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Preparing and getting ready for an interview is just as important as the actual interview. It’s important for artists to have an understanding of common interview questions in the field they are looking for a job in. We have put together 35 common artist interview questions, with 20 example answers to help you get prepared for your next interview.
Key Takeaways:
Candidates should bring their portfolio or examples of their artwork for the interviewer to see your work.
Interviewers should have an understanding of what their ideal candidate is like.
As the Candidate:
Review common interview questions to help you get prepared and comfortable when answering questions in the interview.
Have examples for your answers that are thoughtful and relate back to your experience and skills.
Bring extra copies of your resume and your portfolio that has examples of your artwork for the interviewer to look over during the interview.
As the Interviewer:
Have an understanding of what your ideal candidate is like and what is needed to fill the role or position you are hiring for.
Create questions that are tailored to the position and your ideal candidate.
Come up with a pitch to sell your company to the candidate because they are interviewing you just as you are interviewing them.
Tell me about yourself
This is a common interview question that almost every interviewer will ask. When answering this question, you should be sure to highlight your work history and skills. You can provide one or two personal details but try to relate them back to your work and the job.
Example Answer:
“I am an artist who is passionate about creating stunning and thought-provoking art. I started with art when I was a kid by drawing and painting anything and everything. As I got older, I decided to pursue my passion for art by studying Fine Arts in college.
Since then, I have continued to push the boundaries of my creativity, and I have been getting out of my comfort zone to explore new techniques and mediums.
I often explore different themes of identity, culture, and social issues in my work. I typically draw inspiration from my everyday life from traveling or conversations with people.”
Why should we hire you?
Interviewers are looking for you to sell yourself with this question. They know what your qualifications and experiences are because of your resume. Be sure to show the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the position.
Example Answer:
“I believe my artistic skill, passion, and experience make me the best candidate for the position. My artistic skills and creative vision are well suited for the role and what is required for it. I am proficient in various mediums, styles, and techniques. I also have a deep understanding of color theory, composition, and design principles.
I have a passion for art that pushes the boundaries of my creativity, and I am constantly exploring new things and new techniques. I love learning and growing as an artist, and I believe that allows me to bring new ideas and perspectives to every project. I believe that a combination of my skills, passion, and experience makes me an ideal candidate.
Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is looking to see how much research you have done on the company and the position. Be sure to include how the company’s mission and values align with your own values.
Example Answer:
“I want to work for this company because of its reputation for creating innovative and impactful art that resonates with people. One of the main reasons I am drawn to working here is the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art and exploring new mediums and styles.
I also have an appreciation for the company's approach to art-making and the emphasis on teamwork and communication. I believe that type of environment helps improve creativity, encourages experimentation, and helps produce the best results.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The interviewer is looking to see what your long-term goals are and if you plan on being at the company for a long time. Be sure to focus on any skills you want to learn or improve on. Even if you do not know where you want to be in five years, try to connect the job to your career goals and be realistic.
Example Answer:
“In five years, I hope to have established myself as a thought leader in the art community and someone who is actively involved in shaping the direction of the industry. In my career, I hope to continue to work on exciting and impactful projects that challenge me creatively and allow me to push the boundaries of my art.”
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but it’s how you turn your weaknesses into positives that will make the interviewer impressed. Be sure to relate them back to the role and the requirements of the position. Be sure to make your weakness into a positive and something that you are improving on.
Example Answer:
“In terms of my strengths, I believe that my artistic skill and creative vision are my strongest. I have a broad range of artistic abilities, including being proficient in various mediums, styles, and techniques. I am also able to work independently or as part of a team, and I am always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the project is successful.
For my weaknesses, I would say my tendency to be a perfectionist can sometimes slow me down. It can often make me overly critical of my own work. I am working to balance it with a willingness to experiment and take risks creatively.”
How do you approach the composition of your artwork? Are there any specific techniques or principles you follow?
The interviewer is looking for some insight into your process for being an artist. They also want to see if you understand the different compositions in art. Be sure to give specifics and examples of your approach.
Example Answer:
“When I approach the composition of my artwork, I start by considering the purpose of the piece and the message I want to convey. I then try to think about the best way to communicate that message visually.
