Minimalist illustration involves distilling complex ideas into simple artwork, using clean lines and basic shapes to focus on the core subject. Realism can range from stylized but loosely realistic work to hyper-realistic art with intense lifelike detail. Flat illustration is a trend based in graphic design, with 2-dimensional visuals and flat colors as opposed to detailed 3-dimensional graphics. Don’t worry about developing this style overnight! Let it evolve naturally. Play around and experiment to find the art style you like most.
While a college education is definitely helpful and looks good on a resume, it isn’t the only way to become an illustrator. If attending college isn’t an option or you feel it’s not the right fit for you, that’s okay.
Many art institutions also offer online classes you can sign up for, and some universities have pre-college art programs you can sign up for if you’re still in high school. Remember: your ability as an artist is the most important thing to employers. So long as your skills and portfolio are strong, you absolutely don’t need a college degree to be a successful illustrator.
Do a little bit of work every day. Even on days when you’re busy with classes or jobs, take just 10 or 20 minutes to practice a style or technique in your sketchbook. Work hard and understand that you’ll be building up illustration skills throughout your career. It’s a never-ending process! Challenge yourself and take on projects you’ve never tried. For example, if you want to illustrate book covers, start drawing for a wide range of genres—fantasy, romance, mystery, and more.
Platforms like ArtStation, Behance, Portfoliobox, and Wix allow you to create a customized portfolio. Pick illustrations you feel confident about! A portfolio is only as strong as your weakest piece, so don’t include anything you’re not satisfied with. Add to your portfolio over time as you learn and take on new jobs. An experienced illustrator’s online portfolio might have multiple galleries with 10 to 20 pieces each. You can still build an impressive portfolio if you don’t have professional experience; even university and personal projects can show off your skills.
Use hashtags to your advantage. Tag each illustration you post with hashtags like #digitalart, #illustration, #sketchbook, or #artistsoninstagram.
Not only can connections help you get hired, but they can also help you hone your skills and give tips if you need them. See if there are any professional societies or groups you can join for illustrating, such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Book illustrators create stylized images for a book’s cover and interior and adopt an art style that’s appropriate to the book’s age demographic. Cartoonists draw comic stips, either for newspapers and online news publications, webcomics, or graphic novels. Medical illustrators design images for textbooks and medical journals. Before starting the job, they typically get special training in biology and human anatomy. Storyboard artists create graphic representations (storyboards) of a whole sequence of events, often for entertainment media like movies and video games.
Important skills for an illustrator include strong traditional drawing skills like knowledge of drawing a portrait and sketching, plus an eye for color, proportion, and composition. If there are any businesses you’d like to work for—like a particular publishing company or webcomic platform you enjoy—start your research there.
Include a link to your portfolio in every job application, and write a cover letter whenever there’s a prompt for one (even if it’s listed as optional). If an employer reaches out for an interview, prepare for the interview beforehand and bring a physical copy of your portfolio with you (or have a link to your website ready if it’s a virtual interview).
Social media is a great source of commission-based work, but you can also check out job sites specializing in freelancing, like Fiverr and Upwork. Don’t overextend yourself by saying “yes” to every commission request you get. Consider how much time you have and how much work you can reasonably take on first. While some people might try to get you to do illustration work for “exposure” rather than money, your time is valuable and so is your art, so accept financial compensation only.
Teaching other people will also help you hone your skills further because it requires you to fully explain concepts and research each topic as you prepare lessons. Patreon is a good option because it allows people to subscribe to your account for a monthly fee and view the content you post in exchange. They learn new techniques and you get paid! Teachable is another popular option because it lets you build a whole course and market that course on the Teachable platform, where students can join for a fee.
There’s no definitive “right” time to quit your old job. If you feel ready and have enough projects lined up to cover the next couple of months financially, take the opportunity to launch your new career.
Look at listings for your dream illustration jobs. What software requirements do they have? Start by learning those programs. Even if you work with traditional mediums like pencils and charcoal, your portfolio should also demonstrate your knowledge of digital mediums and software.
Say you want to illustrate a webcomic. Break that goal into smaller steps by brainstorming a concept, then designing characters, and finally making a few test comic strips to post online. Once you can handle smaller goals, start thinking about larger ones like starting your illustration business. Set incremental goals like building a portfolio, setting up a website, and marketing on social media.
Ensure that the deadlines are reasonable so you can produce high-quality work. If you need a certain amount of time, say so upfront so there’s no confusion later.
To that end, take your time. It’s okay if you don’t have all the experience needed for your dream job right away. Give yourself time to grow as an artist and find jobs well-suited to your skills.
