Illustrator

Illustrators produce drawings, paintings or diagrams that help make a product more attractive or easier to understand. 

They can work on a wide range of products, including books, book jackets and detailed technical diagrams for manufacturers.

They sometimes specialise in one type of illustration, such as children’s books or medical illustration.

The work would typically include: discussing requirements (the ‘brief’) with authors, editors or designers; negotiating prices and timescales; deciding on appropriate styles for the illustrations; and creating illustrations using hand drawing, painting and computer design packages.

Activities also include: consulting with the client and modifying designs if necessary; and making sure the work is completed within set budgets and deadlines.

As they are usually freelance, they also need to market their work and complete the administrative tasks associated with running a business.

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, and the a-n website has resources to help artists and illustrators price their work.

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 in illustration or another art-related subject - entry requirements often include a recognised art and design foundation course.

You might be considered with other relevant qualifications and could be accepted on the strength of your portfolio.

When marketing your work, 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 will need an up-to-date portfolio of your work to show prospective clients – look for a portfolio-building course at a local college if you need help putting your work together.

You can also find a range of resources to help you market your work on the a-n website (you will need to register to access some of these).

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 by A & C Black. You should be able to find it in your local reference library as well as in bookshops.

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