Illustrator

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Illustrators (5241.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Graphic Designers and Illustrators (F141) 
• 2011 NOC: Graphic designers and illustrators (5241) 
• 2016 NOC: Graphic designers and illustrators (5241) 

In general, illustrators:

• consult with clients, editors, writers, art directors and others to establish the nature, conceptual direction and content of desired illustrations
• prepare preliminary drawings or sketches for approval
• estimate time lines and cost of materials
• prepare comprehensive roughs in colour to visualize the final image in context and obtain final approval
• prepare finished artwork using the required medium (for example, computer graphics, pen and ink, acrylic, pastel, pencil).

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:

• Advertising illustrators work on storyboards for commercials and create illustrations for print advertisements, labels and packaging.
• Book illustrators create illustrations that convey the spirit of a story and expand on it.
• Concept illustrators or artists work with clients and agencies to research, develop and visually communicate abstract concepts, portray complex ideas, objects or scenes which cannot be photographed or easily explained. They may create illustrations for items such as packaging, websites, apps, games, magazines, children's books, brochures or advertisements. They may also create illustrations for video games that serve to guide the 3D modeling team, the cinematic design team, or the character design team.
• Editorial illustrators create images that support and help communicate the main ideas of articles in newspapers and magazines.
• Freelance illustrators are illustrators of any type who work on a contract basis often for different companies at a time rather than permanently for one employer.
• Illustrators employed by television studios create storyboards or courtroom sketches for news broadcasts.
• Fashion illustrators sketch models in different poses to visualize clothing and accessories. They must be familiar with the latest trends in hair, makeup and clothing, and usually work closely with fashion designers or art directors.
• Medical illustrators produce realistic and schematic illustrations for medical textbooks, research centres, lectures and other medical purposes. Their illustrations show what a camera cannot (for example, a theoretical process or a cross-section of an organ). Sometimes, medical illustrators are required to create three-dimensional models of their work.
• Technical illustrators are employed in a broad range of industrial specialties. For example, they may draw enlarged views of machinery parts for operating manuals, create wildlife illustrations, or draw commercial and residential buildings from structural information provided by blueprints. They spend a lot of time researching the products or subjects they draw and often work closely with engineers or scientists to ensure technical accuracy.

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:

• the promotional skills required to successfully market their work
• the ability to pay attention to fine details and work quickly to meet deadlines
• good organizational and research skills
• flexibility in working with others' ideas
• socially aware
• time management skills
• ability to concentrate and focus for extended periods of time
• a self-motivated and independent work style.

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.

Most illustrators work on a freelance basis. They may work for:

• publishers (magazine, newspaper, book, web-based resources and other software)
• film studios
• advertising agencies
• graphic design studios
• government departments
• printers.

Medical illustrators work for hospitals, universities, medical schools and pharmaceutical companies.

Fashion illustrators work for:

• department and chain stores
• textile companies
• pattern houses
• garment manufacturers
• fashion designers
• advertising agencies
• newspapers and magazines.

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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• technological advances
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

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.

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 call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.