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Artists > Illustrator
Creative and media
Illustrators produce drawings, paintings or diagrams for use in products like books and greetings cards, or on packaging.
You'll need a higher national diploma or degree in illustration or a related subject like fine art or graphic design. You'll usually need between 1 and 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree.
You'll also need a portfolio of your work to show prospective clients or for entry onto courses. Building a website or starting a blog where you can showcase your work is one way to get noticed. Having a presence on social media sites like Instagram is a great way of connecting with the public and potential customers.
If you work as a freelance illustrator you may decide to sell your work through an agent, who could put you in touch with more buyers. An agent 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.
You'll need:
Day-to-day you may:
With experience and graphic design skills you could work for a design agency, publishing company or magazine. You could also move into specialist work, for example architectural or archaeological illustration.
Photographic stylists use clothes, props and accessories to dress sets and create the right 'look' and mood for a photo shoot.
Exhibition designers work with organisations and individuals to turn their ideas into engaging displays.
Entertainers perform for audiences in stage, cabaret or comedy shows.
Production managers take care of the business, financial and recruitment side of film and television productions.
Classical musicians and singers perform music in concert, or on film, TV, or radio recordings.
Media buyers book advertising space in newspapers and magazines, and on TV, radio and the internet.
If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you. This role involves supporting the 4Studio production team by coordinating digital content projects, managing budgets and schedules, organising logistics for shoots, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and streamlining production processes to help bring creative ideas to life.
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction, or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday, and sick pay.
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job – whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables, or building engines!
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