How to become a self-taught illustrator

Becoming an illustrator does not typically require formal education, but many professionals in the field choose to pursue an educational path to enhance their skills and knowledge. Here’s an outline of a possible educational journey:

1. Pursue Relevant Education: Although not a strict requirement, many illustrators have an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or a related field. These programs offer valuable training in drawing, painting, and computer graphics, which are essential skills for illustrators

• Pursue Your Education\n\nThere is a lot of hands-on training involved in a fine arts degree, including drawing, painting, and computer graphics. Employers commonly require an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. To further your education, you can enroll in two-year degree programs which focus on specific skills, such as those in architectural or engineering illustration.

• Focus on One Specific Niche\n\nIf you’ve had any formal training or education previously, this is an excellent place to start. Decide on your illustration strengths, preferences in style, and other details while you’re at it.\n\nThen, narrow your focus to particular jobs you’d like to get involved with. One way to do this is to prepare one list of the jobs you’re attracted to and then cross them off. Beginners may save up a great deal of time by narrowing their search to just a few key topics

• Hone Your Skills and Utilize Illustration Tools\n\nYou can fine-tune your skill set and effective tools after deciding what type of illustration work you want to pursue. Start by researching some of the most commonly used tools and other useful softwares in your field of work.\n\nSearch online for requirements in the job or look into available software to learn more about what is required. For instance, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and the software for 3D design are some of the most commonly used tools in the field of graphic design. However, this software may be too difficult or expensive for you if you’re starting out.\n\n### 4. Build a Strong Portfolio\n\nWhen applying for a job, your resume is the essential item you should bring. A strong portfolio is often more important than a college degree when applying for illustration appointments and the art and design world in general.\n\nTake some time to create your portfolio, as it is extremely important! Showcase the best illustration works or any other work from the early illustration gigs in your portfolio to be creative. Develop your artistic abilities, curate the best pieces of yours, and gain self-assurance in your abilities as an artist.

2. Specialize Your Skills: Degree programs often allow students to focus on specific areas of illustration, such as architectural or engineering illustration. This focus helps to develop a niche, which can be advantageous in the competitive field of illustration

3. Ongoing Learning and Practice: Even after completing formal education, illustrators must continuously learn and adapt to changes in the field. This includes staying updated on new illustration tools and software, as well as practicing and refining their artistic skills regularly

Remember, a strong portfolio showcasing your best work is often more important than a degree. Aspiring illustrators should focus on creating a diverse and high-quality portfolio that effectively demonstrates their skills and style

Can You Make a Living as an Illustrator?

Yes, it is possible to make a living as an illustrator. The financial success in this field can vary greatly based on a number of factors such as experience, skill, location, demand, and the specific industry in which you work.

Steps to Become an Illustrator

1. Pursue Your Education: There is a lot of hands-on training involved in a fine arts degree, which employers commonly require. Programs often focus on drawing, painting, and computer graphics.

2. Focus on One Specific Niche: Identify your illustration strengths, preferences in style, and narrow your focus to particular jobs you’d like to get involved with.

3. Hone Your Skills and Utilize Illustration Tools: Research and learn to use the most commonly used tools in your field of work. For instance, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D design software are common in the field of graphic design.

4. Build a Strong Portfolio: A strong portfolio is often more important than a college degree when applying for illustration appointments. Showcase your best works and continuously develop your artistic abilities.

Building and Promoting Your Portfolio

• It’s easy to build a portfolio in the digital age, whether on your website, social media, or portfolio-specific platforms like ArtStation, Behance, and Dribbble.
• Promote your portfolio and yourself to ensure the right audience finds your work. This can be achieved through networking, applying for jobs, and making the most of social media.

Required Skills

To become a successful illustrator, these skills are often necessary:

• Excellent negotiation skills
• Excellent designing, sketching, and portrait skills
• Solid photographic abilities
• Knowledgeable in IT and design applications
• Creativity and innovation with an eye for color, proportion, and composition
• Capability to produce a drawing that conveys an idea or concept
• Ability to design clean, crisp, aesthetically pleasing visuals

How Much Do Freelance Illustrators Make?

Freelance illustrators have the potential to earn a comfortable income, although it varies widely based on factors such as the type of work, the illustrator’s experience level, and their location. On average, freelance illustrators in the U.S. can earn anywhere between $25,000 and $78,000 per year, with the median annual income sitting around $49,000​1​.

How Much Does an Illustrator Make Per Book?

The earnings of an illustrator per book can vary widely, and it is often negotiated on a project-by-project basis. Some illustrators may earn a flat fee, which can range from $50 to $500 per illustration, while others may earn royalties, typically between 5% and 10% of the book’s list price​3​.

How Much Does an Illustrator Make Per Hour?

Hourly rates for illustrators can range from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the illustrator’s experience, the complexity of the work, and other factors. On average, an illustrator in the U.S. might expect to earn around $50 per hour​5​.

How Much Does an Illustrator Make for a Children’s Book?

The earnings for illustrating a children’s book can vary based on the complexity of the illustrations, the reputation of the illustrator, and the budget of the publisher. However, illustrators may earn between $3,000 and $12,500 per book, with a possible additional percentage in royalties​7​.

Do Illustrators Get Royalties from Self-Published Books?

Yes, illustrators can earn royalties from self-published books. This is often negotiated as part of the contract with the author, and can range from 5% to 10% of the book’s list price. However, the specifics can vary greatly depending on the agreement between the author and the illustrator​9​.