Salary guide
Illustrator
- Average salary
- £20,000 – £45,000
- Working hours
- 37.5 hours/week
ArtsDesign
- The UK illustration market is worth over £500 million
Other names this job is known by
- Visual Artist
- Commercial Illustrator
Key responsibilities
- Create illustrations for books, magazines, advertising, or digital media
- Develop concepts and sketches
- Use traditional and digital tools
- Collaborate with writers and designers
- Edit and revise artwork
- Build a portfolio
- Stay updated on illustration trends
- Manage freelance business
Skills and qualifications required
- Degree or diploma in art, illustration, or design
- Portfolio of illustration work
- Drawing and digital design skills
- Communication and organisation
Promotional job opportunities from this role
- Senior Illustrator
- Art Director
- Creative Lead
- Freelance business owner
How to get the job
- Study art or illustration
- Build a portfolio
- Gain experience through commissions or internships
- Progress to senior or specialist roles
Learn to grow in this role
Practical Job Near Me guides chosen for people in this kind of job.
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Creative and Marketing Entry Paths
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- Career Growth2 min read
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A clear weekly plan beats endless scrolling and helps you track real progress.
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How to Read a Job Description Properly
Learn to spot must-haves, nice-to-haves, and red flags before you spend an hour on an application.
