How to make a career in sculpture - a comprehensive roadmap


Are you fascinated by the artwork in Indian culture and have some kind of artistic skill? Have you considered making such art your career? If yes, you can take any course in art or sculpture and make your career in this field. It seems tough initially but it is a very promising field that will lead to generating a good income for you in the future. Learn through this article the scope of sculpture and available courses to lead you on the right career path in this field.

Most people love any form of art, whether it is traditional or modern art. Sculptures are referenced as the most traditional form of art. It is a visual art form that is quite different from a painting due to its three-dimensional nature. In sculpture, different art objects are created using different kinds of natural materials (such as stone, clay, metals, etc.) by using different methods like modelling, moulding, casting, carving, etc. People who create sculptures are called sculptors. A sculptor is an artist who converts or moulds a material like a piece of marble, stone, wood, terracotta, clay, etc. into a finished product or a statue by putting his creativity into it. Nowadays, this traditional art form has been updated and is becoming more advanced day by day.



The Career Scope of Sculpture in India

People skilled in sculpture are in high demand. Therefore, there are strong chances for them to get good job opportunities. Sculptors have various career options in India. After completing a sculpture course, one can find work in art galleries, art studios, theatres and their websites, artefact shops, architectural firms, gaming firms, toy shops, manufacturing firms, national heritage sites, colleges and universities, museums, advertising firms, and government offices. They can get a job as-
  • 3D Texturing Artist: A person who is interested in 3D animated objects can make their career as a 3D texture artist. A 3D texture artist creates stylized or natural textures and materials using various kinds of texturing software that is then applied to 3D models, game models, films, and TV shows.
  • Stone Sculptor: Stone carving is mainly used for monuments or statues. Nowadays, stone sculptors are in high demand because of the low number of skilled people in this field.
  • Sculptor/Modeler/Clay Modeler/Molder: They prepare models primarily with plastic, clay, or wax.
  • Freelance Artist: They can also work as freelance artists for a short term or on a contractual basis. They can choose the projects according to their requirements.
  • Craft Artist: A craft artist creates artwork for a specific purpose, like an exhibition or sale. They create artwork using different types of materials and techniques.
  • Art and Craft Teacher: A trained sculptor can work as an art teacher in schools and colleges and can teach drawing and art skills, etc.
  • Clay-Pottery Trainer: Nowadays, clay-pottery trainers are in huge demand. They make and paint clay statues. They can work as trainers in clay-pottery training centres.
  • Lecturer/Professor: After getting a higher degree in fine arts or sculpture, they can work as lecturers or professors in colleges and universities. There they will teach the methods of sculpture, fine arts, drawing, etc.
  • Art Directors: They can also work as art directors in television, film, and advertising.
  • Metalworker: They usually create artwork using metals. A large number of industries require metalworkers.
  • Woodworker/ Carpenter: Carpentry is a good career option as they are involved in the construction of buildings or structures, furniture industries, shops, etc. They can earn a good and regular income.
  • Interior Decorator/ Designer: They are creative hence, they can also work as interior designers and decorators.
  • Exhibition Designer: Skilled and trained sculptors can also work as exhibition designers. An exhibition designer collaborates with curators and plans themed exhibitions and shows of artists' work.
  • Furniture Designers: Furniture designers are in high demand. They are hired by reputable furniture companies. Designers can also opt to work for a design firm that sells their work to a variety of businesses.




Requirements needed to become a sculptor

Aspirants must be of an artistic, creative, and innovative nature to be a sculptor. They should also have an artistic vision and good kinesthetic coordination.

Salaries in Sculpture

The average salary for a sculptor in India ranges from INR 6,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum. This may go up depending upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Courses offered in Sculpture in India

There are several courses available in sculpture, such as bachelor's and masters' programs, as well as diploma and certificate courses. Courses are designed in such a way that they provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject. Students learn 2D design, drawing, painting, wood and stone carving, etc.

