3 answers
Victoria
Student
Clarksburg, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
222 views
How can I start work as a self-employed illustrator Are there any internships that could help build my portfolio??
I’m a skilled artist and plan to major in Biology. Medical illustration seems like a good career path for me, but I’m not sure how I would get started.
Login to comment
3 answers
Sonja Vass
Teacher of AI Adobe Creative Marketing
4
Answers
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Updated
Sonja’s Answer
1. How can I start work as a self-employed illustrator? Are there any internships that could help build my portfolio?
Student context: Skilled artist, planning to major in Biology. Interested in medical illustration.
Answer:
You’re in a great position to explore medical illustration—a field that perfectly blends your talents in art and interest in biology. Here’s how to get started:
Build a strong portfolio: Start creating illustrations of anatomy, biological systems, and scientific concepts. Use textbooks, reference photos, and anatomy models to practice. Include both digital and traditional pieces.
Explore internships: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities at medical schools, hospitals, museums, or scientific publications. Even unpaid projects for professors or researchers can help you build real-world examples.
Join professional groups: The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) is an excellent place to connect with professionals, view portfolios, and learn about the field.
Freelance platforms: Try sites like Upwork, Behance, or Fiverr to offer your illustration services. Start small and use the work to grow your reputation.
Consider a master’s degree later on: Many medical illustrators pursue a graduate program in medical illustration (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Illinois at Chicago). These programs are competitive, so portfolio-building now is key.
Student context: Skilled artist, planning to major in Biology. Interested in medical illustration.
Answer:
You’re in a great position to explore medical illustration—a field that perfectly blends your talents in art and interest in biology. Here’s how to get started:
Build a strong portfolio: Start creating illustrations of anatomy, biological systems, and scientific concepts. Use textbooks, reference photos, and anatomy models to practice. Include both digital and traditional pieces.
Explore internships: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities at medical schools, hospitals, museums, or scientific publications. Even unpaid projects for professors or researchers can help you build real-world examples.
Join professional groups: The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) is an excellent place to connect with professionals, view portfolios, and learn about the field.
Freelance platforms: Try sites like Upwork, Behance, or Fiverr to offer your illustration services. Start small and use the work to grow your reputation.
Consider a master’s degree later on: Many medical illustrators pursue a graduate program in medical illustration (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Illinois at Chicago). These programs are competitive, so portfolio-building now is key.
Pavel Bulva
7
Answers
Minsk, Minsk Region, Belarus
Updated
Pavel’s Answer
There are various marketplaces for illustrators, where customers are looking for an illustrator for their project. It is also important to have a good portfolio that presents your skills, experience and abilities on some professional platform, like Behance. If you are a beginner and have no orders or customers yet, then come up with an order yourself, create a series of illustrations supposedly for a fictitious customer, a series in which you would demonstrate your skills and abilities. You need some material by which a potential customer can understand your level and your style
Sonja Vass
Teacher of AI Adobe Creative Marketing
4
Answers
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Updated
Sonja’s Answer
1. How can I start work as a self-employed illustrator? Are there any internships that could help build my portfolio?
Student context: Skilled artist, planning to major in Biology. Interested in medical illustration.
Answer:
Fun fact: I also considered Medical Illustration as a career. Two years of drawing anatomy and attending autopsies had me realized this field was not for me. The compensation is higher in this field for illustrators. Keep in mind you will need more education to qualify for employment in this field. A medical illustrator knows as much about the inside of the body as many doctors are expected to learn. You are drawings will expected to be exact.
You’re in a great position to explore medical illustration—a field that perfectly blends your talents in art and interest in biology. Here’s how to get started:
Build a strong portfolio: Start creating illustrations of anatomy, biological systems, and scientific concepts. Use textbooks, reference photos, and anatomy models to practice. Include both digital and traditional pieces.
Explore internships: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities at medical schools, hospitals, museums, or scientific publications. Even unpaid projects for professors or researchers can help you build real-world examples.
Join professional groups: The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) is an excellent place to connect with professionals, view portfolios, and learn about the field.
Freelance platforms: Try sites like Upwork, Behance, or Fiverr to offer your illustration services. Start small and use the work to grow your reputation.
Consider a master’s degree later on: Many medical illustrators pursue a graduate program in medical illustration (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Illinois at Chicago). These programs are competitive, so portfolio-building now is key. Also check out Virginia Commonwealth University, my Alma Mater! They have an excellent Medical Illustration program.
If you find my answers useful, I appreciate a recommendation on LinkedIN! Thank you. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjavass/
Student context: Skilled artist, planning to major in Biology. Interested in medical illustration.
Answer:
Fun fact: I also considered Medical Illustration as a career. Two years of drawing anatomy and attending autopsies had me realized this field was not for me. The compensation is higher in this field for illustrators. Keep in mind you will need more education to qualify for employment in this field. A medical illustrator knows as much about the inside of the body as many doctors are expected to learn. You are drawings will expected to be exact.
You’re in a great position to explore medical illustration—a field that perfectly blends your talents in art and interest in biology. Here’s how to get started:
Build a strong portfolio: Start creating illustrations of anatomy, biological systems, and scientific concepts. Use textbooks, reference photos, and anatomy models to practice. Include both digital and traditional pieces.
Explore internships: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities at medical schools, hospitals, museums, or scientific publications. Even unpaid projects for professors or researchers can help you build real-world examples.
Join professional groups: The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) is an excellent place to connect with professionals, view portfolios, and learn about the field.
Freelance platforms: Try sites like Upwork, Behance, or Fiverr to offer your illustration services. Start small and use the work to grow your reputation.
Consider a master’s degree later on: Many medical illustrators pursue a graduate program in medical illustration (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Illinois at Chicago). These programs are competitive, so portfolio-building now is key. Also check out Virginia Commonwealth University, my Alma Mater! They have an excellent Medical Illustration program.
If you find my answers useful, I appreciate a recommendation on LinkedIN! Thank you. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjavass/