If you’ve ever watched a crime drama on television, you may have seen the police use a sketch of the criminal to help alert the public and apprehend the criminal. Forensic artists or forensic sketch artists are the talented individuals who create these sketches. Do you enjoy drawing?
Does the idea of using your talent to help law enforcement appeal to you? If so, you may want to investigate a career as a forensic artist. Wondering how to become a forensic artist? This article has everything you need to know about forensic artists, including not just how to become a forensic artist but also career information and what this job entails.
So you want to be a forensic artist? This unique career combines art, criminal justice, and psychology to help law enforcement agencies solve crimes. As a forensic artist, you will work with witnesses and victims to create composite sketches of criminal suspects. You may also be called upon to do facial reconstructions on unidentified remains.
Forensic art is an exciting field, but becoming a forensic artist does require dedication and patience. Depending on your background and chosen path, the process can take anywhere from 1-6 years.
In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process of becoming a forensic artist. We will look at the training and education required, as well as tips for gaining experience in this competitive field. Whether you are still in high school or making a mid-career change, this guide will prepare you to launch your forensic art career.
Education Requirements
There are a few different educational paths you can take to become a forensic artist
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Earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or forensic science – Most forensic artist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Fine arts, forensic science, criminal justice, and anthropology are common majors. This 4-year degree provides a strong base of knowledge.
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Complete a certificate program in forensic art – After earning your bachelor’s degree, a 1-year certificate program will give you specialized training in forensic art techniques. These are offered by professional forensic artist organizations.
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Get hired as a police officer first – Many forensic artists start out working in law enforcement. After gaining experience, they then apply for forensic art positions. This path takes 6+ years.
The best education path for you depends on your existing background and skills. Many forensic artists have prior art or law enforcement experience. Let’s look at each option in more detail:
Bachelor’s Degree
A 4-year bachelor’s degree in fine arts, forensic science, or criminal justice is the typical requirement for forensic artist jobs. Useful majors include:
- Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Illustration
- Forensic Science or Investigation
- Criminal Justice or Criminology
- Anthropology or Archaeology
Look for a program that allows you to take some criminal justice or forensics courses too. This interdisciplinary background will serve you well. Prioritize gaining strong anatomical drawing skills as well.
When researching schools, check if they have a forensic science or crime scene investigation certificate available. Earning one of these certificates along with your bachelor’s degree will make you extra competitive.
Certificate Programs
After earning your bachelor’s degree, completing a professional certificate program is recommended. These intensive trainings take about 1 year and focus specifically on forensic art skills.
Well-respected programs are offered by:
- Forensic Art and Illustration program at the FBI Academy
- Stuart Parks Forensic Art Workshops
- Classes by renowned forensic artists like Lois Gibson and Carrie Stuart Parks
Certificate programs approved by the International Association for Identification (IAI) ensure you meet professional standards. Expect to pay $2,000-$4,000 for quality forensic art training.
Law Enforcement Route
Many forensic artists start out working in law enforcement as police officers or crime scene investigators. After gaining on-the-job experience, they move into dedicated forensic art roles.
Going this route means completing police academy training first. Department academies run 21-28 weeks. You’ll learn police procedures, investigations, self-defense, and more. After academy graduation, you’ll enter the field as a police officer.
Work for 2-4 years to gain foundational skills in interviewing witnesses and conducting investigations. When a forensic artist opening arises, you can then apply internally. This path takes over 6 years, but offers an inside track into forensic art.
Gaining Experience
In addition to education, real-world experience is hugely important for aspiring forensic artists. Here are some ways to start building your skills:
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Volunteer with law enforcement – Call your local police department and volunteer your artistic services. Offer to help with composites or other needs.
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Take on freelance composite jobs – Create a website showcasing your art skills and offer composite sketch services. Market to private investigators and legal teams.
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Practice facial reconstructions – Use photos of faces to reconstruct the face from just the bone structure. This will build your anatomic knowledge.
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Attend trainings and conferences – Stay on top of new techniques by taking short professional development courses. The IAI and forensic artist groups hold regular events.
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Build a robust portfolio – Document all projects and create finished pieces for your portfolio. A stellar portfolio is a must when applying for jobs.
