Illustrator Job Description
Learn what draws people to an illustrator career.
When you need to set a mood or tell a story, an illustration can go miles toward communicating your message. In an illustrator job you may find yourself working in a variety of industries. There are opportunities designing video game sets, creating storyboards for films or TV, or illustrating medical textbooks. No matter where you end up, an illustration job will definitely give you the opportunity for creative expression.
Illustration Job Duties
Your illustrator job description will include more than just creating artwork. You will also spend time doing the following kinds of things:
- Communicating with customers
- Brainstorming and creating drafts of ideas
- Creating a project timeline and meeting deadlines
- Working with printers or others to ensure the quality of the final product
Essential Skills
- Artistic Skill – In an illustration job, your drawing or painting ability is your most marketable skill. You can enhance your natural talent by taking classes that will help you perfect your technique and develop your knowledge of color and composition. Attending an art school with an illustration program may also help you build the skills you’ll need to market yourself, learn new technology and create a compelling portfolio.
- Technical Ability – Illustrators often use computers to produce their work. Having technical ability will help you in your illustration job. Whether you want to use computer-generated effects or edit your work easily, computer software can help you achieve results.
- Social Skills – The majority of illustrators freelance, so you’ll need to be able to network to find illustration jobs. Initiating and maintaining customer relationships requires people skills. You’ll need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly and be willing to receive customer feedback or criticism.