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How to Become An Illustrator

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What is a Illustrator

An Illustrator creates images that bring ideas to life. They use drawing, painting, and digital software to make artwork for books, magazines, websites, games, and more. It is a career that rewards both creativity and precision.

Day to day, Illustrators work on briefs from clients or employers. They sketch ideas, build concepts, and produce finished artwork. They use tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop alongside hand-made media such as pencil, ink, and watercolour. Every project is new, which keeps the work fresh.

Illustrators work across many fields. They might create covers for novels, characters for animated films, or graphics for news sites. About 3,400 Illustrators are employed in Australia, with strong demand for new talent (Your Career, 2025).

Getting into illustration takes skill and drive. Building a strong portfolio is key. Many Illustrators study a Diploma of Visual Arts or a design degree before entering the industry. Some break through with self-directed learning and a strong body of work.

Career Outlook for Illustrator

The illustration field in Australia has a young and active workforce. The median age of Illustrators is 34, and about 3,400 people work in this role (Your Career, 2025). About 70% work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week. The rest work part-time or freelance, which suits those who want more flexible hours.

Future demand for Illustrators is rated as strong (Your Career, 2025). Growth in digital media, gaming, publishing, and ads keeps creating new chances for visual artists. Illustrators who are skilled in both hand-made and digital media are well-placed to build lasting careers across many sectors.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Illustrator

Step 1: Build Your Foundation in Visual Art

Before formal study or paid work, develop your drawing skills through daily practice and sketchbooks. Learn the basics of layout, colour, and perspective. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are key industry tools. Start learning them early through free online courses or trial software.

Step 2: Complete the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125)

Enrol in the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 1 to 2 years full-time and covers a wide range of visual art skills. It is well-known by employers in illustration, design, and publishing. You can also choose a Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Design at a university. This takes 3 years full-time.

Step 3: Build a Professional Portfolio

A portfolio is your main credential as an Illustrator. Include 10 to 20 of your best pieces across a range of styles and subjects. Show original work and any client or practice briefs you have done. Publish your portfolio on a personal website or a platform such as Behance. Update it as your skills grow.

Step 4: Gain Real-World Experience

Get hands-on experience by taking on small freelance jobs, internships, or group projects. Contact local publishers, design studios, or community groups about project work. Early jobs build your confidence, grow your network, and give you real client feedback. Many Illustrators start freelancing while still studying.

Step 5: Join Illustrators Australia and Build Your Network

Join Illustrators Australia to connect with other professionals, access industry resources, and take part in events and shows. Networking with art directors, publishers, and fellow Illustrators can lead to paid work. Staying active in the illustration community helps you keep up with trends and new chances.

What does an Illustrator do?

An Illustrator’s day mixes creative work with client contact. They start by reading and discussing the brief, then move into research and concept sketching. Using tools from pencils and watercolours to Photoshop and Procreate, they turn ideas into final artwork. They give updates to clients, take feedback, and adjust their work. No two projects are the same. That variety is a big part of what makes illustration such an engaging career.

Tasks

Illustrators use visual art to bring ideas to life across many fields. From children’s books and editorial work to digital media and ads, their art tells stories and shares messages. They blend creative instinct with technical skill to meet client needs across hand-made and digital formats.

  • Consulting with clients: understanding the goals, limits, and style needs of the brief.
  • Research and analysis: gathering information to understand the task and the audience.
  • Concept development: building and refining design ideas using hand-made and digital media.
  • Sketching and layout: preparing rough and detailed illustrations to show design concepts.
  • Negotiating design outcomes: working with clients to refine and approve the final work.
  • Material selection: choosing the right tools, media, and techniques for each project.
  • Production documentation: preparing and formatting final artwork for print or digital delivery.
  • Supervising production: overseeing or carrying out the production process in the chosen media.
  • Archiving work: keeping a record of completed projects for the portfolio and client reference.

Skills for Success

Illustrators need strong drawing skills and a good eye for colour, layout, and detail. They also need to know how to use digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Most Illustrators keep hand-made skills sharp too, such as sketching, painting, and hand-lettering.

Communication and organisation matter just as much. Illustrators work with clients, art directors, and editors, and must take and act on feedback. Managing deadlines across several projects is part of the job. A portfolio that shows range and personal style is one of the best ways to stand out.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong drawing and illustration skills
  • Skill in digital tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate)
  • Knowledge of colour theory and layout
  • Ability to develop and share design concepts
  • Clear communication and teamwork skills
  • Attention to detail and a strong visual sense
  • Time management and the ability to work to deadlines
  • Creativity and an original personal style
  • Ability to take and respond to feedback
  • Knowledge of both hand-made and digital illustration techniques
  • Understanding of audience, market trends, and visual storytelling
  • A portfolio showing a range of styles and projects

Average Salaries

Illustrators in Australia earn about $78,000 a year on average, based on median weekly pay of $1,500 (Your Career, 2025). Entry-level roles start from around $60,000 per year. Senior Illustrators can earn $110,000 or more. Pay varies with skill level, type of employer, and whether the Illustrator works full-time or freelance.

min $60 K

max $110 K

av $78 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.