Craft Artists

Artist

Ceramic Artist

Designer

Fiber Artist

Fine Craft Artist

Furniture Maker

Glass Artist

Goldsmith

Hand-Weaver

What is a Craft Artist?

A Craft Artist is a skilled professional who creates handmade items and works with a variety of materials to produce unique artistic pieces. These artists often specialize in a specific craft, such as pottery, woodworking, textiles, jewelry making, glassblowing, or metalworking. They combine traditional techniques with personal creativity to design and create functional or decorative objects that reflect their artistic vision. Craft artists may sell their creations at craft fairs, galleries, or online platforms, and some also teach workshops or classes to share their expertise with others. Their work often emphasizes originality and craftsmanship, appealing to consumers looking for one-of-a-kind items.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$21010.0 - $67980.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.

Technology Skills

Web page creation and editing software
- Facebook
Computer aided design CAD software
Electronic mail software
- Gmail
Point of sale POS software
- Salesforce
Graphics or photo imaging software
- SmugMug

Tools Used

Knowledge

Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

0 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R27,514pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Craft Artist in South Africa

The South African craft and design sector is a vibrant pillar of our cultural economy, offering unique opportunities for those who can blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. With 2 active jobs currently in the market and an average salary of R27,514pm, the profession is seeing a significant shift toward formalised commercial success.

Is Craft Artistry Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, evaluate your alignment with the following core traits required for success in the local industry:

Creative Problem-Solving: Can you look at raw materials—such as clay, wire, or textiles—and envision a finished product that resonates with a specific audience?
Manual Dexterity and Stamina: Are you prepared for the physical demands of studio work, which often involves intricate handiwork and long hours of focused production?
Entrepreneurial Grit: Beyond creation, are you willing to manage the "business of art," including inventory management, costings, and client negotiations?
Attention to Detail: Do you strive for a high-quality finish that meets the standards of both local galleries and international export markets?
Cultural Sensitivity: Do you have the desire to engage with South African heritage and materials in a way that is both respectful and innovative?

A Day in the Life of a South African Craft Artist

In the South African context, a Craft Artist’s day is rarely sedentary. Your morning might begin in a sun-drenched studio in a hub like Woodstock or Maboneng, focusing on the technical production of your pieces. This requires deep concentration and a mastery of your chosen medium. By midday, you might transition into administrative tasks: responding to commissions, photographing new work for your digital portfolio, or sourcing sustainable materials from local suppliers.

Late afternoons are often spent on brand development or networking. Whether you are preparing a stall for a high-end market like the Watershed in Cape Town or coordinating with a boutique interior designer for a bespoke installation, communication is key. It is a career that demands a balance between solitary creative time and active community engagement.

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Professionalism

While many South African artists are self-taught, formalising your education can provide a significant competitive edge. Many successful artists pursue a Diploma or Degree in Fine Arts or Design at a University of Technology (such as TUT or CPUT) or a TVET College. These programmes offer essential training in both technique and the history of the craft.

For those already practicing, short courses and certifications in "Business for Creatives" or "Digital Marketing" are vital. It is important to note that continuous learning is key to long-term sustainability. The market is evolving rapidly; for instance, salary trends in 2024 have shown a steady increase from roughly R24,212 in January to a projected R30,266 by December. Keeping your skills sharp ensures you can command these higher market rates as the demand for authentic, handmade South African goods grows.

Next Steps

Deciding to pursue a career as a Craft Artist is a bold and rewarding move. If you have the passion for making and the discipline to run a business, you are already halfway there. However, success in this competitive field requires more than just talent—it requires a strategic understanding of your own professional maturity. Test your readiness now by completing our specialised career assessment to determine if you are prepared to launch your creative journey in the South African market.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Originality
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

24 %
Less than high school diploma

20 %
High school diploma or equivalent

16 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Selling or Influencing Others
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Detailed Work Activities

Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
Apply finishes to artwork, crafts, or displays.
Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
Select materials or props.
Promote products, activities, or organizations.

Work Interests

Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.