How to Become an Illustrator: 3 Tips for Aspiring Illustrators

An illustrator creates imagery to accompany a text or explain a concept. There are many illustration styles suitable to different formats—from magazines to children’s books to comic books. As with other art styles, illustration has evolved with technology. Expanding on the style of hand-drawn traditional illustrations, computers now allow illustrators to create digital art. Both traditional and digital illustrations can be expressive and practical, serving to decorate and clarify a written work.

If you are an aspiring illustrator, follow these tips to start your illustration career:

1. 1. Pursue an education. A degree program in fine arts will provide technical training, such as in drawing, painting, and computer graphics. Employers typically require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. There are also two-year degree programs for additional skills training and more specialized training programs for architectural, engineering, or medical illustration.
2. 2. Identify your style. Most illustrators have a recognizable illustration style and point of view. Figure out what type of work you are most skilled at, the style you’re passionate about, and what sets you apart from other illustrators.
3. 3. Create a portfolio. Put together a professional portfolio for potential clients to see your work. Buy a website domain and create an online portfolio to display your best work and showcase what you can do.
4. 4. Build a client base. Some publishing houses employ illustrators full-time, but many illustrators work freelance on a per-project basis. Be sure to post your portfolio on digital portfolio sites and social media to get the attention of art directors and authors. Begin taking on freelance jobs while in school to build your client base.

Professional illustrators can create artwork for a variety of platforms, from greeting cards to medical journals:

1. 1. Book illustrator: Book illustrators work with authors and publishers to design cover art as well as images that appear in books’ interiors.
2. 2. Children's book illustrator: A children’s book illustrator works closely with the author to bring stories to life with original illustrations that appeal to the book’s age demographic.
3. 3. Medical illustrator: Medical illustrators create images for medical textbooks and journals. This job requires extensive knowledge of biology and human anatomy, and typically requires special training.
4. 4. Cartoonist: Cartoonists can draw comic strips and cartoons for news publications. Animators create cartoon characters and apply movement to the drawings with technology.

Follow these tips to build a successful illustration career:

1. 1. Network with industry professionals. Attend networking events with organizations such as the Association of Illustrators to meet other illustrators.
2. 2. Market your work. Get the attention of publishing houses, art directors, agents, and potential clients by posting your work to social media and online portfolio sites. You may also be able to reach out directly to art directors and publishers to pitch them your ideas.
3. 3. Meet your deadlines. Communicate clearly with clients about their wants and needs and what you can deliver for them. Always hit your deadlines. Create high-quality work and be dependable to build your client base.

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