I am a
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Illustrator

Illustrators produce drawings, paintings or diagrams for use in products like books and greetings cards, or on packaging.

Average annual salary

Variable

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in illustration or a related subject like fine art or graphic design.

Entry requirements:

  • between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

College

You could do a course in art and design to help you become an illustrator.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could take an apprenticeship to learn some of the skills you need to get started as an illustrator, like:

  • Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Junior Animator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

If you do not have art or design qualifications, you can contact companies directly to share examples of your work.

You can find information on the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook on how to:

  • get started as a freelance illustrator
  • prepare a portfolio
  • find a publisher
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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of English language
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to learn through your work
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to read English
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • concentration skills
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What you'll do:

Illustrators produce drawings, paintings or diagrams for use in products like books and greetings cards, or on packaging.

Your day-to-day tasks might depend on the field of illustration you work in.

As an illustrator you could:

  • discuss requirements, or a brief, with authors, editors or designers
  • negotiate prices and timescales
  • research your creative ideas
  • create final illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages
  • promote your business and manage your finances if you're self-employed

Location : You could work in a creative studio, from home or at a client's business.

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Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

39 - 41 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

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Career Path:

If you work freelance, you'll need to build up and maintain a client base.

You can use your illustrating skills in a variety of sectors including:

  • advertising
  • fashion and merchandising
  • publishing
  • websites and computer games

With further training and experience you could specialise as a medical illustrator or scientific illustrator. You could also move into teaching.

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