How To Become a Professional Illustrator

Professional Illustration Careers

• Political Cartoonist

  According to Guy Hansen, curator of the Bringing the House Down exhibition: “Cartoons are now one of the most important weapons in a newspaper’s armoury of political analysis”.  By drawing the audience’s attention to important issues and cutting proud politicians down to size with satire, political cartoonists play a vital role in ensuring the media fulfils its function as “the Fourth Estate”. Australia has a rich history of political cartooning. In 1889, pro-labor cartoons played a role in spurring Australians to action, prompting a 30,000 pound donation to the London docker’s strike that helped ensure its success. And in 1924, the world’s first society of cartoonists – the Black and White Artists Society, was formed in Sydney. Political cartooning is a form of journalism as well as art, so the cartoonist needs to be knowledgeable about current affairs. They should also be familiar with the illustrative style of their art, such as the use of humorous caricatures that emphasise certain recognisable qualities of the political figures being portrayed.

• Technical Illustrator

  Whether it’s the educational images found in science textbooks, or the descriptive diagrams utilised in instruction manuals, the work of the technical illustrator is invaluable to anyone attempting to make sense of complex information. Accuracy and detail is the aim of technical illustration, rather than emotional engagement. As such, technical illustrators will need to collaborate with industry professionals, and may even have the opportunity to visit manufacturing plants and construction sites to see how things are built. A great career choice for those who enjoy combining professional illustration with extensive research.

• Book Illustrator

  Book illustrators are usually employed by children’s book publishers, though certain genres may offer the opportunity to work on more adult-oriented material. Tibet: Through the Red Box is an example of a picture book aimed at adults, and history books may incorporate illustrations depicting various ancient cities and warrior apparel. Book illustrators need to be able to visualise appropriate imagery in response to the books they intend to illustrate. Finding a style that appeals to children can be an especially challenging, though rewarding task.

Becoming an Illustrator