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How do I become an illustrator?
I am currently a high school student who is about to start a bachelor's in communications in the fall. I don't know if a communications degree is relevant to illustration and art, but I have always wondered about the possibilities of working in something creative like this. How could I become an illustrator one day, if I can?
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6 answers
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Ellie! It's absolutely wonderful to hear that you're eager to get your creativity recognized. I'm confident that your dedication will pay off, and one day soon, others will see the amazing talent you possess. Alongside your basic education, I encourage you to explore at least one of these fantastic tools to give your career a brilliant boost:
- Moleskine Smart Writing Set
- Inkscape 0.92
- CorelDRAW 2017
- Corel Painter 2018
- Autodesk SketchBook 8.4
- ArtRage 5
- Affinity Photo for iPad
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
Furthermore, here's some positive advice to ensure a long and thriving career as an illustrator:
- Participate in networking events hosted by organizations like the Association of Illustrators to connect with passionate professionals just like yourself.
- Promote your outstanding work: What better way to catch the eye of publishing companies, art directors, agencies, and other potential clients than with the power of social media and online portfolio sites? Don't hesitate to reach out to publishers and art directors with your captivating ideas!
- Show how much you value punctuality by always respecting deadlines! Be transparent with clients about the fantastic work you're able to provide, and watch as your sphere of influence expands.
- Make the most of your time by engaging in challenging tasks that broaden your horizons. Whether that's diving into an online college course that covers design fundamentals, or shifting your focus to another industry where your illustration skills would excel, your versatility will be your greatest asset.
Remember, Ellie, your unique approach and perseverance will not only set you apart from the rest but also propel your career forward. You've got this!
- Moleskine Smart Writing Set
- Inkscape 0.92
- CorelDRAW 2017
- Corel Painter 2018
- Autodesk SketchBook 8.4
- ArtRage 5
- Affinity Photo for iPad
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
Furthermore, here's some positive advice to ensure a long and thriving career as an illustrator:
- Participate in networking events hosted by organizations like the Association of Illustrators to connect with passionate professionals just like yourself.
- Promote your outstanding work: What better way to catch the eye of publishing companies, art directors, agencies, and other potential clients than with the power of social media and online portfolio sites? Don't hesitate to reach out to publishers and art directors with your captivating ideas!
- Show how much you value punctuality by always respecting deadlines! Be transparent with clients about the fantastic work you're able to provide, and watch as your sphere of influence expands.
- Make the most of your time by engaging in challenging tasks that broaden your horizons. Whether that's diving into an online college course that covers design fundamentals, or shifting your focus to another industry where your illustration skills would excel, your versatility will be your greatest asset.
Remember, Ellie, your unique approach and perseverance will not only set you apart from the rest but also propel your career forward. You've got this!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hello Ellie! Your question demonstrates a strong interest in the field of communication and potential career paths that may be linked to it. Indeed, illustration and communication are closely connected, as illustration is a vital form of visual communication. This form of communication is crucial in today's digital landscape and will continue to be in high demand in the future.
Visual Communication is not only a subject to explore but also a field comprising various specialized skills. Combining a degree in communication with illustration skills can open up a multitude of opportunities for specialization and advancement in your chosen career.
I would like to bring your attention to an outstanding online institution, Sessions College for Professional Design. This accredited college now offers Bachelor's programs, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. As a recipient of an Associate degree in Illustration from Sessions College, I can attest to the high quality of education they deliver.
At Sessions College, you'll find a course on Communication at the following link: https://www.sessions.edu/online-courses/communication/. You may be able to collaborate with the college to create a customized study plan that equips you with a diverse set of skills tailored to your needs and career aspirations.
I encourage you to explore the combination of communication and illustration as it can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. Best wishes for your future endeavors, Ellie!
Visual Communication is not only a subject to explore but also a field comprising various specialized skills. Combining a degree in communication with illustration skills can open up a multitude of opportunities for specialization and advancement in your chosen career.
I would like to bring your attention to an outstanding online institution, Sessions College for Professional Design. This accredited college now offers Bachelor's programs, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. As a recipient of an Associate degree in Illustration from Sessions College, I can attest to the high quality of education they deliver.
At Sessions College, you'll find a course on Communication at the following link: https://www.sessions.edu/online-courses/communication/. You may be able to collaborate with the college to create a customized study plan that equips you with a diverse set of skills tailored to your needs and career aspirations.
