Illustrators
Overview
Introduction
Illustrators prepare drawings for advertisements, magazines, books, newspapers, packaging, Web sites, computer programs, and other formats. Medical illustrators, with special training in biology and the physical sciences, are able to draw accurate illustrations of parts of the human body, animals, and plants. Fashion illustrators specialize in distinctive illustrations of the latest womens and mens fashions. Approximately 28,600 fine artists, including illustrators, are employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The pay for illustrations can be as little as a credit in the beginning of your career when it is important just to get exposure, but in general, illustrators are paid per image they produce or for a group of images created for a single project. Some illustrators can earn several thousand dollars for a single illustration, depending on the type of illustration and the client. Freelance work is ...
Work Environment
Illustrators generally work in clean, well-lit offices. They spend a great deal of time at their desks, whether in front of a computer or at the drafting table. Medical illustrators are sometimes required to visit operating rooms and other health care settings. Fashion illustrators may be required to attend fashion shows and other industry events. Because the fashion world is extremely competit...
Outlook
Little or no change in employment is expected for visual artists through 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment opportunities in traditional publishing are expected to decline as a result of decreases in advertising revenue and industry consolidation, but employment at digital magazines and Internet-based publications will continue to grow.
The emplo...