How to be an illustrator

What are the qualities, attributes and skulls that make for a successful, practising illustrator? This question is particularly relevant today where there is shifting and blurring of boundaries between disciplines, particularly in the creative and media industries. To begin with, it is widely acknowledged that one of the initial aspects of an illustrator’s education is to do with the acquisition of practical skills. The operative skills that are associated with contemporary illustration practise, involves the utilisation of a range of media, both traditional and increasingly digital as, for example, promoting oneself by way of a website has become the norm. Sound academic drawing practise is also an essential underpinning for most aspects of illustration, irrespective of the visual language or style one is associated with. The externalisation and visualisation of concepts and ideas are best deployed by the process of innovative use of design and conceptualisation is also essential, felicitated by the natural ‘gift’ of visual intelligence. It is however, unfortunate that some commissioning art directors and illustration tutors place importance on the superficiality of visual language and the commercial constraints placed upon it to conform to trends and fashion. In education, the student illustrator is often under pressure to ‘break new ground’ and push the boundaries of the subject. This usually means the production of so called ‘innovative’ mark-making that in reality does nothing to consider the real business of illustration.

In a professional context, successful, forward-thinking illustrators no longer operate the way many did and some still do, as merely ‘colouring in technicians’, receiving briefs that are heavily directed and prescribed regarding content and overall visual concept. Many illustrators ‘take the lead’, or are given it, in terms of directing a project or commission. This has a significant bearing on the profession process and means that the best illustrators are often educated, socially and culturally aware. They need to have knowledge of, be authoritative about and have empathy for a great many topics and subject, particularly those the illustrator may be required to engage with as part of a brief. They also need to be mindful of current affairs and opinion, be contemporary with society at large and current trends in visual language and media. Illustrators need to have knowledge, understanding and insight regarding the context, within which they are working, the professionals working within the parameters and needs of the market place and target audiences. They need to utilise a breadth of intellectual and practical skills that might once be regarded as transferrable from other disciplines but considered essential if the illustrator has ambitions to transcend the role of commissioned hack.

Source: Illustration – A theoretical & contextual perspective  Pg11