Illustrator

Print

Work Tasks

• Paint and draw pictures for books, magazines, greeting cards, calendars, stationery, and other products
• May specialize in drawing parts of the body or other scientific subjects
• Some make story boards for TV commercials so a company can get an idea of what an ad will look like before they spend money to make it
• Work in art studios, office buildings, or their own homes
• Are self-employed or work for advertisers, book publishers, department stores, the TV industry, or the government
• Work with print and film media, inks, pastels, chalks, paints, rough drawings, layouts, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,000 average per year ($25.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (10,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in art, graphic design, fine art, illustration, or a related field
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in art for more technical positions
• Skills/Courses: College courses include drawing, sketching, computer training, and illustration. Students learn how to assemble their own portfolio, a collection of handmade, computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the artist's best work.