I encourage you to explore the combination of communication and illustration as it can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. Best wishes for your future endeavors, Ellie!
Updated
Paloma’s Answer
No communications is not related to illustration, you would want to major in art to become an illustrator. I would recommend checking art schools or at the college you are thinking of entering for communications, see if you can meet with a counselor there to discuss your goal further
Updated
Renea’s Answer
Dear heart,
Again, communications is not related to being an illustrator, you need to think about art classes at a school you are thinking about attending. Also Google Art Schools and see if there is one you can enroll in. Also if you see someone doing caricatures in the park one day when its sunny, maybe you can strike up a conversation with them after they draw your caricature of course, they are fun to draw and fun to look at afterwards and take home to hang up.
Sincerely,
Si'van
Again, communications is not related to being an illustrator, you need to think about art classes at a school you are thinking about attending. Also Google Art Schools and see if there is one you can enroll in. Also if you see someone doing caricatures in the park one day when its sunny, maybe you can strike up a conversation with them after they draw your caricature of course, they are fun to draw and fun to look at afterwards and take home to hang up.
Sincerely,
Si'van
Updated
Mihaela’s Answer
Hello Ellie,
To effectively combine communication and illustration, consider following these actionable steps:
1. Identify your interests: Determine what type of illustrations you want to create, such as digital art, traditional drawing, or graphic design.
2. Enroll in courses: Look for art classes or courses that align with your interests, either online or in-person. Platforms like Skillshare or Udemy have many options for different skill levels and mediums.
3. Practice and improve: Dedicate time to practice and improve your illustration skills, and don't be afraid to explore new techniques or styles.
4. Build a portfolio: Create a collection of your best work to showcase your unique style and abilities.
5. Attend networking events: Find local or online meetups, workshops, and conferences to connect with other artists and professionals in your field. This can help you learn from others, gather feedback, and find potential collaboration opportunities.
6. Promote your work: Use social media and other platforms to share your illustrations and engage with others in the community. This can help you gain visibility and attract potential clients or collaborators.
7. Seek feedback: Actively request feedback from peers, mentors, and other professionals to continuously improve your skills and adapt to new trends.
By following these steps, you can begin to integrate your communication and illustration skills, ultimately leading to rewarding opportunities.
Best wishes,
Mihaela
To effectively combine communication and illustration, consider following these actionable steps:
1. Identify your interests: Determine what type of illustrations you want to create, such as digital art, traditional drawing, or graphic design.
2. Enroll in courses: Look for art classes or courses that align with your interests, either online or in-person. Platforms like Skillshare or Udemy have many options for different skill levels and mediums.
3. Practice and improve: Dedicate time to practice and improve your illustration skills, and don't be afraid to explore new techniques or styles.
4. Build a portfolio: Create a collection of your best work to showcase your unique style and abilities.
5. Attend networking events: Find local or online meetups, workshops, and conferences to connect with other artists and professionals in your field. This can help you learn from others, gather feedback, and find potential collaboration opportunities.
6. Promote your work: Use social media and other platforms to share your illustrations and engage with others in the community. This can help you gain visibility and attract potential clients or collaborators.
7. Seek feedback: Actively request feedback from peers, mentors, and other professionals to continuously improve your skills and adapt to new trends.
By following these steps, you can begin to integrate your communication and illustration skills, ultimately leading to rewarding opportunities.
Best wishes,
Mihaela
Updated
Liana’s Answer
Hi Ellie,
It's good to hear from you! Honestly, once you major in communication, you cannot major in Design. If you're really passionate about becoming an illustrator, I think it's better if you change your major to Design. If you want to focus more on communication, I think it's still good if you major in communication, and minor in Design. In your University, you can continue to take more electives on Design. Maybe you can double major in Communication and Design. If you double major, it will take you a lot longer to graduate. It really depends on what works best for you! Good luck!
It's good to hear from you! Honestly, once you major in communication, you cannot major in Design. If you're really passionate about becoming an illustrator, I think it's better if you change your major to Design. If you want to focus more on communication, I think it's still good if you major in communication, and minor in Design. In your University, you can continue to take more electives on Design. Maybe you can double major in Communication and Design. If you double major, it will take you a lot longer to graduate. It really depends on what works best for you! Good luck!