One technique I often use is the rule of thirds, which involves dividing the canvas into thirds both horizontally and vertically. I then place the main subject along one of these lines or at the intersection points. I will pay close attention to the use of color and how it can be used to create mood and atmosphere for the piece.
Can you walk me through the process of selecting color palettes? How do you decide on the right colors for a particular piece?
Provide the interviewer with one or two details on how you select color palettes. They are looking to see what your thought process is.
Example Answer:
“When picking color palettes for a piece, I first consider what the overall mood and message of the piece are going to be. I think about the emotions that I want to invoke in the viewer and how color can be used to support that message.
I use color psychology and consider how certain colors can be associated with a specific emotion or meaning. For example, warm colors like red or orange are often associated with energy and excitement, while cool colors like blue or green often are associated with calmness and stability.”
What mediums do you enjoy working with the most, and why?
The interviewer is looking for your understanding of different mediums and what types of skills you have with them. Include one or two types of mediums you use, and you can include an example of how you use them.
Example Answer:
“My favorite medium to work with is acrylic paint. I love the versatility and how it can be used to create a wide range of effects, from thick washes to impasto textures. Since they dry quickly, it allows me to layer and build my art more quickly than some other mediums.
I also appreciate that acrylics are water-soluble; it makes them easier to work with and clean up. Acrylics are also very durable and are resistant to fading and yellowing over time, and can be used on a variety of surfaces. I also love that they can be mixed with other mediums to create different effects.”
Are there any mediums that you have experimented with recently? How did it go?
Being an artist means experimenting and trying new things. They may not always work out, but it’s still good to try. The interviewer is looking to see what type of things that you are experienced with. Provide one or two examples in your answer.
Example Answer:
“I have recently worked with oil pastels and found that they were a lot of fun to work with. They offer some unique advantages because they have a soft, velvety texture that creates beautiful blended effects when layers. I also like how they are easy to control and can be used to create fine details as well as bold strokes.
While they were fun to work with, they did have some challenges. I found that they can be messy and difficult to clean up. The colors are also prone to smudging or smearing if they are not handled correctly. Overall, I did enjoy working with them and look forward to using them and new mediums in my work in the future.”
Can you discuss your use of texture in your artwork?
Your answer should include one or two examples of using texture in your artwork. The interviewer wants to know that you can use texture and your experience with it.
Example Answer:
“I use texture in my artwork to add depth, interest, and dimension to my work. I try to use a variety of techniques such as using thick layers of paint on a palette knife to create raised areas and rough textures. In drawings, I will use crosshatching or stippling to create depth and dimension.”
Do you typically create sketches or studies before starting a new piece? How does this affect or influence the final product?
Example Answer:
“I create sketches or studies before starting a new piece because I find it incredibly helpful in refining my ideas and developing a strong composition. I will start by creating a rough sketch to work out the basic elements of the composition and balance positive and negative space.
I will do several iterations of the sketch, refining it each time until I am happy with the basic structure of the piece. I find that the sketches help me keep all my ideas together, and it helps me develop a stronger product.”
Can you discuss your use of light and shadow in your artwork?
Give the interviewer examples from your previous experiences in working with light and shadow. The interviewer is trying to see what type of experience you have in this area of art.
Example Answer:
“Using light and shadow is incredibly important when it comes to my artwork. How you use it can add dimension, depth, or it can change the mood of the piece. At the start of a project, I consider the light source and where it is coming from. Light can have an effect and interact with things in the scene differently, so this is important.
Doing this helps determine where the shadows are and what they will do to affect the composition. After that, I will often experiment with different techniques for creating light and shadow. My goal is to create a sense of realism and drama in the piece that I am making.”
What is your opinion on the role of art in society?
Art is everywhere in society, and everyone has an opinion on it. Your answer should be honest and reflect who you are as an artist. Be sure to include examples from art in society to reflect in your answer.
Example Answer:
“I believe that art plays a critical role in society, both as a reflection of our culture and as a catalyst for change. Art has the power to capture the beauty and complexity of the work around us. It allows individuals to express different perspectives and experiences of the differences in communities.
