Do you like to sketch and draw? Were you one of those kids who spent hours in school doodling in your notebook? Do you have an eye for form, color, and composition? Then you may have a future as an illustrator.

Illustrators and artists generally fall into one of three categories. Art directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches forvisual communications media. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators create original artwork, using a variety of media and techniques. Multi-media artists and animators create special effects, animation, or other visual images on film, on video, or with computers or other electronic media. The focus of this article will be on illustrators.

Illustrators typically create pictures for books, magazines,
and other publications, and for commercial products such as
textiles, wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. They create art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. They use a variety of methods—-from traditional sketch pads to working directly on a computer.

Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing skills
with knowledge of biology or other sciences. Medical illustrators
draw illustrations of human anatomy and surgical procedures.
Scientific illustrators draw illustrations of animal and
plant life, atomic and molecular structures, and geologic and
planetary formations. The illustrations are used in medical and
scientific publications and in audiovisual presentations for
teaching purposes. Medical illustrators also work for lawyers,
producing exhibits for court cases.

Many illustrators-–at least in the beginning, when they’re building a portfolio-- must work in an unrelated field to support their art careers. Some work in museums or art galleries as fine-arts directors or as curators, planning and setting up art exhibits. Others work as art critics for newspapers or magazines



Employment

Illustrators and artists of all types held about 160,000 jobs in 2003. More than half were self-employed. Of the illustrators who were not self-employed, many worked in advertising and related services; newspaper, periodical, book, and software publishers; specialized design services; and computer systems design and related services.

Some self-employed illustrators offered their services to advertising agencies, design firms, publishing houses, and other businesses on a contract or freelance basis.


Working Conditions

Many illustrators work in commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private
studios in their homes. Some illustrators share studio space,
where they also may exhibit their work.

Self-employed illustrators can set their own hours, but may
spend considerable time and effort in marketing and selling their artwork to potential customers or clients and building a reputation.


Training and Other Qualifications

Training requirements for illustrators vary by specialty. Although formal training is not strictly necessary for illustrators, it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without some training. Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to the Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) and Master in Fine Arts (MFA) degrees. Course work usually includes core subjects, such as English, social science, and natural science, in addition to art history and studio art.

Independent schools of art and design also offer postsecondary
studio training in the fine arts leading to an Associate in Art or Bachelor in Fine Arts degree. Typically, these programs focus
more intensively on studio work than do the academic programs
in a university setting. 

Formal educational programs in art also provide training in
computer techniques. Computers are used widely in the visual
arts, and knowledge and training in computer graphics and other
visual display software are critical elements of many jobs in
these fields.

Medical illustrators must have both a demonstrated artistic
ability and a detailed knowledge of living organisms, surgical
and medical procedures, and human and animal anatomy. A 4-
year bachelor’s degree combining art and premedical courses
usually is preferred; a master’s degree in medical illustration is recommended. This degree is offered in only five accredited
schools in the United States.


Build a Portfolio

Evidence of appropriate talent and skill, displayed in an
illustrator’s portfolio, is an important factor used by art directors, clients, and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or to contract out work. The portfolio is a collection of handmade, computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed in a bachelor’s degree program or through other postsecondary training in art or visual communications. Internships are another excellent opportunity for illustrators to learn their craft and develop and enhance their portfolios.

Illustrators advance professionally as their work circulates
and as they establish a reputation for a particular style. Many of the most successful illustrators continually develop new ideas, and their work often evolves over time.


Job Outlook

Employment of illustrators is expected to grow about as fast as the average through the year 2012. Because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability, the number of aspiring illustrators continues to grow. Consequently, competition for both salaried jobs and freelance work in some areas is expected to be quite high.

Illustrators hired by advertising agencies often start with relatively routine work. While doing this work, however, they may observe and practice their skills on the side. Many illustrators freelance on a part-time basis while continuing to hold a fulltime job until they are established. Others freelance part time while still in school, to develop experience and to build a portfolio of published work.

Freelance illustrators try to develop a set of clients who regularly contract for work. Some freelance illustrators are widely recognized for their skill in specialties such as magazine or children’s book illustration. These artists may earn high incomes and can choose the type of work they do, but many freelancers have to work part-time jobs outside of the industry to make ends meet.

Nevertheless, studios, advertising agencies and individual clients are always on the lookout for illustrators who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Talented fine artists who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills, including computer skills, will have the best job prospects.


Earnings

Earnings for self-employed illustrators vary widely. Some charge
only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work. Others, such as well-established freelance illustrators, can earn more than salaried artists. Like other self-employed workers, freelance illustrators must provide their own benefits.

So if you're up to the challenge, and you really love your art, don't be afraid to consider illustration as a career. You may have to work at it part time for awhile, and build up your skills and reputation, but a career as an illustrator is well within reach for those with the necessary drive and talent.

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