Illustrators
Overview
Introduction
Illustrators prepare drawings for advertisements, magazines, books, newspapers, packaging, Web sites, computer programs, mobile health apps, augmented and virtual reality simulators, courtroom exhibits, and other formats. Medical illustrators, who have 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 26,300 f...
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
Employment for fine artists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job 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 g...
