We surveyed 263 technical artists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical technical artist. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a technical artist?

Low

High

Working as a technical artist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a technical artist?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a technical artist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a technical artist?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a technical artist.

Is being a technical artist stressful?

Low

High

Technical artists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a technical artist?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a technical artist.

How competitive is the workplace for technical artists?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for technical artists.

Does being a technical artist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for technical artists.

Are technical artists allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Creativity is intrinsic to being a technical artist, and a highly valuable part of the career.

Do technical artists have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally technical artists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a technical artist physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a technical artist may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are technical artists exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

While sometimes repetitive, technical artists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.

Does being a technical artist require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a technical artist.

Does being a good technical artist require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as technical artists.