Illustration Courses Online

Illustration is principally concerned with the creation of visual images for a variety of contexts.

Traditionally, illustrators produce images to accompany text - for books, magazines, posters and for stationery and cards
However, illustrators are also involved in wider applications of graphic communication, such as advertising, animation and in interactive media production. Professional illustrators will be mainly concerned with producing images, but may also find it necessary to have an understanding of and skills in, graphic design.

Illustrators may work with a wide range of media, including traditional art materials such as pencil, pen and paints, but also increasingly utilising digital media and software programmes.

Those aiming to enter the industry are well advised to gain a formal qualification and can choose from a wide variety of illustration courses, UK wide and internationally.

The Interactive Design Institute has pioneered the provision of online illustration courses and is well placed to provide the student with a thorough grounding in this subject.

Many illustrators work on a freelance basis, seeking commissioned work directly from publishers and other clients, or they can work in design agencies. Professional illustrators can be involved in a wide range of disciplines from gift card design to detailed technical drawing. It is a very competitive area, and requires commitment and flexibility as well as talent. The ability to work to a high professional standard – producing work which matches a client’s expectations, on time and within the restraints demanded of a brief – is an essential part of building a career as an illustrator.

Illustrators must expect to devote time to building up a good CV and a portfolio of work. They also need to spend time promoting their work to art directors, publishers and others who commission illustrations. This can be done individually or through agent representation. However, a career as an illustrator can offer great rewards for those with the talent and the willingness to persevere.