In sculpture courses, students learn various subjects like history of art, Indian and western aesthetics, drawing and painting, mural painting, landscape painting, etching and lithography, still life painting, composition, life study, printmaking, etc. Some of the popular courses are given here as below:

1. Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture (B.F.A. in Sculpture)

It is a four-year undergraduate fine arts degree program. This programme consists of eight semesters. Out of these four years, there will be a one-year common foundation course in the basics of art. In the remaining six semesters, students will get professional training. In B.F.A. Sculpture, the students learn the basics of drawing, colour design, and adequate knowledge of the history of art and aesthetics. Course content includes both theoretical and practical training. In the last semester, the student needs to prepare and submit a dissertation.

After completing this course, students will be equipped with the necessary skills that will help them to explore and interpret modern art concepts and also develop creativity and proficiency in various art forms.

B.F.A. in Sculpture Eligibility Criteria: Admission seekers must hold 10+2 or any other equivalent qualifications from a recognized school board.

Admission Procedure: Admission to B.F.A. Sculpture may be based upon academic merit, or sometimes through an entrance examination.

2. M.F.A. (Sculpture) & M. F.A. (Painting & Visual Communication)

A Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) is a postgraduate course. The duration of the course is two years. The course helps the students develop as practising artists in the visual arts. Under the M.F.A. course, the students study major disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, performance, installation, photo media, and time-based art.

M.F.A. in Sculpture Eligibility Criteria: Candidates seeking admission to M.F.A. in sculpture must hold a degree in B.F.A. or any other equivalent qualification from a recognised university.

Admission Procedure: Admission to M.F.A. may be based upon academic merit or sometimes through an entrance examination.

3. Masters of Visual Arts in Sculpture (Portraiture/Composition)

It is a two-year full-time course consisting of four semesters. The main disciplines in this course are the history of art and technique, the social aspect of traditional art forms in India, philosophy of art, creative crafts, research methodology, and specialisation subjects. In the last semester, there will be a dissertation, viva-voce, and internship. Students will prepare and submit reports.

M.V.A in Sculpture (Portraiture/Composition) Eligibility criteria: Candidates desirous of joining M.V.A. must pass 10+2+4 or B.V.A. or B.F.A. Painting or any other equivalent qualification from a UGC recognised university. They must have at least a 2nd class in the bachelor's degree programme.

Admission Procedure: Admission to M.V.A. may be based upon academic merit or sometimes through an entrance examination.

4. Post Graduate Diploma in Sculpture

The duration of the postgraduate diploma course is 1 year, i.e., 2 semesters. It is offered both on a regular or part-basis by many universities.

Eligibility for the PG Diploma in Sculpture: The candidates must have passed graduation or an equivalent degree.

Admission Procedure: Admission will be based on merit or an entrance exam.

5. Diploma in Fine Arts in Sculpture

The diploma course has a one-year duration. In this course, students mainly gain practical skills in the fine art of sculpture.

Eligibility Criteria for a Diploma in Sculpture:Candidates should hold 10+2 or any other equivalent qualifications from a recognised school board.

Admission Procedure: Admission to a diploma course may be based upon academic merit or sometimes through an entrance examination.

6. Certificate Course in Sculpture

Few universities like IGNOU are offering Certificate courses in Sculpture with the eligibility of passing in 10th grade. The duration of the certificate course is six months.



Scholarship / Fellowship Available in Sculpture

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India offers several schemes under which scholarships to young artists are granted in the art field. Some of the popular scholarships/fellowships are as follows:
  1. Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme
  2. The Emerging Artists Award by the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA)
  3. ICCR Scholarship Scheme by Indian Council for Cultural Relations
  4. Inlaks Fine Arts Award
  5. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship
  6. Khoj Fellowship
  7. Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship
  8. Ratan Tata Trust Scholarships
  9. Sanskriti-Kalakriti Fellowship
  10. Saryu Doshi Graduate Fellowships in Liberal Arts and Sciences
  11. Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship.
  12. Scholarship Scheme by The Krishnakriti Foundation in Hyderabad and the French Embassy

Colleges for Studies in Sculpture

  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
    Address: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
    Phone: 0542 236 8558
    Official Website: https://www.bhu.ac.in/

