How to become an Illustrator

Illustrators create drawings and designs for books and magazines, advertisements, film, television and multimedia. Illustrators work on paper, and two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models. They may use traditional or computer-based techniques, or a combination of both. Illustrators can specialise in illustrations for websites, phone apps, augmented reality development, magazines, children's books, scientific work, technical manuals, fashion and product packaging. Many work as freelancers. They may have to work very long hours when a deadline has to be met.

Personal requirements for an Illustrator

High level of drawing skill
Problem-solving skills
Excellent listening skills
Willingness to experiment with different techniques
A feeling for movement and timing
Aptitude for working with computers

Education & Training for an Illustrator

You can work as an illustrator without formal qualifications. Skills are usually developed through practice and experience.Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become an illustrator by completing a degree in animation, graphic design, digital media, new media design, fine arts, creative arts, visual arts or visual communication. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of an Illustrator

Illustrators:

Study the project brief (instructions) and select an appropriate style, technique and medium to use
Research a topic by looking at photographs, artworks, advertisements and books, and by observing people, animals and plants
Prepare sketches, layouts and storyboards to try out different ideas
Create illustrations using charcoal, pen, ink, paint, photography and computer graphics software
Create and model creatures, characters, environments and interiors for 2D and 3D computer animations
Discuss the project with clients and the production team, making changes as requested.

Tasks

Formulates design concepts for the subject to be communicated.
Prepares sketches, diagrams, illustrations and layouts to communicate design concepts.

Employment Opportunities for an Illustrator

Most work is in the eastern states or overseas, with designers, game developers, mobile app developers, book and magazine publishers, advertising agencies and film production studios. It is a highly competitive industry.Computer-based techniques for illustration and animation have taken over from traditional techniques to a large extent, so having strong skills in both these areas is very important.Freelance animators may develop their own characters and stories to produce features to sell to television or film distributors. Others work in commercial animation studios as part of a team, performing a variety of production tasks, such as colouring drawings or painting backgrounds and characters for film and television studios and game developers. Much of the work is concentrated in a small number of animation studios in Sydney.Job opportunities depend on the level of government, private and corporate funding for projects that require illustration. At the individual level, finding employment depends on the quality of the animator's work and their reputation in the industry.

Specializations

par - Illustrators can specialise in illustrations for websites, phone apps, augmented reality development, magazines, children's books, scientific work, technical manuals, fashion and product packaging. Many work as freelancers. They may have to work very long hours when a deadline has to be met.

Animator

An animator creates models or draws characters and objects in a sequence of different positions to give the illusion of movement. They synchronise lip movements with words, and actions with music and sound effects. Animators can use a range of traditional and digital techniques, including cell animation, claymation, motion graphics, rendering and morphing.

Cartoonist

A cartoonist conceives and develops ideas for cartoons, using illustrations and words. Cartoonists may also submit designs and rough drawings to editors for approval, prepare notes and instructions for finishing and layout, supervise a final layout and suggest improvements and supervise photography of artwork.

Animator

Cartoonist

Illustrator

Average age
35 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
30% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,346
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
72% Full-Time
Employment Size
2,100 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 35.5%
NT: 0.2%
QLD: 15.7%
SA: 6.0%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 34.6%
WA: 5.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.1%
20-24: 10.3%
25-34: 37.4%
35-44: 29%
45-54: 13.2%
55-59: 4.1%
60-64: 2.9%
65 and Over: 2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 21.7%
Bachelor degree: 48.6%
Certificate III/IV: 4.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 10.5%
Year 10 and below: 1.8%
Year 11: 1.3%
Year 12: 11.3%