Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely depending on experience and reputation. Competition will be fierce and only the most talented will find regular employment. They may use oils, water colors, acrylics, pastels, magic markers, pencils, or pen and ink, or any number of other media to create realistic or abstract works or images of objects, people, nature, topography, or events. Artists usually work independently, choosing whatever subject matter and medium suits them.
Artists generally work with two-dimensional art forms.
Using techniques of shading, perception, and color-mixing, artists produce works that depict realistic scenes or may evoke different moods and emotions, depending on the artist's goals. Some artists create art to satisfy their own need for self-expression, and may display their work in museums, art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes. Others are commissioned to do specific pictures or portraits. Artists may sell their works to stores, commercial art galleries, or directly to collectors. Some commercial galleries sell artists' works on consignment.