Airbrush artists are responsible for creating high-quality paint designs and images on a variety of surfaces. They use an airbrush to apply paint to canvas, plastic, metal, paper, and even human skin.
Airbrushing is a very popular technique in the art world, and it offers many possibilities to let your creativity run free. It is easy to learn, and it can be used by anyone with a little patience and the right equipment.
Job description
An airbrush artist paints with precision on a wide variety of surfaces. They can paint on t-shirts, motorcycles, vehicles, boats, sports helmets, canvas, the human body and even fingernails.
They may also work as custom clothes designers, sign painters or graphic designers. They create art for advertising and retouch photos and negatives for publications.
Some artists specialize in custom paint jobs for automobiles, such as painting a motorbike with flames or a biker’s helmet with a skull. These artists work on a commission basis and usually do it at their home or studio.
A typical day for an airbrush artist could involve meeting with customers and adding new pieces to the online gallery of commissioned and original work that they create. They might also need to talk with art studios and retailers about displaying their work.
In this career, the most important qualification is the ability to use airbrushing equipment and paints. You can earn a diploma from a community college or technical school, and many art schools offer a specialized program in airbrushing.
Education and Training Requirements
Airbrushes are small pieces of equipment that apply seamless coverage to any surface by atomizing droplets of liquid, such as paint. They are connected to an air compressor that pushes the liquid out of the nozzle.
Generally, airbrushes are used for art and craft work. They are suitable for many different types of projects, including apparel, vehicles, signage, fine art and photography.
An airbrush artist needs to have a thorough understanding of how to use an airbrush and how to make the most out of it. They also need to be able to produce fine lines and lettering, and master freehand painting.
To become an airbrush artist, you need to attend formal airbrushing courses at an art school or continuing-education program. You also need to develop a business plan for your airbrushing operation, and you should learn general accounting, marketing and advertising methods from books or continuing-education programs.
To start your own airbrushing business, you need to obtain a business permit from your local city hall and a tax registration certificate from the state where you will operate. You should also purchase marketing materials from a local printing shop, such as fliers, brochures and postcards. Your business will benefit from this, as well as from word-of-mouth referrals and the support of local merchants.
Salary
Airbrush artists work with airbrushes to paint on a variety of surfaces. These can include T-shirts, license plates, helmets, canvas, cars, and more.
The salary of an airbrush artist depends on many factors, including experience and location. However, it is typically between $50 and $250+ per hour.
One Hardin County man, Eddie Milburn, took a chance on his hobby of painting custom airbrush artwork just 15 months ago when the pandemic hit and he was left without a job. Since then, he’s sold over 600 items on Etsy.
1. Self Confidence, Self Respect in yourself and your work.
2. Compare your work to other artists that are doing the same type of work as you and see what they are charging for their artwork.
3. Add in some kind of Salary that is above and beyond what you cost to produce the painting (supplies, overhead etc…).
4. The amount of the “salary” will vary depending on how much you want your business to make verses how much you need it to make for living expenses and other things such as insurance and travel.
There are a number of different ways to price your paintings and it will take some trial and error to find out what works best for you and your business. It will also depend on the area and client that you are painting for as well.