We all know what illustrations are from childhood because we used to have books with pictures, textbooks, etc. These pictures were made possible by illustrators, who were the ones creating them.
Actually, creating pictures for books is not the only aspect of this profession. Many people equate this profession with being an artist, but in reality, they are two different professions. So, let's delve into what an illustrator is and how one can become an illustrator.
The profession of an illustrator is suitable for anyone with creative and artistic inclinations, as well as possessing the following personal qualities and skills:
It is desirable to have at least basic drawing skills by hand or on a tablet for work in this field or be prepared to develop them. These are all the qualities that an illustrator has to meet. Otherwise, the profession has no specific restrictions — it can be learned from scratch at any age.
However, creating pictures is not the only skill that an illustrator should possess. There are numerous different paths within this profession. For instance, you can choose from the following directions:
One of the most popular questions is how to become an illustrator and whether it is worth studying in an art school or university. Many wonders which education to choose and if there is a difference between traditional colleges and online courses. The choice of education should be approached with caution.
Learning illustration is about acquiring certain skills and developing a specific style. There are cases where certain schools focus heavily on a particular style, and new artists find themselves unable to express themselves because they are confined to just one approach and lack their own ideas. However, attending college or art school is not mandatory for becoming an illustrator. You can also:
Regardless of the path you choose, your success primarily depends on you. Experienced illustrators also advise trying different techniques, not limiting yourself to drawing specific subjects, and constantly evolving.
Every profession has its pros and cons. For instance, if you are a creative person who enjoys creating and wants to express yourself, you will see more pros than cons in this field.
However, it's worth familiarizing yourself with both the advantages and disadvantages. So, what is an illustrator job, and what you should to take into account:
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Pros |
Cons |
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Creative work. |
Illustrators are usually not "team players" and work alone. |
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The opportunity for self-expression. |
Sedentary work. |
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No limit to improving professional skills. |
Back, hands, and neck can get sore from drawing, and eyes can become tired. |
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Always different tasks. |
Over time, a desire may be to draw "for oneself" and become an independent artist. |
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The ability to work from anywhere if you draw on modern devices. |
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Flexibility in choosing working hours. |
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Many people will see your work. |
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However, if you have an understanding of what the job of an illustrator entails and you are passionate about art, eager to express yourself in this field, and willing to dedicate yourself and your time to it, these drawbacks will not affect you as strongly.
So, being an illustrator is a multifaceted and fascinating profession that offers numerous possibilities. However, there are certain steps to take before becoming an illustrator:
Lastly, seek internship opportunities and take on small freelance projects to develop your unique style and gain experience.
