Illustration

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT DRAWING? DO YOU DOODLE EVERY DAY? TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A CAREER IN ILLUSTRATION. 

Illustration is all about producing images; Illustrators create images to accompany text - for books, magazines, posters, stationery and cards. The job of an illustrator often involves working with a client to develop a brief, but it could also involve working as part of a team with editors and other designers. Having an understanding of budgets and deadlines is crucial.

Illustrators work with a wide range of media; this includes traditional art materials such as pencils, pens and paint, but increasingly illustrators are using digital media and software programmes such as Adobe Creative Suite, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign, to realise their creative illustration ideas.

Using Design software enables illustrators to work much more quickly and react to changes in design briefs and to client requirements. Digital technology also means that illustrators seldom need to take a physical portfolio of work with them to interview. Instead most professional illustrators will showcase their creative illustration work online and can take commissions directly from their websites, which can lead to potential global exposure.

Some companies employ in house illustrators – particularly if they require specialist technical illustration such as medical illustration or product or safety diagrams.  There’s also likely to be a ‘house style’ and so it helps if the design team are fully familiar with it.Illustration agencies will source illustration from freelancers, and many professional illustrators work on a freelance or self-employed basis, often from home-based offices or studios.

To succeed in the world of illustration it helps to take some illustration classes, or better still to complete an illustration course that leads to an accredited qualification. People often search for  book illustration courses, fashion illustration courses, or specifically for a children’s book illustration course, however, professional illustrators will confirm that there are many more job opportunities if you are versatile and ready to take on any creative challenge.

IDI’s flexible distance learning  Illustration course gives you the opportunity to learn all of the relevant illustration skills. This course leads to an internationally recognised qualification in illustration from the University of Hertfordshire and it’s one of the best illustration university courses in the UK. Contact one of our illustration course advisors for further details.

If you’re thinking of studying illustration, employers look for a recognised illustration degree, and having a UK degree in illustration can be the starting point for a rewarding – and profitable – career. Apply now - it's the first step towards your illustration career.

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.