What is an illustrator?

An illustrator is a picture-maker and a creative problem solver.
They are visual storytellers who create images to communicate ideas,
stories, or information.

Typical areas of illustration:

Children's literature
Surface pattern
Medical/technical
Textiles
Fashion
Packaging
Publishing

As you can see from the list above, there's endless possibilities.

Concept art
Printmaking
Comic artist
Advertising
Animation
Graphic design
Fine art

Who is going to hire an illustrator?

  • The majority of illustrators are self-employed, which means you work for yourself.

  • You are not employed by a single company on a regular basis, but rather take on projects from various clients.

  • Paid jobs working for a company or agency are rarely advertised. However there are some out there:

  • Advertising and marketing agencies, publishers, printing studios, graphic design agencies, surface pattern print companies, web design or animation companies.

What’s it like being self-employed?

  • You’re your own boss – freedom and flexibility, but also responsible for everything.

  • You have to be passionate about what you do. Its not a 9-5 job, its a lifestyle choice.

  • Working independently from home most of the time.

  • Handle finances, invoices, contracts, marketing, taxes, emails.

How do illustrators actually make money?

  • Income from commissions, freelance projects, product sales, wholesale, licensing, workshops, social media collaborations.

  • Selling your own designs/products online and or at markets.

  • Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, you need different income streams.

Is a creative degree worth it?

  • Develop confidence, build a creative network, and make friends.

  • Build skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are valuable in various industries. 

  • Other careers: art director, teacher, lecturer, tattoo artist, media, art therapist, curator.

  • If you have passion about design and are willing to work hard to build a career in a creative field, or if you want to develop valuable skills that can be applied in a variety of other industries, a creative degree is a worthwhile investment.

My journey into illustration

From wandering around with a camera, to spending a lot of my time drawing and making things as a child, creativity has always been the focus of my life.

  • I joined Kirkham in 2012, studied Fine Art at GCSE and A-Level, alongside Photography.

  • From the guidance of the teachers, and in particular Mr Gardiner in Sixth Form, I was introduced to the world of illustration.

  • I went on to achieve a First in my illustration degree at UCLan in 2022.

Since graduating, I currently work as a freelance illustrator selling my own designs as art prints, greeting cards, stickers and gifts at maker’s markets across the North West and online using Etsy.

I run my shop whilst growing my professional portfolio and completing projects for various clients.

Selling online and at markets

  • Markets: connect directly with customers, meet other small business owners, take cash and card payments.

  • Online: create product listings, push marketing, manage orders, shipping, sell physical and digital products.

Running a shop involves learning how to have good customer service, how to manage products and stock, generate sales, talk about yourself and your work, and will push you out of your comfort zone.

How I create my work

I use both traditional and digital mediums.
Mostly gouache paint, coloured pencils and Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Ideas/doodle - sketch - refine - paint - scan in - final touches - create print ready files - make into products.

Applying to University

I received offers from every University I applied to, with two Unconditional Offers and a scholarship from UCLan, a place at Lancaster without needing to go for an interview because of my strong portfolio, and an offer from Cumbria. These are my top tips for applying to an arts course at university. (2019)

Strong personal statement

  • Love to create characters or paint landscapes? Tell them why!

  • Talk about your current style if you have one, or state that you enjoy working in a variety of ways.

  • Being able to identify what personality your work has is important, no matter if its graphic, abstract, modern, realistic, impressionism, grunge, or cute.

  • Express that you want to work with tutors to learn and develop your skills.

  • List any key events like local exhibitions, commissions or projects that you’ve already taken part in.

  • Add in any volunteer work, awards, clubs, DofE, prefect or student ambassador roles. Universities are looking for well rounded people.

  • Explain your interests. I wrote about how my hobbies like video games, photography, and media like films and tv inspired my work. You’ll be going into an environment with people just like you, and its surprising how much you’ll have in common with other people - even your tutors, they’re artists too!

Prepare a good portfolio

  • 10–15 strong pieces showing your range of skills.

  • Take sketchbooks and experimentation to portfolio reviews.

  • Show development, not just finished pieces.

  • They want to see that you have passion, the more work the better!

  • Tailor it per application, for example you might want to swap out some graphic pieces of work for more experimental ones if you’re applying to a fine art or foundation course.

Other top tips:

  • Keep sketchbooks, avoid comparing yourself to others, experiment and try new things.

  • Take opportunities where you can and stay open minded.

  • Learn business skills, take breaks, stay curious, and keep old work, even if you hate it!!

  • Don’t panic if you think you haven’t found a ‘style’ yet. Your work already has one because it was made by you. That’s what ties it all together. Not everything you make has to look the same.

  • Your work will evolve over time– keep going despite the changes!

  • If you haven’t already, make a ‘brand’ for yourself. Create a logo, social media page and or website to showcase your work. You can easily display your portfolio and direct people to see your work all in one place. Design some business cards with all your details on.
    £5 business cards from Banana Print: www.banana-print.co.uk/business-cards/

  • Don’t let other people (even your parents) dissuade you or tell you that art isn’t a ‘proper job’.

Creativity is a skill and a career path. Whether you want to make it a career is entirely up to you. Even if you don’t pursue it professionally, keep making! After all, you’ll never truly stop being a creative at heart.

I started like you – unsure where art could lead. I am still in the early stages of my professional career and have a lot of learning left to do, but following this path has been the best thing I’ve ever done.

Lets keep in touch!

Instagram: @emilypeetillustration

Website: www.emilypeetillustration.com