Illustrator

What is an illustrator?

An illustrator is someone who creates visual images, often for books, magazines, advertisements, or other forms of media.

What does an illustrator do?

Usually, an illustrator does the following:

• Works on their own or with clients to create visual images that convey a message or tell a story
• Creates illustrations using traditional art techniques or digital software
• Collaborates with writers, editors, and designers to bring their ideas to life
• Researches and gathers reference materials to ensure accuracy and authenticity in their illustrations

What does the day-to-day life of an illustrator look like?

As an illustrator, you may have flexible working hours depending on your projects and deadlines. You might work from a home studio or a dedicated workspace. A typical day may include:

• Communicating with clients or stakeholders to understand their vision and requirements
• Sketching out initial ideas and concepts for illustrations
• Creating detailed illustrations using traditional or digital techniques
• Making revisions and incorporating feedback from clients or art directors
• Researching and gathering reference materials for inspiration and accuracy

Where does an illustrator work?

Illustrators can work in various settings, including:

• Publishing companies: Creating illustrations for books, magazines, or digital publications
• Advertising agencies: Designing visual artwork for promotional campaigns and advertisements
• Design studios: Collaborating with graphic designers on projects that require visual elements
• Freelance: Working as self-employed and finding clients to work on a project-by-project basis
• Universities/Colleges: Teaching illustration courses and sharing knowledge with aspiring artists

What tools/software/hardware does an illustrator use?

An illustrator uses a variety of tools, including:

• Traditional art supplies: Such as pencils, pens, brushes, and paints
• Digital software: Common software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate
• Graphics tablets: Used as an alternative to traditional drawing tools for digital illustration

What do I need to become an illustrator?

There are several paths to becoming an illustrator, including:

• Art or Design Degree: Pursuing a degree in fine arts, illustration, graphic design, or a related field can provide a solid foundation for a career in illustration.
• Self-learning and Practice: Many successful illustrators are self-taught and have honed their skills through practice, experimentation, and online tutorials.
• Portfolio Work: Building a portfolio of your illustrations, showcasing your range of styles and abilities, is crucial in getting clients or securing employment in the industry.

What career paths are available?

As an illustrator, there are various career paths and opportunities for growth, including:

• Senior Illustrator: With experience and a strong portfolio, you can advance to more senior or lead roles within a company or as a freelancer.
• Art Director: Transitioning to a role where you oversee and guide the artistic direction of projects or manage a team of illustrators.
• Children's Book Illustrator: Specializing in creating illustrations for children's books and developing a unique style suited to this genre.

What jobs are similar to an illustrator?

• Graphic Designer: Similar to an illustrator, a graphic designer also creates visual images. However, graphic designers often work with a broader range of elements and mediums, including typography, layouts, and branding.
• Storyboard Artist: These artists create visual sequences or storyboards for films, animations, or commercials, helping to plan out camera angles, shot compositions, and narratives.
• Animator: Animators bring illustrations to life through movement and create animations for films, games, or advertisements.

What made you want to become an illustrator?

How did you get your first illustrator job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an illustrator?

Are you an illustrator? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to illustration. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.