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Illustrator

Do you want to become a Illustrator? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Illustrators make drawings, paintings or diagrams that help make a product more attractive or easier to understand.

• They are concerned with products like books, brochures, leaflets, reference materials, greetings cards and catalogues. Most specialise.
• Illustrators work to a set of instructions (a brief) from a client or designer.
• Increasingly, illustrators are turning to computers for producing, storing and exhibiting their work - although drawing, sketching and painting are the basis of all illustrations.

Most illustrators are freelance and their hours vary. Scientific and medical illustrators in permanent employment have a normal 9-5 schedule.

Illustrators usually work at home or in a studio. Some are based elsewhere, for instance in hospitals or museums.

Earnings range from £13,500 to £40,000.

Illustrators need:

• excellent drawing skills
• the ability to work to a brief and think around a problem
• creativity and imagination
• an eye for detail.

Most illustrators do a degree or an HNC/HND in an art and design subject. There is no age limit for starting in illustration, and mature students with a good portfolio of work are usually welcome on art and design courses.

Illustrators generally work on a freelance basis. It can be extremely difficult to become established.

There are some opportunities for employment, for example with design or advertising agencies or publishing companies. Scientific and technical illustrators are usually employed on a permanent basis.

More Useful Resources - Illustrator:

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