Illustrator
Draw images for print or digital media.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in Jobstreet right now
Job growth
-
In the last year
Salary
-
Typical monthly salary
Job satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in Jobstreet right now
Salary
-
Typical monthly salary
Job growth
-
In the last year
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be an Illustrator?
Illustrators are artists with fine art skills that draw images to provide visual representation to concepts and ideas. There are also other types of illustrations which can be pursued commercially by an Illustrator such as technical or scientific. These types communicate information visually in their respective fields. The role typically works with other creatives and finds a career in creative industries. They use their talent in creating images from scratch. These images are based on concepts or ideas to provide visual context. Their work can come in the form of hand-drawings, digital illustrations, and other mediums.
Tasks and duties
- Liaising with editors, art directors, and writers.
- Developing visual concepts based on ideas.
- Hand drawing images using fine art or digital tools.
- Providing layout and colour on visual aids.
How to become an Illustrator
Becoming an Illustrator requires talent in creating images on different mediums. Familiarity with traditional mediums such as pencil, watercolour, and oil-based paints, as well as digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Krita and other vector-based programs are expected to take on this career. Having a background in the arts is helpful because of the many styles of drawing that may be required by different employers. Being flexible with various art styles will help you gain more employment opportunities.
- Get a formal education in the arts. While having raw talent in drawing gives you an edge, having technical training is a good addition to refining your talent. Some employers require an art-related two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor degree.
- Learn the tools of the trade. Mastering the use of traditional materials and digital tools gives you an advantage in becoming an Illustrator.
- Create a portfolio. Proof of work is always sought by employers. It also helps to show your style and flexibility in creating images from scratch.
- Stay updated with the latest trends. Art is always evolving and illustrators evolve their style with what's popular. A successful Illustrator keeps on honing their craft and develops their unique style which can be applied to a client's brief.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Illustrators.
Latest Illustrator jobs on Jobstreet
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Illustrator jobs on Jobstreet right now.
Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Illustrator employers on Jobstreet are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: Jobstreet job ads and Jobstreet Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Subscribe to Career Advice
Get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.
You can cancel emails at any time. By clicking ‘subscribe’ you agree to Jobstreet’s Privacy Statement.