Sketch Artist

Job Summary:
Sketch artists draw pictures of people based on witnesses' descriptions. Sketch artists are also called composite, forensic, or police artists. However, a sketch artist's goal is not to create art. They try to draw detailed and accurate pictures of suspects for police to use in solving crimes. Sketch artists meet with witnesses or victims to learn what they remember about suspects. They ask questions to help them remember details. Based on the information they gather from witnesses, sketch artists draw initial sketches. They share them with witnesses to get feedback. They make changes to sketches until witnesses think the sketches look like the person they were describing. Artists may draw both a full face and a profile view of suspects.

Depending on their training, sketch artists may also do reconstructive work. This process involves using skeletal remains and clay to create a three-dimensional (3-D) model of a face. Using their knowledge of the gender, age, and race of the remains, sketch artists mold facial features. Artists analyze these three factors and other information about the person while molding the face. Some artists use computers instead of clay to do this process.

Some artists create sketches of people at different ages. They work from photographs and create sketches of people as they might look when they are older. Police use these pictures when they need a picture of someone who has been hiding for many years.

Sketch artists may document crime scenes. They use measurements gathered by forensic technicians to create rough sketches of crime scenes or objects that may be missing.

Qualification:
The education requirements for police recruits vary greatly. Some police agencies require only a high school diploma or GED. Others require one or two years of college. The FBI requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree. A good way to pursue a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice and take drawing classes. All new officers must attend a law enforcement academy.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for sketch artists is $2,740 per month ($15.80 per hour). Half of all sketch artists earn between $1,860 and $3,740 per month ($10.71 and $21.59 per hour).

Wages for sketch artists vary depending on the area of the country and the size of the investigative department. Sketch artists who work in larger cities or in larger departments are paid more than those who work in smaller places.

Prospects:
The law enforcement field, the primary employer of sketch artists, is growing faster than average. As long as law enforcement continues to receive enough funding, the number of jobs for sketch artists should continue to grow.

Sketch artists advance by developing a good reputation. Many sketch artists start as freelance artists. Those who do good work may work for several law enforcement agencies in their area.