Illustrator


ILLUSTRATION

Most illustrators work on a freelance basis, so salary figures are hard to estimate. Prices vary greatly depending on the client.

You can find illustration and cartoon rates for magazines, newspapers, book covers and PR material at Freelance Fees Guide.

If you're a member of the Association of Illustrators (AOI), you can access a pricing calculator in addition to a wealth of information on pricing basics, how to calculate a fee and negotiating pricing.

  • Starting salaries for illustrators are in the region of ÂŁ18,000 to ÂŁ20,000. In London, starting salaries are higher - around ÂŁ23,000.

  • As an experienced illustrator with several years' experience, you may earn ÂŁ20,000 to ÂŁ30,000 a year.

  • Well-established illustrators may earn up to ÂŁ40,000 or more.

Freelance work, usually paid per illustration, tends to be more lucrative than working for an employer. Illustration agencies take between 25-35% commission, while literary agents take 15%. Some illustrators also sell work through stock houses, which take a substantial commission.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Taken from prospects 2021

Types of illustrator

Work is predominantly freelance and most illustrators are self-employed.

Areas of work include:

Including : publishing - books, education, children's, magazines, newspapers and comics.

Including: TV, film, computer games, websites, apps and animation.

Including : posters, storyboards, press, greetings cards, calendars, t-shirts and ceramics.

Including: forecasting

Qualifications

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:

  • fashion

  • fine art

  • graphic design and illustration

  • printmaking

  • visual art.

Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is possible.

While you don't need a pre-entry postgraduate qualification, a postgraduate diploma or MA in graphic design or illustration may be advantageous - especially if you're interested in teaching. Search for postgraduate courses in illustration.

Qualifications and subject of study are far less important than a talent for illustration, promotional skills and the ideas contained in your portfolio.

If you don't have any published work yet, you should create a portfolio demonstrating your ability to work to a brief. This might include designs for a book cover, a set of illustrations for a well-known book, a series of greetings cards, CD covers or illustrations for a car manual.

Taken from prospects 2021

Commissions

Getting commissions

In order to secure commissions, you'll need to promote your work to art directors, publishing editors and design studio managers. Organise an appointment to show your (targeted) portfolio or picture library to clients who are likely to use your work, and leave a business card or send samples of your work in advance.

Identify potential clients using resources such as the:

Many illustrators use agents to secure commissions. They will look at your portfolio, advise clients and try to secure work for you, although this will be at a cost - a percentage of your fee.

Lists of agents are available from the AOI.

Investigate and take advantage of business start-up schemes to set up a studio and establish sound working practices. Join the AOI or a local group. Ensure you have sound business and management skills.

In an increasingly global market, your web presence is an essential tool. A number of sites host searchable databases (the AOI online database is popular) providing links to websites for potential commissioners to search. Make sure you research the management/marketing of each site carefully before registering for these services.

It may also be possible to advertise your work directly via directories such as the Creative Review directory.

Taken from prospects 2021

EMPLOYERS

Most illustrators work as self-employed freelance artists, although areas such as trend forecasting (fashion) and computer games companies offer a limited number of opportunities for full-time employment.

You need to market your work to potential employers. The market base will depend on the type of work you do, so you could be employed in a number of different areas. If you're working freelance, you can use agents to generate and market your work. Find out more about self-employment.

Advertising agencies and design consultancies can provide lucrative work. Corporate communications remains a viable market for illustration, although it's a competitive area and some firms will use in-house design solutions to keep costs low, rather than turning to freelancers.

Another significant market is the children's book industry, which can be especially lucrative and satisfying if you have a talent for writing as well as illustrating. For exclusive interviews with industry professionals see childrensillustrators.com.

Other markets include:

  • animated commercials, animated television shows and short films

  • billboards

  • film posters

  • fine art posters

  • government information services (including health and education)

  • greetings cards

  • packaging.

Look for opportunities at:

Illustrators can also be represented by specialist illustration agencies such as Folio illustration agency and the Central Illustration Agency.


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