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Consider a mentorship – Reach out to professional forensic artists and inquire about mentorship opportunities. Hands-on training is invaluable.
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Get certified – Earning certification from the IAI or related organization will make you much more employable.
Experience and connections will set you apart from other candidates. Make the most of any opportunities that come your way.
Job Options and Salary Prospects
Once you’ve gained the requisite education and experience, there are a few possible job paths open to you:
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Police department forensic artist – Apply to work for your local police department, sheriff’s office, or state law enforcement. These are competitive positions.
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Freelance forensic artist – Work independently and offer your services to various law enforcement agencies on a contractual basis. Flexible but unpredictable income.
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Medical examiner’s office – Larger ME offices employ forensic artists for facial reconstructions and assistance with remains. Steady government job.
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University forensics program – Teach future forensic artists! Pass on your knowledge at a college criminal justice or forensics program.
According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a forensic artist is $58,670 per year. Those working for police departments tend to earn the highest wages. Freelancers can earn $30-$100 per hour depending on experience and demand.
Patience Is Key
Becoming a forensic artist requires diligent work, but the payoff is huge. Few careers offer the chance to help bring criminals to justice using art, science, and psychology.
While educational requirements may be met within 4 years, building up your experience will take 1-2 more years. Gaining a reputation within the law enforcement community also takes time.
Approach each day of training as an opportunity to fine tune your skills. With hard work and patience, you will be ready to launch a rewarding career as a forensic artist.
How to Become a Forensic Artist
Becoming a forensic artist is a step-by-step process.
- High school diploma
- Undergraduate degree
- Professional forensic artist training program
- Gain clients
- Gain experience
- Certification
The candidate should have a high school diploma. High school students who know they want to become forensic artists should take courses in art, graphic design, physiology, anatomy, and computer science if possible. Taking a second language course might not be a bad idea either. This will come in very handy when interviewing witnesses whose main language is not English.
Aspiring forensic artists are encouraged to earn a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in fine art or criminal justice. Students may choose a major in fine arts with a minor in criminal justice or vice versa. The forensic art training program requires completing courses like forensic facial imaging, post-mortem ry, age-progressed ry, and composite drawing. If students can take any of those courses while still in high school, this will give them a real advantage when they’re actually in the forensic art training program.
Completing an IAI-approved forensic art training program is probably the best thing the individual can do for himself or herself. The program must be at least 40 hours, and it must be taught by an IAI-certified instructor. The student’s curriculum must be in one of the three major areas.
- Composite Art
- Facial Recognition
- Age Progression
The student may specialize in one of the three areas or choose to complete all three. Once the student completes the training program, he or she can begin building their clientele. This can be done by contacting local law enforcement agencies and legal professionals and informing them of availability.
Gaining experience in this profession is probably one of the most important things an aspiring forensic artist can do for his or her career. The more experience the forensic artist has, the better the employment and wage opportunities.
States with the highest wages
| States | Mean annual wage |
| California | $104,110 |
| Washington | $92,250 |
| New Jersey | $90,520 |
| Hawaii | $89,640 |
| Alaska | $85,710 |
What it’s actually like to be a forensic artist
How do I become a forensic artist?
Many forensic artists have associate or bachelor’s degrees in a field related to forensic art. Some law enforcement agencies might prefer candidates with a four-year degree, while others accept candidates with a two-year degree as well. Forensic artists might have a degree in an art field, like studio art or graphic design, or criminal justice.
How much does a forensic artist make?
According to Comparably, a site that aggregates salary data across a variety of fields, the nationwide average salary for a forensic artist is $67,979. The salary of a forensic artist can and does vary by location. In San Francisco, you can earn up to 50% more than the average, while in Austin you’re likely to earn 5% less.
How long does it take to become a forensic art instructor?
To meet the rigorous IAI requirements for certification, forensic art programs must include a minimum of 40 hours, taught by an IAI-certified instructor, and include curriculum in one of the three forensic categories: composite art and imaging, age progression, or facial recognition.
How do I become a forensic sketch artist?
Finally, students are advised to keep their grades up to gain admission into a reputable and regionally or nationally accredited college or university program. Future forensic sketch artists are encouraged to pursue a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or fine art.
