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Public Administration & LegalISCO 2651

Sculptor

A sculptor is a person who makes sculpture, working in whichever material the work calls for: stone, clay, glass, wood, plaster or anything else chosen. The material may be carved, modelled, formed, cast, machined, forged or welded to reach the shape intended, and the choice of process follows from the choice of material.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

create model

create sculptures

create artwork

maintain an artistic portfolio

research sculpture trends

About sculptor

The material governs the method. Carving removes and cannot be undone; modelling and casting allow a form to be built up and changed; welding and forging work metal into shapes neither of the first two can reach. The sculptor researches artistic techniques, from carving and modelling to casting, forging and welding.

The work is planned before it is made. The sculptor prepares the designs for the objects to be produced, creates models, and then creates the sculpture. Designing the objects means sketching or drawing them from memory, from live models, from manufactured products or from reference materials.

Two parts of this occupation are not about making at all. The sculptor keeps a portfolio of artistic activity and works from intellectual property law and employment law, which apply to commissioned work.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

labour legislationlabour legislationLegislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.intellectual property lawintellectual property lawThe regulations that govern the set of rights protecting products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.create modelcreate modelCreate sketches, drawing, three-dimensional models, and models in other media in preparation for a work of art.create sculpturescreate sculpturesCreate decorative sculptures by hand, using a variety of techniques and materials.create artworkcreate artworkCut, shape, fit, join, mould, or otherwise manipulate materials in an attempt to create a selected artwork-be the technical processes not mastered by the artist or used as a specialist.maintain an artistic portfoliomaintain an artistic portfolioMaintain portfolios of artistic work to show styles, interests, abilities and realisations.research sculpture trendsresearch sculpture trendsResearch sculpting trends and disruption, in order to keep up with current researches and design evolutions.select artistic materials to create artworksselect artistic materials to create artworksSelect artistic materials based on strength, colour, texture, balance, weight, size, and other characteristics that should guarantee the feasibility of the artistic creation regarding the expected sha...monitor art scene developmentsmonitor art scene developmentsMonitor artistic events, trends, and other developments. Read recent art publications in order to develop ideas and to keep in touch with relevant art world activities.study artistic techniquesstudy artistic techniquesStudy a variety of artistic techniques and learn how to apply them in concrete artistic projects.design objects to be crafteddesign objects to be craftedSketch, draw or design sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.study artworksstudy artworksStudy styles, techniques, colours, textures, and materials used in works of art.
Optional (7) — show
iconographyiconographyThe knowledge that artists put into practice when concepts are represented through symbols (e.g., painting a dog to represent loyalty). It is used in Christian religious painting, for example, by repr...collaborate with technical experts on artworkscollaborate with technical experts on artworksCollaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts to build, install and move pieces of art.discuss artworkdiscuss artworkIntroduce and discuss the nature and content of art work, achieved or to be produced with an audience, art directors, catalogue editors, journalists, and other parties of interest.submit preliminary artworksubmit preliminary artworkSubmit preliminary artwork or art project plans to clients for approval, leaving room for additional suggestions and changes.keep records of work progresskeep records of work progressMaintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.create sculpture prototypecreate sculpture prototypeCreate sculpture prototypes or models of objects to be sculpted.participate in artistic mediation activitiesparticipate in artistic mediation activitiesParticipate in cultural and artistic mediation activities: announce the activity, give a presentation or talk related to a piece of art or an exhibition, teach a class or a group, lead artistic mediat...

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Frequently asked questions

What does a sculptor do?

Sculptors may use a wide variety of materials to create sculptures, such as stone, clay, glass, wood, plaster, or any material of their choice. Those materials can be carved, modelled, moulded, cast, wrought, welded, and so on, in order to reach the desired shape.

What skills does a sculptor need?

A sculptor needs 12 essential skills, including labour legislation, intellectual property law, create model, create sculptures, create artwork.

Will AI replace sculptor jobs?

The AI disruption score for sculptor is 16/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep records of work progress, intellectual property law, labour legislation. Most resilient: create sculptures, study artistic techniques, participate in artistic mediation activities.

Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills12

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