How to become a sculptor
What does a sculptor do?
A sculptor is a visual artist who creates two- or three- dimensional art using a range of materials— from stone to wood, plastic to paperclips!
Sculptors may use traditional techniques, using tools to carve from stone or marble, carving into walls or other surfaces (a technique called relief) or casting sculptures from metals such as bronze. Many contemporary sculptors embrace a range of new materials and techniques, from 3D printing to concrete-casting.
Sculptors work in a range of different ways. They might:
- Sell their work through galleries and exhibitions
- Work on private commissions for individuals or organisations
- Work on a publicly commissioned pieces of work
Sculptors are required to be flexible and creative. This applies to both creating sculptures and earning a living from their art/trade.
- Working with materials such as clay, plastic, resin, bronze, stone, metal or wood
- Using drills, knives, chisels, soldering or welding equipment
- Installing large pieces of work in public buildings or outdoors
- Networking with gallery owners, agents and dealers
- Taking up a 'residency', creating work and running workshops in a gallery, school, or other public place
Dylan Shields, Photo by Dave Imms
Key Skills
- Creative imagination
- An understanding of form and materials
- Physical fitness (if you want to create large-scale work, which can be physically demanding)
- Manual dexterity, to use tools on a small or large scale
- Self-discipline to meet deadlines
- The ability to work alone or in a team
- Numeracy skills, to understand measurements for materials
- The ability to work to a brief, if you have been commissioned to produce a specific piece
- Good networking skills, to help promote your work
Apollo and Daphne, Dylan Shields, Photo by Dave Imms
How do I become a sculptor?
University
Although freelance sculptors do not need formal qualifications, in practice most sculptors have developed their skills and artistic practice by studying art and design or fine art, with sculpture as a specialism. These qualifications are offered countrywide in universities and colleges. Some courses include:
BA (Hons) Fine Art Sculpture at Camberwell College of Arts
BA Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Arts
Sculpture at the Open College of the Arts
You’ll usually need:
- a foundation studies diploma in art and design or
- 2 to 3 A levels degree, including Art and Design or another creative subject
Some colleges or universities may offer places to applicants without formal qualifications, but with a good portfolio. However, most courses require five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), and A levels are often also required. In all cases the applicant must also offer a strong, varied portfolio of work.
Further training, such as postgraduate degrees or specialist training in certain areas, will help the sculptor to gain more technical skills.
College
You could begin to develop the skills you’ll need as a sculptor by taking an Art and Design course at college.
Courses include:
Level 2 Art and Design
Level 3 Art and Design
Short Courses
To find out if sculpture is for you, you might try taking short courses or workshops at college, university or at a sculptor’s studio.
Sisyphus, Dylan Shields, Photo by Dave Imms
Dylan Shields portrait, photo by Dave Imms
Featured sculptor
Dylan Shields is an artist who predominantly focuses on sculpture, investigating the relationship between traditional, narrative painting and contemporary materials. He explores the relationship between art history and its context in modern society, highlighting the forgotten narratives of old masters. He uses re-cycled cardboard and parcel tape to produce work that is at once familiar but dramatised by its original use of form and perspective. Find out more here.
