Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 26 (81%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 6 (19%)

• Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Submit artwork to shows or galleries.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Study styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide entertainment at special events by performing activities such as drawing cartoons.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Render sequential drawings that can be turned into animated films or advertisements.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Create graphics, illustrations, and three-dimensional models to be used in research or in teaching, such as in demonstrating anatomy, pathology, or surgical procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Examine and test paintings in need of restoration or cleaning to determine techniques and materials to be used.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use