  • Delhi College of Arts & Commerce
    Address: New Moti Bagh, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110023
    Phone: 011 2410 9821
    Email: principaldcac@gmail.com
    Official Website: http://dcac.du.ac.in/

  • Govt. College of Fine Arts, Thrissur
    Address: Udaya Nagar, Chembukkav, Bennet Road, Thrissur, Kerala 680005
    Phone: 0487 232 3060
    E-mail: cfatcr@gmail.com
    Official Website: http://gcfatcr.ac.in/

  • Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
    Address: 93, Maidan Garhi Rd, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110068
    Phone: 011 2957 2513
    Official Website: http://www.ignou.ac.in/

  • Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh
    Address: Iksvv, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh 491881
    Phone: 078202 34232
    Official Website: https://www.iksv.ac.in/

  • Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
    Address: Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
    Phone: 011 2698 1717, 26984617, 26984658, 26988044, 26987183
    Official Website: https://www.jmi.ac.in/

  • Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), Hyderabad
    Address: Masab Tank, Hyderabad
    Telangana - 500028
    Phone: 040 - 23321226
    Email: registrar@jnafau.ac.in
    https://www.jnafau.ac.in/

  • Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
    Address: Kurukshetra University, Thanesar, Haryana 136119
    Phone: 01744 238 169
    Official Website: https://www.kuk.ac.in/

  • Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
    Address: Jalandhar - Delhi, Grand Trunk Rd, Phagwara, Punjab 144001
    Phone: 0182 440 4404
    Official Website: https://www.lpu.in/

  • Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
    Address: Pratapgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002
    Phone: 0265 279 5555
    Official Website: https://www.msubaroda.ac.in/

  • Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai
    Address: Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, J. J. School of Art campus,
    Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
    Phone: 022 2262 0231
    Official Website: https://jjiaa.org/

  • University of Mumbai, Mumbai
    Address: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mantralaya, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
    Phone: 022 2270 8725
    Official Website: https://mu.ac.in/

  • Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar
    Address: Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004
    Official Website: https://utkaluniversity.ac.in/

  • Visva Bharati University, West Bengal
    Address: PO Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal 731235
    Phone: 91-3463-261531
    Email: registrar@visva-bharati.ac.in
    Official Website: https://www.visvabharati.ac.in/

  • Ipcowala - Santram College of Fine Arts, Vallabh Vidyanagar
    Address: At.& Po.: Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat
    Phone: 91 - 2692-230013, 91 – 9979269968
    Email: isfineartscvm60@gmail.com
    Official Website: http://www.isfinearts.edu.in/

  • Kannada University, Hampi
    Address: Vidyaranya, Hospet, Hampi, Karnataka 583276
    Phone: 083942 41337
    Official website: http://www.kannadauniversity.org

  • IIS University, Jaipur
    Address: Gurukul Marg, SFS, Mansarovar, Jaipur 302020, Rajasthan
    Email: vc@iisuniv.ac.in
    Phone: 0141-2400160-61, 2397906-07
    Official website: http://www.iisuniv.ac.in


Related Articles

How to decide on a Career

Are you confused about how to choose a career and is it creating a lot of tension in deciding about where to go? Read this article to get an idea in short about how to think and decide about your future career.

Pharmacist – A good career

This article describes Pharmacist as a career option and how to gain the proper education to become a Pharmacist.

More articles: Career

Comments

Author: Umesh04 Apr 2022 Member Level: Platinum   Points : 2

This is really a very informative resource on the scope in the area of sculpture and about institutes from where one can acquire this qualification.
In our country we have a cultural heritage where sculpture is seen in many important structures ranging from temples to magnificent buildings. It has a great value from tourist point of view also. Many big companies and organizations feel pride in keeping heritage sculptures in their receptions and corridors. These sculptures definitely showcase our culture and keep us linked to them. There are some good opportunities in this area though quantitatively the job volume might be limited but for those who have a good inclination and passion for creative work this would be a good career line.



  • Do not include your name, "with regards" etc in the comment. Write detailed comment, relevant to the topic.
  • No HTML formatting and links to other web sites are allowed.
  • This is a strictly moderated site. Absolutely no spam allowed.
  • Name:
    Email: