How to become an illustrator
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
University
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in illustration or a related subject like fine art or graphic design.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
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College
You could do a course in art and design to help you become an illustrator.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could take an apprenticeship to learn some of the skills you need to get started as an illustrator, like:
- Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Junior Animator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Direct Application
If you do not have art or design qualifications, you can contact companies directly to share examples of your work.
You can find information on the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook on how to:
- get started as a freelance illustrator
- prepare a portfolio
- find a publisher
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Career tips
As a freelance illustrator you'll need a portfolio to showcase your work. You'll need this to get onto a course or to show clients.
You might want to create your portfolio on:
- your own website
- a blog
- social media platforms like Instagram
If you're working freelance, you can sell your work directly or through an agent.
Agents have access to a large network of buyers and will take a percentage of your sales as commission. The Society of Artists Agents has details of agents as well as examples of artists' work.
Further information
You can get more details about working in illustration from the Association of Illustrators (AOI).
You can get information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.