There are career options for illustrators in several different fields, including advertising and software development.




Jobs in illustration (plus nine other career ideas)

  • Animator. …
  • Graphic designer. …
  • Illustrator. …
  • Fashion designer. …
  • Painter. …
  • Architectural designer. …
  • Tattoo artist. …
  • Concept artist.

Are illustrators in demand? The demand for illustrators was forecast to be greater for those with knowledge of digital illustration software. Median wages for all fine artists in May 2019 were $48,760, according to the BLS. Illustrators are typically self-employed.

Also, How much money does an illustrator make? Illustrators earned an average annual salary of $63,030 in May 2019, according to the BLS. Their salaries are highly contingent upon the size of their employers, experience and where they reside. Fifty percent of these fine artists’ salaries fell in the $32,400 to $74,110 per year range.

Do you need a degree to be an illustrator?

Most illustrators have at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, though it is possible to qualify for some entry level positions with only a high school diploma and exceptional drawing skills.

21 Related Questions and Answers

What is the salary for an illustrator?

Illustrator Salary

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners $83,500 $6,958
75th Percentile $70,000 $5,833
Average
$57,297

$4,774
25th Percentile $39,000 $3,250

Is it better to be an illustrator or graphic designer?

The illustrator doesn’t have the advanced knowledge of a graphic designer. If you like to draw and illustrate concepts, illustration would be a good fit. If you prefer to code, make websites, and do detail-type work, then graphic design might suit you better.

How much money do illustrators make a year?

Illustrators earned an average annual salary of $63,030 in May 2019, according to the BLS. Their salaries are highly contingent upon the size of their employers, experience and where they reside. Fifty percent of these fine artists’ salaries fell in the $32,400 to $74,110 per year range.

Can you make a living as an illustrator?

How Much Do Illustrators Make? … The average income of the best illustrators in New York is around $100,000 per year. But, there are also many who make lower than $1K per year. Indeed Salaries show that average freelance illustrator in the US charges a rate of around $25 per hour.

How many years does it take to become an illustrator?

Individuals may take 4 to 6 years of education and training to become an illustrator. The requirements needed are the same as the requirement for craft and fine artists.

How much do you pay an illustrator for a children’s book?

Bestselling author Joanna Penn estimates that the average pay for a 32-page picture book is $3,000 – $12,000, meaning a 32 page book with 20 illustrations equates anywhere from $150 to $600 per illustration. Publishing expert Anthony Puttee estimates a slightly lower standard rate of about $120 per illustration.

Where do illustrators make the most money?

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Illustrator Jobs

City Annual Salary Weekly Pay

Hayward, CA
$67,276 $1,294
Jackson, WY $67,203 $1,292
Norwalk, CT $67,027 $1,289
Seattle, WA $66,812 $1,285

How much money can you make as a freelance illustrator?

Freelance illustrator pay

ZipRecruiter estimates a conservative average salary of $59,837 per year (or about $29 per hour) for freelancers. Indeed reports their estimate quite a bit higher, at an average of $45.61 per hour. Factors like geography and education have less of an impact on freelance careers.

How do illustrators of books get paid?

Illustrators get paid royalties if they have signed a contract stating that they will receive a percentage of each sale of the product they were hired to create. The percentage of royalties is typically between 5% and 10% and start being paid to the illustrator once their advance has been ‘earned out’.

What skills must an illustrator have?


Illustrator Skills Needed

  • Creative and imaginative with an eye for color, balance, and layout.
  • Able to create a drawing that expresses an idea or concept.
  • Excellent at drawing, sketching, and painting skills.
  • Solid on photography skills.
  • Familiar with IT and design software.
  • Great negotiators.

What is the difference between a graphic artist and an illustrator?

Both graphic designers and illustrators work with images to construct visual displays for clients. Graphic designers create layouts using computer software, while illustrators may draw or paint images and upload them to make digital copies.

Is illustrator a good career?

Although a career as an illustrator can be incredibly rewarding, it can often feel a bit like chasing your own tail. … Unlike a career in design, there is less repeat work for illustrators because it is often more niche. Being a freelance creative is a somewhat temperamental career, all be it a fulfilling one.

How much do illustrators make hourly?

The average wage for an illustrator in California is around $31.34 per hour.

How much do illustrator graphics make?

The average graphic designer/illustrator makes $54,682 in the United States. The average hourly pay for a graphic designer/illustrator is $26.29. The average entry-level graphic designer/illustrator salary is $45,000.

Can graphic designers be illustrators?

It’s possible for one person to be both a graphic designer and an illustrator. This usually happens when a person has a strong artistic background. … Usually, these types of creative people find that they can make more money with graphic design than with illustration.

How much do children’s book illustrators make UK?

Starting salaries for illustrators are in the region of £18,000 to £20,000. In London, starting salaries are higher – around £23,000. As an experienced illustrator with several years’ experience, you may earn £20,000 to £30,000 a year. Well-established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 or more.

How do illustrators get paid?

Illustrators get paid royalties if they have signed a contract stating that they will receive a percentage of each sale of the product they were hired to create. The percentage of royalties is typically between 5% and 10% and start being paid to the illustrator once their advance has been ‘earned out’.

How do beginner artists make money?

Commissions are a popular strategy that many beginning artists and illustrators can use to make money—both online and offline. The best place to start is by showcasing your work on your social media.

How do I become an illustrator without a degree?

The simple answer is: yes! You can become a freelance illustrator without an illustration degree. A lot of artists in the industry aren’t illustration graduates, and most clients will judge you by the quality of the work in your portfolio — not by the degree or diploma that you might or might not have on paper.

What skills do illustrators need?


Illustrator Skills Needed

  • Creative and imaginative with an eye for color, balance, and layout.
  • Able to create a drawing that expresses an idea or concept.
  • Excellent at drawing, sketching, and painting skills.
  • Solid on photography skills.
  • Familiar with IT and design software.
  • Great negotiators.

What qualifications do you need to be an illustrator UK?

Typical entry requirements: There are no set requirements, but many illustrators have a degree in illustration or other arts-related subject like Graphic Design. Without a degree you can still be successful if you have artistic flair and a strong collection of work (portfolio).

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