What is the best way to land a job as an illustrator?

Always be creating--draw every day. Draw all sorts of things. Draw from life, draw what you see (a direct representation of a person leaning on a building), and then draw what you want others to see (instead of a direct representation of a person leaning on a building, draw a pirate leaning on a ship's mast... do so by looking at the person leaning on the building as reference and blend in your experience and imagination to create something).

Identify art that you love and try to find a "making of" that artwork. This is easier for film art (art books and behind the scenes extras on blurays). This will give you a better understanding of the things people do and how they approach creating the art that they create. This will help you settle your eyes on what you want to do as a career and hone in on your craft. As it is, you mentioned being a concept artists. You can be a concept artist for different industries--gaming, television, film--and for different objectives within the work--character, props, environment.

If your aim is to be a concept artist for characters, you should have a solid foundation in drawing human figures and anatomy. Take figure drawing courses and read figure drawing books/youtube figure drawing channels. Many community centers or arts centers will have figure drawing classes (not for academic credit, but your skills will improve markedly). Draw from live figures, not just books or youtube channels.

If your aim is to be a concept artist for environments have a solid understanding of perspective and drawing organic figures like trees.

If your aim is to be a concept artist for props, have a solid understanding of drawing an object in many different ways (20 different backpack concept for a character, for example)

As a 3D animator, I would suggest at least expanding your thoughts to 3D modeling and 3D sculpting to make yourself more versatile in the digital realm. This could be used in gaming, film, or TV/advertising.

Lastly, always help another artist. Animation is a small community and people remember who helped them be a better artist--connect with your fellow artists at school and always be involved in groups or guest lectures. Ask questions of professors and visiting artists. You never know where connections may lead.

Your portfolio will speak louder than your degree. I was helping clients visualize their goals before I ever graduated but I was lucky enough to have a network that already knew about me. I'd start by participating in groups of other artists on Facebook and share your work with relevant tags on social media. Make a page on Squarespace and invest time and energy into yourself and your craft. Save for an Oculus Rift and a high end computer and download Medium to learn 3D. There's will be absolutely no reason to learn how to make 3d with a keyboard and mouse once you learn VR. It's a game changer.

I have never been able to produce at the capacity I am now and it's because I've introduced Vr into my workflow.

Practice , learn, draw as much as you can , read books , make collaborations with artist , join some art forums, research on industry, make your art as not last , keep creating!

Make sure you have a professional demo-reel, that highlights your best work. This should no longer than 20-30 seconds visual of what you specialize in, and want to pursue in your career.

experience and determination

In my perspective illustrator has some special capacities that Photoshop does not have.Most of time when i make a motion graphic I try to make a picture with this software.As we know After effect has an ability to show vector pictures with vector format that helps our work seems very sharp.Another thing is that using of this SW for creating Illustration books

Create and put together a strong portfolio that will stand out during an interview or job application.

In my opinion, the best way to land a job as an illustrator is to constantly practice your illustration skills, whether it'd be drawing by hand or for a digital computer, also looking at other illustration pieces as influence, perhaps to gain some ideas for yourself or a client.

Finding illustration jobs for companies is not an easy task. There are plenty out there and one key to finding them is to be well balanced in acttuall drawing skills and strong computer skills and knowing or at least having a basic understanding of various software that is out there. Start by knowing Photoshop, Illustrator and Premier. Understanding how 3D software works and knowing your way around some if it helps as well knowing how to make stellar presentations for board meetings and sales.

Did I mention you should have drawing abilities as well? Learn to draw on paper as well as on a computer. I once owned an ad agency and when I looked for an artist to hire I had a hard time finding an artist that could actually draw. About 90% of the so called artist that applied could not draw on paper only on a computer. So learn good drawing skills on paper as well as computer. That will give you a leg up on those that need a computer to draw.

Joining sites like LinkedIn and networking helps slot also. If you're the shy type or introvert then you need to break out of that shell and start meeting and talking to everyone you can. You never know where the next job or career opportunity will come from.

If you are thinking of going freelance then it's a good idea to take a short small business course. Check with the Small Business Administration and they might be able to direct you to somewhere to take a short course on running your own business.

Good luck and I wish you success.

Be determined by what you learn. Be specified in your portfolio, then, you will capture the attention of companies that are dedicated to it. Maybe you could dedicate yourself to the design and art of characters for videogames or digital animation.

To be a successful concept artist you have to be comfortable and skilled at drawing. You need to be able to let your creativity flow and trust your instincts. Always remember there is a chance that something you put a lot of time into isn't going to work and you have to know when it's time to scrap it and try again. But don't ever give up or get discouraged. I can tell you personally some of the best designs I have ever done happened by accident. Once you have completed a design that you are proud of and others are drawn to there is no bigger sense of accomplishment in the world but that's my opinion.

Draw, draw, draw!!! I know that sounds simple, but if you're just getting started in school, I would recommend taking as much Life-Drawing classes as possible. This really helped me when I started in a community college then went on to a four year school. Also, in school do your best to learn all of the software that the animation/game industries are using, both 2D and 3D. Check online job boards to see what they list as software they are using for the type of job you would want someday! (Maya3D for animation and Photoshop with Cintiq for illustration are the most common in my experience...student copies of these programs are often MUCH less expensive).

