Forum - Getting started in Illustration
Getting started in Illustration
5 messages posted
United Kingdom
Hi folks,
I am in my final year of an Illustration degree and thinking about the future. I was just wondering what people's experiences were of trying to get into the world of illustration.
I realise that once I've graduated I will need to get some kind of job to keep the money coming in whilst I try to drum up some freelance work, but I don't know what area to look for work in. I'd rather get some kind of job in the creative field so that it counts for something career-wise, rather than go for something completely worlds apart from my interest in illustration.
So..just wondering what people did whilst trying to get started as illustrators? Any advice or personal experiences would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Emma
I am in my final year of an Illustration degree and thinking about the future. I was just wondering what people's experiences were of trying to get into the world of illustration.
I realise that once I've graduated I will need to get some kind of job to keep the money coming in whilst I try to drum up some freelance work, but I don't know what area to look for work in. I'd rather get some kind of job in the creative field so that it counts for something career-wise, rather than go for something completely worlds apart from my interest in illustration.
So..just wondering what people did whilst trying to get started as illustrators? Any advice or personal experiences would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Emma
1096 messages posted
United Kingdom
Hi Emma.
I've been where you are. When I finished my degree in illustration I was in the same boat - I needed money and like you wanted it to relate to my field. Sadly where I was there wasn't much work like that but I managed to get bits and bobs doing graphic design work, photoshoping, fixing computers etc etc.
In the end I diversified (realised illustrations wasn't for me) and now I design websites full time which is great.
By the way, I love the deer/stag head you have as a portrait, and believe it or not I have a client who needs one designed for a logo, in a similar style too! If your interested in a small freelance job email me at mail@voodoochilli.net and I'll pass his details onto you.
I've been where you are. When I finished my degree in illustration I was in the same boat - I needed money and like you wanted it to relate to my field. Sadly where I was there wasn't much work like that but I managed to get bits and bobs doing graphic design work, photoshoping, fixing computers etc etc.
In the end I diversified (realised illustrations wasn't for me) and now I design websites full time which is great.
By the way, I love the deer/stag head you have as a portrait, and believe it or not I have a client who needs one designed for a logo, in a similar style too! If your interested in a small freelance job email me at mail@voodoochilli.net and I'll pass his details onto you.
22 messages posted
Not Specified
I've been working for just over two
yrs as a freelance illustrator and
it's tough to start with. It's only
just starting to work out for me,
and there have been times when I've
thought 'god this isn't what I
expected'. My advise would be to
stick with it, get your fingers in
as many pies as possible and work
hard. Good luck, and try to be
positive about everything! Even
being a slightly hard up
illustrator beats the hell out of
having a normal job!
646 messages posted
United States of America
I got out of periodical
illustration, back in the 80's,
when computer art started getting
strong. It was dog eat dog then,
and the pay had dropped
drastically. Has it really gotten
better since then?
1025 messages posted
United States of America
Hi Emma,
I do freelance illustration and I also do textbook page production in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. I also just registered with a creatives placement agency. The pay might not be the best, but it is better than sitting around wondering when any money is coming in.
I do freelance illustration and I also do textbook page production in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. I also just registered with a creatives placement agency. The pay might not be the best, but it is better than sitting around wondering when any money is coming in.
646 messages posted
United States of America
When I was in it(sports
illustration), it averaged $300-800
a piece for outright purchase, and
some mags payed $600-800 for
one-time print rights, and the
artist retained the original.
Publications like Playboy and
Esquire payed astronomical fees(but
had very tough editorial staffs,
which made acceptance very hard).
Computer art dropped prices down
below $100. The lowest I ever saw
it was $25-35 per piece.
5 messages posted
United Kingdom
Thanks everyone for your input -
it's interesting to hear different
people's stories. Thanks for the
encouragement.
Joseph - IT's interesting what you say about pay dropping a lot. I'm not sure how much difference there is between the UK and US - although I suppose in the web age it is much more of a global marketplace. I have always been given the impression that Illustrators tend to be treated better in the US than over here.
Joseph - IT's interesting what you say about pay dropping a lot. I'm not sure how much difference there is between the UK and US - although I suppose in the web age it is much more of a global marketplace. I have always been given the impression that Illustrators tend to be treated better in the US than over here.
646 messages posted
United States of America
I have always been given the
impression that Illustrators tend
to be treated better in the US than
over here. - Emma Metcalf
And I would have thought the same about over there. The arts(and culture in general) have fallen by the wayside over here, due to massive drops in government support. So anything to do with commercial art followed suit(with the help of the massive flood of computer artists). The rest of the world still has an appreciation for art, but in this country, it is swiftly waning.
And I would have thought the same about over there. The arts(and culture in general) have fallen by the wayside over here, due to massive drops in government support. So anything to do with commercial art followed suit(with the help of the massive flood of computer artists). The rest of the world still has an appreciation for art, but in this country, it is swiftly waning.
90 messages posted
United Kingdom
Hi Emma,
some local publications (those which run on advertising) seem to hire people for telesales/advert design.
Not ideal, I know, but some opportunity to use design skills and possibly good practice for selling your own work...I guess it's the kind of job you could do part time, too.
some local publications (those which run on advertising) seem to hire people for telesales/advert design.
Not ideal, I know, but some opportunity to use design skills and possibly good practice for selling your own work...I guess it's the kind of job you could do part time, too.
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