How to Become an Illustrator: Career Roadmap
Learn how to become an illustrator. Research the education requirements, training information and experience required for starting a career as an illustrator.
Illustrator Requirements
Illustrators create the images used in publications, such as comic books, graphic novels, children's stories and magazines. In order to design these images, illustrators may use drawing techniques and software programs in their work. Illustrators have no educational requirements for employment; however, enrolling in a related degree program may help students cultivate their artistic talent and teach them how to use illustrator software programs. The table below includes the requirements to become an illustrator:
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Postsecondary education is not required but can be helpful; medical illustrators need postgraduate training* |
| Experience | Illustrators often have many years of experience in creating images and may need a portfolio of their work to obtain employment* |
| Key Skills | Illustrators must be creative and have the ability to market and sell their work* |
| Computer Skills | Illustrators should be familiar with several software programs, including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Monster.com job posts (October 2012).
Step 1: Obtain the Necessary Education
Illustrators with high school diplomas may qualify for some entry-level positions; however, some employers prefer illustrators to possess associate's or bachelor's degrees. These degree programs are designed to enhance illustrators' natural talents while providing a technical education. Illustrators can obtain core skills like drawing, painting and computer-aided design in undergraduate degree programs in graphic design or illustration. Some of the courses students might take in an illustration program include history of illustration, moving pictures and letterforms.
Anyone considering a career in medical illustration may need a graduate degree to go along with premedical undergraduate courses. Medical illustration master's programs typically take two years to complete and consist of courses like surgical sketching, medical illustration techniques and human anatomy.
Success Tips:
- Choose a medium. Illustrators who work by hand may be employed in creative or artistic fields, while digital illustrators who work with computers and illustration software may find employment in the entertainment or marketing industries. Figuring out which area to focus on allows an aspiring illustrator to learn the finer points of that particular industry.
- Start preparing early for a medical illustration career. The Association of Medical Illustrators reported that only four graduate programs are approved for medical illustration, so students may find programs to be very competitive due to the limited number of spots. Students can begin their preparation at the undergraduate level by taking biology, medical and art electives.
Step 2: Create a Professional Portfolio
Professional portfolios consist of completed works that show off artistic strengths. Educational programs typically instruct students in portfolio development, helping them choose the most impressive works to showcase. Portfolios may feature examples of all the major illustration styles or mediums, including painting, drawing and computer work. Employers tend to look at professional portfolios closely to ensure they hire the most talented illustrators.
Step 3: Attain Work Experience
According to multiple job posts from October 2012, illustrators often needed three or more years of experience. For this reason, bachelor's degree programs often incorporate internship opportunities, which allow students to start getting experience early on and bolster employability upon graduation. Illustrators may find also find relevant experience with media companies, software developers and advertising agencies.
Success Tips:
- Look for freelance work during school. Students can start looking for freelance work as soon as they get into college. Not only could freelance jobs provide extra income, but illustrators can use their projects to strengthen their portfolios and add the time spent to their work experience.
- Find ways to showcase previous projects. In addition to maintaining a portfolio, displaying illustrations and artistic works online or at local galleries may provide professional exposure. Illustrators with websites may advertise their work in order to attain freelance assignments while seeking full-time work.
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8 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
- Certificate - Artistry: Cartooning
- Certificate - Artistry: Oil And Acrylics
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Non-Degree
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (3 campuses)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- Texas (5)
- Virginia (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Graphic Design
- Master in Computer Animation
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- Master in Visual Arts
- Master in Design & Media Management
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Illustration
- Bachelor in Design & Technical Graphics
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- BA in Graphic & Web Design
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Associate
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- Associates in Industrial Design
- AA in Graphic & Web Design
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- Associate in Graphic Design
- Associate in Visual Merchandising
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in 2-D Animation
- Certificate in 3-D Animation
- Certificate in 3-D Modeling for Games
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- Certificate in Animation Production
- Certificate in Character Animation for Games
- Certificate in Digital Design
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (1 campus)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (1)
- California (5)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (3)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Maryland (2)
- Michigan (5)
- Missouri (3)
- North Carolina (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (7)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (6)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (3)
- Texas (1)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- Associate in Visual Communications
- Associate in Web Design
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- Associate in Web Design Technology
- Associate in Graphic Communications and Design
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Advertising and Commercial Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration and Drawing
- Industrial Design
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fashion Design
- General Visual Communications Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration and Drawing
- Interior Design and Decorating
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
