Most illustrators work on a freelance basis, so salary figures are hard to estimate. research appropriate galleries to find suitable venues to exhibit work.create original pieces for self-promotion.work within a set timescale, often to tight deadlines.speculatively approach potential commissioners to seek new sources of work.run your business, when working freelance.redefine a brief through further consultation with the client to include new ideas or text as appropriate.

use computer-aided design (CAD) packages to scan images and change size, colours and other elements.

create images and designs by using the traditional hand skills of drawing and painting, alongside other techniques, to meet design briefs.

think imaginatively and creatively to produce new ideas.

analyse a brief's specification and the text to be illustrated, as well as research sources.

liaise with clients, editors and authors in order to understand and interpret their business needs.

For more information on these types of roles see medical illustrator. In these fields, illustrations showing new products, processes or techniques are created for text and reference books. Specialist areas include scientific, technical and medical illustration.

multimedia - TV, film, computer games, websites, apps and animation.merchandising - greetings cards, calendars, t-shirts and ceramics.editorial - magazines, newspapers and comics.advertising - posters, storyboards, press.This is typically a freelance role, so most illustrators are self-employed. Many illustrators specialise in a particular design medium, such as drawing, photography or digital illustration. Illustrators create still drawings and images to communicate stories, messages or ideas, used in advertisements, books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and newspapersĪs an illustrator, you'll work to commercial briefs to inform, persuade or entertain a client's intended audience, adjusting the mood and style of images accordingly.

Graphic designer illustrator