professional artist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "professional artist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who creates art as a career or for financial gain, distinguishing them from amateur artists. Example: "After years of practice and dedication, she finally became a professional artist, showcasing her work in galleries around the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Professional artist and sculptor.

The New York Times

Heldens is a self-taught, professional artist.

The Guardian

Lisa Cirenza is a professional artist.

Stanford University

Soon after, Mr. Dudley was approached by professional artist management.

The New York Times

Like Mr. Tobita, he was not a professional artist.

The New York Times

A professional artist, she has turned art into an irreverent weapon.

The New York Times

By the age of twenty-three, he was set up as a professional artist in Boston.

The New Yorker

In 1891 he abandoned the law and returned to Paris to become a professional artist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her mother, a professional artist and art teacher, was an acquaintance of Carey's.

The New Yorker

Upon graduation from high school, O'Keeffe determined to become a professional artist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this study, we explore the "professional artist" as the outcome of an identity process, rendering it the dependent rather than the independent variable.

Poetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "professional artist" to clearly distinguish someone who earns their living through art from hobbyists or amateurs.

Common error

Don't assume that a "professional artist" is automatically successful or famous; the term simply means they are earning money from their art.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "professional artist" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "professional" modifies the noun "artist". It serves to categorize or identify someone whose occupation is creating art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "professional artist" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe individuals who earn a living through their art. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is widely accepted. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to remember that it speaks to the individual's means of income, not necessarily their fame or artistic skill. Alternatives such as "working artist" or "full-time artist" may be used to emphasize specific aspects of their profession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working artist

Focuses on the act of creating art as a job.

practicing artist

Emphasizes the continuous engagement in creating art.

full-time artist

Emphasizes that art is the person's primary occupation.

career artist

Highlights art as a long-term vocation.

independent artist

Focuses on an artist not bound to a specific company or entity.

established artist

Suggests a degree of recognition and success in the art world.

fine artist

Implies a focus on creating art for aesthetic value.

art professional

Broadly refers to someone working in the art field.

renowned artist

Indicates widespread fame and acclaim.

commercial artist

Specifies art created for commercial purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "professional artist" in a sentence?

You can use "professional artist" to describe someone whose primary occupation is creating art. For instance, "She's been a "professional artist" for over a decade, showcasing her work in galleries nationwide."

What's the difference between a "professional artist" and an amateur artist?

A "professional artist" earns income from their art, whereas an amateur artist creates art as a hobby. The distinction lies in the financial aspect, not necessarily in the quality of the art.

What are some alternative phrases for "professional artist"?

You can use alternatives like "working artist", "full-time artist", or "career artist" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is a "professional artist" even if they're not famous?

Yes, fame is not a prerequisite for being a "professional artist". The key factor is that the individual earns a living, or a significant portion of their income, from creating and selling art.