online platforms, or commercial settings. Visual artists may work independently or collaborate with organizations, and they often develop unique styles or techniques. The field encompasses a wide range of specializations, including fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and more.

How do visual artists typically collaborate with other creative professionals during a project?

Visual artists often work closely with graphic designers, art directors, writers, and marketing teams to bring creative concepts to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, interpreting briefs, and providing sketches or drafts for feedback. Clear communication and openness to constructive critique are essential, as projects may go through multiple revisions. This teamwork not only enhances the final product but also helps artists expand their creative network and skill set.
What are popular job titles related to Visual Artist jobs in Missouri? For Visual Artist jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Visual Artist jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Visual Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Visual Artist job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,143 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Artist Model

Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Artist Model

Part-time, Non-Exempt

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), a national leader in visual arts and design education, is seeking applications for the position of part-time Artist Model. This position pays $16.50 per hour and hours vary.

Our Mission: Preparing gifted students to transform the world creatively through art and design.

Our Vision: To be an innovative leader in art and design education.

NARRATIVE GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Posing for figure drawing, figure painting or sculpture classes as part of the creative process. Artist models pose either in the nude or clothed to provide the human figure in a work of art.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Arrive 15 minutes before class is to begin
  • Speak with the instructor as to what poses are required
  • It is the responsibility of the model to inform the Instructor when a pose becomes painful or if a Model is uncomfortable during a pose, or if the room temperature is not appropriate for nude modeling.
  • At no time is a Model to work without substantial padding or cushions.
  • All classes should be properly monitored by a Faculty member when you are working. If you report to a class and this is not the case, you need to contact the Model Supervisor for direction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are five (5) major types of poses: gestures, portraits, standing, sitting and reclining:

  • Gesture Poses – These poses are short in length. They can run from ten (10) to five (5) minutes. Gesture poses are action poses: such as dancing, acting, walking, playing, stretching, etc. These poses should be done in a conventional rotation giving each student a different perspective. Be careful that the poses are not over- extended and balance is lost.
  • Portrait Poses – It is important that the head is kept completely still, and the eyes open. Other body parts can be shifted as long as the torso, shoulders, neck and head remain still. A focal point will help keep the head in the correct position. These poses are almost always seated and clothed.
  • Standing Poses – It is very important that the model have adequate padding under foot. A foam pad, plus a model pad is adequate. The maximum length of standing sessions should be no longer than twenty-five (25) minutes without a break. When setting up the pose, try to keep as balanced as possible. The feet should not be placed farther than shoulder width apart. Try not to put too much weight on one leg or hip. Do not lock the knees.
  • Sitting Poses – The things to watch out for are limbs and other body parts that tend to lose circulation and fall asleep. Avoid bending or turning anything to the extreme. Not all sitting poses require a chair. Models will be asked to sit on model stands, stools, blocks and cushions.
  • Reclining Poses – Reclining poses often require a twist or turn in the torso and hips. It is important that the model have adequate padding under the hip. It is not recommended that the model have a raised arm for extended periods. Keep to the model break schedule, and do not be tempted to pose for longer periods of time.

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Previous work experience in a collegiate environment preferred
  • Previous experience in performing arts preferred
  • Previous experience in artist modeling preferred
  • Equivalent combination of work and education

About KCAI: The Kansas City Art Institute is a private, independent and accredited college of art and design founded in 1885, and located in the cultural heart of metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. The college enrolls nearly 600 undergraduate students regionally, nationally, and internationally. For more information, please visit www.kcai.edu.

Applications deadline and procedures:

This position is considered “open” until an offer of employment has been accepted. Career inquiries and resume submissions received during the on-campus finalist stage of the search are not guaranteed consideration.

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law.

KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu .

KCAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets