Design Illustrator

An illustrator produces drawings, paintings or diagrams that help make products more attractive or easier to understand.

This can include books, book jackets, greetings cards, adverts and packaging, and detailed technical diagrams for manufacturers.

An illustrator's work typically includes: discussing requirements (the ‘brief’) with authors, editors or designers; negotiating prices and timescales; deciding on appropriate styles for the illustrations; creating illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages; consulting with the client and modifying designs if necessary; making sure the work is completed within set budgets and deadlines.

Illustrators usually work freelance and also need to market their work and carry out the administrative tasks associated with running a business. They sometimes specialise in one type of illustration, such as children’s books or medical illustration.

As illustrators are usually freelance, there are no set salary figures.

Professional organisations such as the Association of Illustrators will advise on rates of pay.

With artistic talent, determination and relevant experience, you may be able to develop a career in illustration without a formal qualification.

However, most professional illustrators have a degree, either in illustration or in another art-related subject. Entry requirements for degree courses often include a recognised art and design foundation course.

You may also be considered with other relevant qualifications and could be accepted on the strength of your portfolio. You will need an up-to-date portfolio of your work to show to prospective clients. You may be able to find a portfolio-building course at a local college if you need help putting your work together. You could market your work by contacting relevant companies directly.

You can find advice about getting started as a freelance illustrator, lists of publishers, and other useful information in The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, published each year by A & C Black. You should be able to find it in your local reference library as well as in bookshops.

If you join the Association of Illustrators (AOI) you can have your contact details and samples of your work displayed on the website.

If you work as a freelance illustrator you will usually sell your work through an artists' agent, who may take a commission of up to 40%. You can find lists of agents, publishers and specialist organisations (such as those for children's books) on the AOI website.