Illustrator: Job Description, Education & Career Outlook

A lot of hard work and perseverance goes into becoming an illustrator. It is a career for those who have a passion for interpreting a message or an idea visually. Whether it is a written publication or a visual publication, skilled illustrators are in high demand. To effectively communicate an idea, written material need to have appealing visual presentation. That's where the role of an illustrator actually comes in. There are different types of illustration work; it can be technical illustration or it can be commercial illustration. Your innovative skills have to play an crucial role in establishing a career in this field. If you plan to become an illustrator, you need to have all the essential career information including the job duties, educational qualification and training required and the career prospects that await you in this occupation.

 

Job Description
Different clients and employers have different requirements for illustrating jobs. To perform their job duties efficiently, illustrators first need to comprehend the expectations of clients. There is a concept behind every kind of illustration. Clients dictate their concepts to the illustrator, who then produce visual interpretation to get the idea or the story across to the audience in an appealing way. The actual job duties of these professionals may vary from one employer to another. However, the basic responsibilities remain the same.

 

Illustrators use a variety of techniques to complete projects. Some of these include schematic, orthographic and isometric techniques. Depending on the requirements, professionals may need to work on multiple projects at one time. Typically, the illustration jobs involve creating images or visual representation to complement written material for magazines, newspapers and journals among other publications. The field of commercial illustration also offers excellent career opportunities for these professionals. In this type of illustrating occupation, illustrators create visual representation for products like textiles, greeting cards, calendars, stationary, promotional posters etc.

 

Many times the ideas that written material conveys are very complex. It is the job of an illustrator to effectively present the idea and make it come to life. Professionals illustrate a variety of ideas using materials including oil painting, pen, pencil, watercolor, pastel, wood engraving etc. With the technologies becoming more advanced, illustrators also use digital format to create illustrative pictures and images. Those who have computer proficiency will, therefore, enhance their opportunities for career advancement.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
Though formal training is not necessarily required, getting trained can really enhance your chances of establishing a successful career in this occupation. Obtaining formal education is not tough today, as there are several colleges and universities offering degree programs in subjects like fine arts, visual communication and illustration. Candidates can obtain a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in these subjects to make the most of their careers. These training programs include education in areas like sketching, drawing, composition etc.

 

Many of these degree programs also help students create a portfolio of their artwork. Creating a portfolio of some impressive pieces of work is essential for illustrators. Professionals can show their portfolio to editors for consideration. Internships are another useful way of acquiring some real world experience, which employers look for in candidates.

 

Job Outlook
According to the projections by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment in this occupation will increase at 16% from 2006 through to 2016. The burgeoning dotcom industry also adds to the job growth. Growing number of websites have a regular demand for trained illustrators. Candidates will face keen competition while landing jobs. Professionals with extensive work experience, strong skills and computer imaging proficiency will have the best employment opportunities.

 

Annual Salary
In August 2009, illustrators earned an annual salary ranging between $30,396 and $44,083. Salaries may vary depending on the type of illustration and the size of the employer. Experienced illustrators can earn an annual salary up to $51,004.