Illustrator

Your day-to-day tasks might depend on the field of illustration you work in.

As an illustrator you could:

• discuss requirements, or a brief, with authors, editors or designers
•  negotiate prices and timescales
•  research your creative ideas
•  create final illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages
•  promote your business and manage your finances if you're self-employed

• knowledge of the fine arts
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

If you work freelance, you'll need to build up and maintain a client base.

You can use your illustrating skills in a variety of sectors including:

• advertising
•  fashion and merchandising
•  publishing
•  websites and computer games

With further training and experience you could specialise as a medical illustrator or scientific illustrator. You could also move into teaching.