"Sculpture is the art of the intelligence." —Pablo Picasso, famous art dude

That quote right there expresses everything we feel about sculpture. As one of the classical fine arts, sculpture has been a 3D display of creativity and ingenuity dating back thousands of years and practiced all over the world. While you can stare at the front of a painting and remark on its beauty, the sculpture has to deliver on all sides. It takes a certain level of sophistication and intelligence (there it is) to master this form of art.

We like to think of it that way at least. It sounds a whole lot better than that other famous art dude, Auguste Rodin's version: "Sculpture is the art of the hole and the lump." Eww.

So how does the pay for a 3D sculpture stack up when compared to, say, a 2D painting? It's pretty even, actually—in that it has very little to do with the art itself and more to do with your reputation, who's paying you, and why. You might create a massive work of art to rival David, perhaps the most famous sculpture in at least a billion solar systems, but if you do it on a $500 commission, then a $500 commission is all you get.

 

Would somebody please sculpt me a sweater already? (Source)

That's why the average pay of around $40,000 is so low; the average sculptor has to sell on a piece-by-piece or commission basis (source). Much like your art, your career has to be shaped and molded until it resembles something people want to spend money on.

Thanks to dwindling options for a fine art education, you might not even be aware of how to go about sculpturing in the first place. If you think we're talking about standing on a ladder propped up against a huge block of marble, chiseling and hammering and measuring by closing one eye and staring down your thumb and wearing a beret, guess again.

Well, okay, that actually would be a correct guess, but sculpting is so much more than that clichéd image. Whatever material you use is basically up to you. From clay to stone, metal to fabric, even sand, ice, and human teeth, the "stuff" that you use to express yourself is your choice―although we're sure the owner of the teeth would prefer if you asked very nicely before digging in.

 

I woke up like this. (Source)

Scale doesn't really matter either. From itty bitty kitties made out of pebbles to giant structures welded out of leftover space shuttle material, the sculptor picks what the sculptor does. Getting your hands on to the building blocks may actually end up being the toughest part of your job—even using a blowtorch can become second nature with enough experience.

Life as an artist sounds great, sure, but what does it take to actually be a successful sculptor? Imagination is the most important quality, of course, followed by talent. Taking art classes and finding a good school will help you develop both of those skills. Of course, if you work, shape, and mold your heart out, and everything comes out looking like a neglected mound of dog droppings...you might consider another career. Unless that's what you're going for, in which case, poop on, young friend. Poop on.

Having a complete set of hands is also pretty useful. We're not saying that you can't be a sculptor without them, but you'll find they come in quite...handy.

See what we did there?

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