Illustrator
OFO No: 216602
What is an Illustrator?
An Illustrator is a specialised artist who creates art through drawings, paintings and other mediums for a specific illustrative, commercial purpose.
Illustrators are usually freelancers.
Areas where Illustrators could specialise:
- book illustrations
- advertising agencies and design studios
- medical and industrial illustrations
- fashionmovie or television story boards
- botanical etc
Illustrations can be done by hand in colour and black and white or on a computer.
Some hand rendered techniques include:
- pen and ink
- pencil
- cut and paste
- mosaic
- water colours
- brush and scratch
- dots and stipple
- prints (etching, linocuts etc)
What does an Illustrator do?
- constantly hones and perfects their skill
- meets with clients to discuss requirements
- does background research to the project, if necessary
- does rough sketches and scamps
- does final rendering
Are you … ?
- passionate about drawing and art?
- a good drawer?
- able to draw straight from your head?
- detail orientated?
- deadline driven?
- responsible?
- good with colour?
How do I become an Illustrator?
Most Illustrators are extremely talented to start with. They may even start their art career by taking art-related subjects at school. They more techniques they master the more likelihood they will be able to get work.
Practice, practice and practice – that is the key to becoming a good Illustrator.
Others may continue their studies. Graphic Design and Fine Art are highly recommended.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tattoo Artist … or … Body Make-Up Artist
Is becoming an Illustrator the right career choice for me?