Advertising Illustrator, Artist, Book Illustrator, Concept Artist, Concept Illustrator, Editorial Illustrator, Fashion Illustrator, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Artist, Medical Illustrator, Technical Illustrator
Interest in synthesizing information to develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and stationery, and in producing 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
Interest in precision working to produce illustrations and to assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products and television advertising and productions; may adapt existing illustrations
Interest in consulting with clients to establish the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communication needs
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In general, illustrators:
Most illustrators develop an artistic style with a distinctive look. They may work in a variety fields or specialize in a particular type of work:
Illustrators usually work in their own homes or in studios. They may sit or stand for long periods of time and must deal with the constant pressure of deadlines.
In addition to the ability to draw or paint, illustrators need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative ways to present ideas, using a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision (for example, preparing specifications, estimating costs) and consulting with people.
Although related education is not required to succeed in this field, many illustrators have post-secondary training in fine art or graphic design. Regardless of their educational background, illustrators are required to have computer skills and knowledge of illustration software.
Most successful freelance illustrators are known for their personal style or subject matter specialization. Staff or in-house artists may have to be comfortable working with a variety of visual mediums (for example, computer graphics, acrylic, watercolour, pen, pencil, guache, inks and pastels) and able to produce illustrations for various purposes (rough ideas and finished works).
Medical illustrators usually have biomedical training in addition to formal art training. The University of Toronto offers a two year Masters of Science degree in Biomedical Communications. For current information about the program, please check the University of Toronto calendar or website.
Technical illustrators often require specialized backgrounds in biology, engineering, architecture or other scientific areas.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Most illustrators work on a freelance basis. They may work for:
Medical illustrators work for hospitals, universities, medical schools and pharmaceutical companies.
Fashion illustrators work for:
Freelance illustrators negotiate contracts for each illustration or series of illustrations. Contracts specify deadlines, fees and who will hold the copyright for the work. It can be difficult to get started in this field because clients often prefer to work with artists they have worked with before. To obtain freelance contracts, illustrators may market their services on the Internet or in source books, mail work samples to potential clients, attend trade shows or employ an agent.
Advancement generally takes the form of building a portfolio, reputation and a larger client group.
Illustrators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 6,100 Albertans are employed in the Graphic designers and illustrators occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As illustrators form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for illustrators.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Freelance illustrators negotiate an hourly rate or a flat fee for each project, depending upon several factors: the client, reputation of the illustrator, type and length of usage (regional, national, internation, use in single or multiple media).
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $14.00 | $34.82 | $22.22 | $21.03 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $53.52 | $29.04 | $26.01 |
| Top | $19.00 | $67.23 | $35.03 | $31.50 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) website: www.ami.org
Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) website: www.capic.org
Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) website: www.canscaip.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 21, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.