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Technical Illustrator

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

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Technical illustrators, who may be known as scientific illustrators, prepare detailed drawings to help people understand scientific or technical information. Their illustrations are used in textbooks, reference books, instruction manuals and technical sales brochures. A growing number of technical illustrators now work in film animation, television and computer game illustration and in storyboarding for films.

The work of a technical illustrator involves:

• discussing what is required and agreeing the brief with their client
• using creativity to come up with ideas that suit the brief
• talking to technical authors, designers or engineers as appropriate
• seeking the client's approval for their ideas
• using drawing, sketching, painting or photographic skills and, increasingly, computer packages, to create and produce their illustrations, which must be technically precise, accurate and clearly presented
• seeking the client's approval for their final illustrations.

Self-employed technical illustrators have to promote their services to potential clients. They also need to keep records and accounts.

Employed illustrators work normal office hours, from Monday to Friday. Self-employed illustrators' hours vary according to the pressure of work and the need to meet deadlines. Most illustrators work at home or in a studio.

Illustrators in permanent jobs can earn between around £13,000 and £40,000 a year. Some may earn much more. Self-employed illustrators normally earn a fee for each illustration.

A technical illustrator should:

• have excellent drawing skills
• have a good understanding of science or technology
• be creative and imaginative.

There are technical illustrators throughout the UK. Employers include design studios, multimedia and web publishers, book publishers, magazines, manufacturers, film and television companies and computer games producers. Some illustrators are self-employed and work freelance.

Most technical illustrators have a degree or HND in an art and design subject, although it is possible to become a technical illustrator without particular qualifications. For general information about becoming an illustrator, see Illustrator.

Technical illustration is open to any illustrator with a good understanding of science or technology. There are, though, two courses that specialise in technical illustration - BA (Hons) Technical and Information Illustration, and BA (Hons) Scientific and Natural History Illustration. Courses last three years and are offered at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Success for a freelance illustrator depends on building a reputation and a steady flow of work. There are opportunities to become an art director, design manager or head of a department, to teach illustration or to become an agent for other illustrators.

Further information

Blackpool and The Fylde College, Ashfield Road, Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0HB. 01253 352352. Website: www.blackpool.ac.uk (opens in a new window)

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