As a matter of fact, once you are finished with your 4 year degree, or maybe even during, sign up for short term animation/illustration classes near your area, taught from industry veterans. For example in Los Angeles there are a number of small schools that offer short term programs in very specific areas of study...Concept Art, Storyboards, Background Design, 3D Modeling, 3D Animation, etc... (Some L.A. area schools Twitter accounts: <s>@</s>CGMasterAcademy<span style="color: rgb(20, 23, 26); background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);"> </span><s>@</s>Brainstorm_Sch<span style="color: rgb(20, 23, 26); background-color: rgb(245, 248, 250);"> </span><s>@</s>AnimationMentor, <s>@</s>SchoolismLIVE, <s>@</s>CDA_Staff...) Check them out, some people prefer this to even a 4 year school. This is also where you will meet people who can put you in touch with others who might need your skills.

Whatever way is right for you, remember always become the best artist you can be...my biggest regret from college, (a four year BA degree in Graphic Communications) is that I did not major in studio art, and focus more on my artistic skills...Just make sure you are doing what you want to be doing while in school. And DRAW, DRAW, DRAW!! You can't control who will hire you, but you can control how hard you work to make yourself a better artist!

Blessings and good luck!

Freelance and stay inn contact with major studios.

First you must decide what type of artist you want to become from a professional standpoint. Where do you want to utilize your talents? Magazines, Books, Film, Media, Music, Sports? Then begin to seek out companies that need your talents directly. Contact them. Also find good mentors who can not only encourage you but provide practical suggestions and assistance. Speak with those Professors in your school and connect with them beyond the classroom. Create a space where dialogue and knowledge can continue to be gained and then make application of that knowledge.

It's best to get a head start, look for internships where possible, and always constantly be building your portfolio. I know it can be frustrating, but do not shy away from unpaid internships. It's experience and the opportunity to network with and learn from other knowledgeable, talented artists.

I've worked as an illustrator and animator for most of my career. I started a little late in the field of animation, so options for work are limited. My advice is don't be afraid to put your name and work out there. You don't need a degree to do that. The internet is a great learning tool. Use it to advance your knowledge in your chosen field. There are many options for learning. But your work ethic will determine your level of success. The harder your work the better you'll be. People that don't apply themselves to their education are wasting their time and money.

I have a friend whose mantra is "Practice, practice, practice! Research, research, research! Network, network, network!" It's some of the best advice I've ever heard. To break it down:

Draw! Draw everything! Draw from life, draw from imagination, draw all the time. You get to be good by practicing. Never stop. Fill sketchpad and hard disks with your work. Work on the hard stuff - faces, hands, feet, odd perspectives. Hold on to the best of it, then go back every year or so and compare it to your current average to see how you've grown.

Research! Find artists whose work you like and study how they do what they do. Read tutorials. Watch videos. Know what you're drawing. Study the things you want to illustrate, be they spaceships, buildings, historical fashions, vehicles, armor, animals, trees, dance, martial arts, riding, or whatever. Study the industries and studios you might like to work with. What's their pace, their workflow, their culture?

Network! Get to know people. Be friendly and helpful with your fellow students - they will be your coworkers. Seek critique from peers, teachers, and those you admire. Learn to give gentle and constructive critique as well. One who can both do and teach is twice a master. Remember names, stay in touch, and be someone who you'd like to work with. Use LinkedIn, join some clubs or meetups, tell people what you do, and if they say "I've know someone you might like to talk to," take them up on it.

To run back through the list again:

• Do the work. Lots of it. Especially the hard stuff. Remember that you're going to be competing and working with pros. You need to be that good, and the surest way to get there is practice!
• Learn everything you can. Learn what things look like, how they move, what makes them work. Learn the tools of your trade, from pencil and paper to the best software you can get your hands on. Learn how to learn. Learn how to teach and critique others and yourself.
• Meet people. Be friendly. Make connections. Let people know what you do and where you want to go. As another friend likes to say, "It's not what you know, and it's not who you know. It's who knows you know what you know." When you're given a name, contact them. When you're given an opportunity, be reliable and professional. While you're doing this, help others get where they're going. It's a small world, and people remember those who are as helpful and fun to work with as they are skilled.

whether you choose to pursue illustration, animation or related creative paths, also consider the different industries these touch on: games, interactive, learning, broadcast/digital media, film, marketing/branding, manufacturing, engineering, etc. Like art has a nuance of style, Each of these has their nuances in technology, workflow and methodology. So knowing where your interest lies, even broadly, will help give you some focus.

additionally, you want to put yourself out there through social channels, forums, organizations, and even conventions. The purpose being to build a network to lean on for peer support, advisement and mentor ship.

finally, developing a strong portfolio exhibiting knowledge and competence in the fundamentals of art is key, and showcasing the sub specialties you are looking to work in as well (concept art, design, 2d animation, 3d animation, and so forth).

not knowing where your your focus lies i’ll offer some game centric resources that show a range of expertise and discipline.

• artstation.com
• sketchfab.com

realize that an art centric path is a very competitive space and, like anything worth having/doing, will require effort, sacrifice, diligence and above all persistence.

best of luck.