Illustration: An Illustrious Career
Introduction
Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations that represent an idea or a story through images. Illustrators may create art for printed materials such as books or magazines, or for commercial products such as textiles, wrapping paper, greeting cards, or calendars. Illustrators also often create images and storyboard sketches for animated productions, television commercials, movies, or computer games. Illustrators use many different mediums to create their illustrations, from pencil and paint to advanced computer software and digital formatting.
Training
Most illustrators have a degree in illustration or in a related field such as art, design, graphic design, or animation. Through training in one of these programs you will learn the basics of the illustration process, as well as have the opportunity to practice techniques that will help you to create and develop both two- and three-dimensional sketches or designs. You will learn about layout design, perspective basics, and using computer-aided design software to create digital illustrations. Through your training you will also be able to develop a portfolio of illustrations, which will help you when looking for jobs as an illustrator.
Job Opportunities
There are many career opportunities in illustration. As an illustrator, you may find employment with magazines, book and software publishers, manufacturers, or advertising agencies. You may also choose to specialize in a particular field of illustration such as commercial illustration, motion pictures, video game design, or digital illustration, or pursue freelance illustration and be your own boss. Well-trained illustrators are and will continue to be in great demand, and qualified to earn substantial salaries in their field.
