Abstract: This article is devoted to peculiarities of artist profession in China during the era of Northern Song (960 - 1127). The subject of the research is the biographies of artists who worked in Kaifeing, the capital of the Northern Song, in the late X - first half of the XIst century. The aim of the research is to outline a portrait of a professional artist in China of the aforesaid period. The author of the article analyzes such sides of artist's life as professional training, specialization in a particular style of painting, professional unions of artists and means of making a living. The results of the analysis demonstrate that the era of Northern Song had a favorable environment for professional artists in Kaifeing. Artists who did not serve for the Imperial Court could make their living by decorating city temples, selling their artwork at urban markets, and making private orders. High demand for paintings in Kaifeng created plenty of opportunities for artists to sell their artwork.