Art is also a powerful tool to inspire, challenge, and engage people in a way that few other things can. It’s also a powerful tool for social and political change. This can be done through protest art, political satire, or other forms of activism. Art has the power to galvanize communities and raise awareness to inspire action.’’
How do you balance the need for technical skill with artistic expression?
Your answer should provide a specific example of how you balance technical and artistic expression. This balance is important for artists to have, so the interviewer is looking to see if you are able to balance it.
Example Answer:
“Technical skill and artistic expression are both critical in creating successful and impactful artwork. Technical skill is important in achieving a certain level of visual quality and precision, while artistic expression is what gives a piece of art its unique character and its meaning.”
Can you discuss any specific influences on your artwork, whether they be other artists' cultural movements or personal experiences?
Influence and inspiration are everywhere for most artists, and the interviewer is trying to gain insight into how you are influenced by your work. Be sure to provide an example in your answer.
Example Answer:
“My work is influenced by a variety of factors. I tend to find inspiration in the work of a wide range of artists, which can include classic painters or contemporary mixed media artists. I am typically drawn to the artists who experiment with new techniques or who push boundaries in their respective mediums.”
Can you talk about any recent challenges or breakthroughs you have had?
It’s important to challenge yourself as an artist. It shows how you have grown through your career. Provide an example of a recent challenge or breakthrough that you have had to show the interviewer that you are willing to take risks and challenges in your work.
Example Answer:
“I recently had a breakthrough in my approach to color selection. Lately, I have been working on the use of complementary colors in my work and it has allowed me to create more striking and impactful pieces.
I’ve carefully selected colors that contrast and complement each other and it has allowed me to create balance and harmony in my work.”
How can this job help you improve your art skills?
The interviewer is looking to see that you have a goal for yourself and your skills. You should provide the interviewer with your goals and plans for continuing to improve your skills and education.
Example Answer:
“I believe this job will help me improve my skills by being able to work and collaborate with other artists. Sharing ideas and techniques is a great way to expand my skill set and gain new perspectives on my work.”
What is your ultimate career goal?
This is a common question that is asked by interviewers. They want to know your long-term goals and if their company is included in them. Be sure that you are honest with your answer.
Example Answer:
“My ultimate career goal is to continue to create meaningful and impactful artwork that inspires people. I hope that I can further develop and improve on my skills and techniques in different mediums. I also have a goal of having my work in prominent galleries and museums.”
Tell me how you’ve developed your art career so far.
Your answer should show the interviewer the things that you have done for your career so far. Provide examples to help paint them a picture of what you did to gain experience.
Example Answer:
“I started my career by taking art classes in high school, and I eventually pursued a degree in Fine Arts while in college. During college, I gained exposure by participating in art exhibitions and winning awards for them.
After graduation, I continued to create new work, and I sought out opportunities to exhibit and sell my art. I also have a strong social media presence and have built a following of art enthusiasts who appreciate my work.”
How can you benefit this workplace?
You should highlight your skills and experience when answering this question. You will want to sell yourself, so you are the best candidate in the interviewer's opinion. Be sure to relate it back to the job and the company.
Example Answer:
“I believe I can bring a unique perspective to this company with my creative and critical thinking skills. I have experience in collaborating with others on various projects. I can also apply my skills to contribute to the success of the company.
My passion for art and design helps me create visually stunning pieces that can meet the needs of clients. I am always eager to learn new techniques and mediums to help enhance my work and bring value to the workplace.”
How do you approach working with other artists, designers, or clients on a project?
How do you stay up-to-date on current design trends and techniques?
Tell me how you manage your creative process, from the initial concept to the final product.
Can you discuss the various software and tools commonly used in the industry?
Tell me about a time that you handled constructive criticism and incorporated that feedback to improve a project.
What have any critics or collectors said about your work?
Do you have an existing customer base?
What influences the price of your work?
Are you currently employed somewhere?
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
When is your favorite time of the day to create?
What motivates you to create?
How do you define success as an artist?
Describe your studio or workspace.
What is your dream project?