How to become an illustrator (2024)

Soyou want to start your career as an illustrator?

It’san exciting creative industry with a multitude of pathsfrom children's booksto product design the opportunities areendless.Illustrators tell stories through theirartwork, with a given brief youdraw, paint or sketchto convey a storywith emotion,colourand imagination.

Here are6things to consider when youset out tobuild yournew creativecareer.

1. Learningthe fundamental skills

Getting the basics downnowwillpropel you into those early entry level jobsand give youmore confidence in taking on the variety of work that will be thrown at you.Learn to use different mediumsfromdigitaltoanalogueand you will be well on your way tostartingyour firstcommissions.Figuring out where to start is difficult, but don’tlet that deter you.Whether you are a freelance illustrator just starting out or you’re work for a leading design agency, youjustcan’t skip this.

I always felt frustrated by the advice given to me as an aspiring creative, which was - just keep drawing, all the time. Practice! But I have to say now, that is absolutely true. You can't skip that step. Drawing constantly, and recognising what inspires and influences your creative approach, is the best thing you can do. Persistence is key. — Laura McKendry Illustration for 16 to 18 Year Olds Tutor

2. Exploring all paths

There are many kinds of paths to taketo become asuccessfulillustrator;commercial illustration, digital illustration,fashion illustration,book illustration,oreven courtroom illustration.You may have an idea of the way you want to go, butbytesting everypathyou may find there is something you enjoy more than you thought.A good wayof exploringnew ideasis finding a creative community that pushes you to be imaginative. The internet is vast and there are other creatives just like you who want to share knowledge and pushyouto be the bestyoucanbe.Find the ways of working that you enjoy.

Creating a Digital Illustration - Tina Touli | Short Courses

3. Finding your style

Experiment with every medium, format, style until you find what works for you, because when it comes to finding work people want to see your personality.It’swhatseparates you from the bunch.Finding out what makes you-you,isnot as easy as you might think. But the key is experimentation. As you develop as an illustrator you may find yourself naturally drawn to a certain style or a few, if you canpinpointyour illustration styleandallow it to develop and flourish,you’llbe memorable, unique and it willhelp youdraw in new clients.This process is long but can be incredibly rewarding.Don’tforce yourself into a style when it may quickly change the more you work.

Finding your style is harder than people realise. Keep in mind, it takes years to develop a style, and it’s constantly evolving, it’s not something that’s set, unchanging for decades. I don’t draw the same way I did 5 years ago, let alone 10 years ago. Aspiring illustrators should be open to their style evolving. — Leni Kauffman Illustrating for Books Tutor

4. Keeping creative

Theonly way you will build your skills and experience is byillustrating. Finding the time topractice isvital for improvement and to keep your brain in that mode.If you findyou'rein alull, try something new anddon’tfeel you need to push yourself, especially not in one direction. You can still be creative without needing toput pencil to paperfor 8 hours a day.

Try not to be so hard on yourself. Stop comparing yourself to other artists, there is absolutely no point. If your worried about not doing enough work, start working every Sunday for a couple of hours! Watch films, read books and eat food - you never know where you will find a new idea, see a new colour or a new subject to explore. Also don’t throw anything away, always keep things for collage! — Augusta Ackerman Illustration - Drawn to Digital Tutor

5. Getting noticed (don't be shy!)

Share every bit of work you are proud of-make use of social media and otherplatforms to get your work out there. Putting your work in front of the right people is key, and for that, you need to know what people you are trying to reach. Narrowing your focus to the audience you want is one of the most difficult challenges creatives face. Buttohave a successful, actionable strategy,it’svital.

Working as afreelanceillustratorcan beextremely competitivesoit’sincrediblyimportantto havea strongillustratorportfolio that you are proud of and thatrepresentsyou. Get it in front of as many people as you can.Lots ofillustrators send outitemswith theirartwork onthem,post cards, print or even via email. Do your research,know where you want to go and what work you want to be doing, and then build your portfolio directed to those topics.

6. Howashort coursein illustrationcould help you reach the nextstep

From whatever level you areat, learning new things will not only help you build those essential skills, but alsobringnew ways of thinking, newinspirationand new people intoyourcreative work.You may be wondering if education is the path for you and looking to see if you need to get a degree in illustration.Many illustration artists have gone this route, butsomedon’thave time to commit to a full university degree.UALShort Courses allow you to find your niche and work the way you want to work with the support of the No.2 Art and Design University in the World.

It can be hard to make progress on creative projects when you have to fit them in around a job or other responsibilities. Being able to devote a whole week to a short course provides a great opportunity to make some real progress. The social aspect is also important, with a fun, supportive atmosphere and people from diverse backgrounds. — Matt Odell Graphic Novels and Comic Book Art Tutor

We've put together some personal accounts from our short course students on how doing a short course in illustration has helped them find their style, develop confidence in their abilities and helped them on their path to forging a career in the industry.

It's never too late to change career : Book Illustration

How a short course can diversify your illustration practice

Develop your illustration skills with a short course

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If you think a short course in illustration might be just what you need to get started, visit out upcoming short courses information page where you will find short courses, both online and in-person, that are taking place in the coming months.

Illustrating for Books Online Short Course
Digital Illustration Online Short Course
Introduction to Illustration Online Short Course
Illustration Workshop Short Course