Science Fiction Illustrator

What do they do

• Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products
• discussing client needs and identifying the target audience for the work
• Most illustrators specialise in a particular style. There are various different stages in their work

and...

• increasingly, using computer packages to scan in their own visual images, and then refine and develop the ideas on screen
• Illustrators in employment usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The working hours of freelance illustrators vary depending on deadlines and quantity of work.

Skills needed

• excellent drawing and IT skills
• self-motivation and the ability to work to deadlines

and...

• a good understanding of medicine, science or technology (to be a medical, scientific or technical illustrator).
• have a wide interest in the visual arts

How to learn to be one

• It is best to find a college that offers at least a Bachelor's Degree in art with a major in Illustration.
• It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work

and...

• The first step to becoming an Illustrator would be to find a college that has an extensive art program
• Postgraduate degrees and diplomas - applicants usually need a first degree in an appropriate subject. Most courses last one year full time

Famous Sci-fi artist

Frank Kelly Freas

Where do they work

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• For magazines and newspapers
• Comic books

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Professional Groups

• The Association of Illustrators 
• Creative & Cultural Skills
• Society of Artists Agents

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