- Salary statistics
- Book artist
Book artist
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Book artist
What does a Book Artist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Book artists work with creating artistic expressions in and around books, both as physical objects and as visual stories. Tasks can range from illustration, typography, and bookbinding to experimental techniques where the form and materials of the book are central. Many book artists combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative methods to explore the possibilities of the book as an artistic medium. The work environment varies; some work in their own studios, others in collaboration with printers, publishers, or galleries. Project-based work and freelancing are common, requiring a high degree of independence and flexibility.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for book artists has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36200 kronor per month, followed by an increase to 38 400 kronor in 2023 and a further rise to 39 779 kronor in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 10% during this period, which is a relatively strong development compared to many other creative professions. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized artistic services in book production and a growing interest in unique, handmade book objects. Although the profession belongs to a niche group, the artistic skills and craftsmanship have become increasingly valued, reflected in the salary levels.
Book Artist Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 39 779 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies depending on assignments and experience (exact figures unavailable)
- Hourly wage: 239 kr/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: No specific data available
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics available
Education and Qualifications
To work as a book artist, an artistic education focusing on visual arts, form, design, or book crafts is often required. Many choose to supplement with courses in bookbinding, graphic design, or illustration. Practical experience and a personal portfolio are crucial for establishing oneself in the profession. Self-study, workshops, and networking are important parts of further development.
- Artistic higher education: 3–5 years (e.g., bachelor’s or master’s degree)
- Courses and certificates in bookbinding, typography, or illustration
- Internship or traineeship with an established book artist or workshop
- Strong portfolio and documented experience in artistic work
- Self-study and participation in workshops or seminars
Many book artists combine their artistic work with teaching, lectures, or collaborations with museums and libraries. This not only creates new income opportunities but also provides inspiration and new contacts within the artistic field.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Book artists often have access to various grants, project funding, and exhibition fees. Flexibility in working hours and remote work are common, especially for freelancers. Some employers or partners also offer access to workshops, materials, or technical equipment as part of collaborations.
Competition and Challenges
The profession of a book artist is characterized by high competition and a limited number of permanent positions. Many work as self-employed or project-based, requiring entrepreneurship and self-promotion skills. Access to exhibition spaces and funding can be challenging, and it often requires perseverance to establish oneself. Since demand depends on trends within art and culture, opportunities can vary over time, and book artists need to continually develop their techniques and networks to remain relevant.
Tips for Aspiring Book Artists
To succeed as a book artist, it’s good to be curious and open to new expressions. Creativity is a fundamental trait, and experimenting with different materials and techniques to find your own style is recommended. Precision is crucial in bookbinding and detailed work to ensure high-quality results. Build a strong network by participating in exhibitions and collaborations, as contacts often lead to new opportunities. Self-discipline and perseverance are necessary to run your own projects and secure funding. It’s also important to constantly document and showcase your work in a professional portfolio.
Key Facts About Book Artist
- Educational level: Artistic higher education recommended
- Typical work form: Freelance or self-employed
- Work environment: Studio, workshop, or remote work
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the visual arts profession
- Special skills: Bookbinding, typography, illustration
Career Paths and Future Prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many book artists have built a network and a portfolio that enable larger projects, exhibitions, or collaborations with publishers and museums. Some choose to specialize in bookbinding, artistic illustration, or teaching at art schools. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no exact assessment for book artists, but within the visual arts profession, 620 jobs are reported, indicating some demand. Since the profession is niche and the market limited, skill and initiative are required to create long-term career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Book Artist
- What does a Book Artist earn?
- A book artist has an average monthly salary of 39 779 kronor according to current statistics. - What education is required to become a book artist?
- Artistic higher education, often supplemented with courses in bookbinding, typography, or illustration, is recommended. - What is the job market like for book artists?
- Within the visual arts profession, there are approximately 620 available jobs, but competition is high and many work as freelancers. - What does a book artist do in their daily work?
- Tasks can include illustration, bookbinding, design of book objects, and experimental artistic work with books. - Are there regional salary differences for book artists?
- No detailed statistics are available regarding regional differences for book artists. - What personal qualities are important for a book artist?
- Creativity, precision, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently are important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Book artist has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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