Starting salaries for illustrators are in the region of £18,000 to £20,000. In London, starting salaries are higher – around £23,000. As an experienced illustrator with several years’ experience, you may earn £20,000 to £30,000 a year. Well-established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 or more.

Similarly, Is illustrator a good career?

Although a career as an illustrator can be incredibly rewarding, it can often feel a bit like chasing your own tail. … Unlike a career in design, there is less repeat work for illustrators because it is often more niche. Being a freelance creative is a somewhat temperamental career, all be it a fulfilling one.

Additionally, How much do you earn as a freelance illustrator? Illustrators in Australia start out on the national minimum wage of $25 per hour. The rate increases as the illustrator gains more experience and depth in his or her portfolio. The average hourly rate for an illustrator in Australia is $50 per hour.

Are illustrators in demand?

Employment Opportunities and Salary Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected all fine artists to see slower-than-average job growth of 0% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). The demand for illustrators was forecast to be greater for those with knowledge of digital illustration software.

How much do illustrators make hourly?

The average wage for an illustrator in California is around $31.34 per hour.

Is a degree in illustration worth it?

Conclusion. An illustration degree is worth it considering how much you’ll learn that may take you far more years if you go the self-taught route. You’ll also gain valuable relationships with other students that could lead to work opportunities in your career. … Be brave and good luck with your illustration career.

What kind of jobs can an illustrator get?

There are career options for illustrators in several different fields, including advertising and software development.




Jobs in illustration (plus nine other career ideas)

  • Animator. …
  • Graphic designer. …
  • Illustrator. …
  • Fashion designer. …
  • Painter. …
  • Architectural designer. …
  • Tattoo artist. …
  • Concept artist.

Is it hard to be an illustrator?

While it might be a few years until you finally land one of those jobs, it’s not actually too difficult to find low-paying gigs that don’t require a ton of experience. The problem with this is that it’s really easy to get sucked into this type of work.

How much should I charge for an illustration?

Hourly rates for illustrators range from $25 to $100, and can be higher depending on the area of specialty and artist reputation. Nationwide, the average costs for an illustration project can range from $90 to $465, but larger projects will command higher rates, and every project is different.

How much do freelance artists make?

The average freelance artist salary in the USA is $50,375 per year or $25.83 per hour. Entry level positions start at $39,975 per year while most experienced workers make up to $85,800 per year.

How do I become a freelance illustrator?


How to Become a Freelance Illustrator: 6 Tips to Get You Started

  1. Research the scope of the job. …
  2. Build a strong portfolio. …
  3. Scout marketplaces for jobs. …
  4. Be active on social media. …
  5. Develop good relationships with clients. …
  6. Manage your finances.

Is illustration in high demand?

Despite limited budgets in some areas, the demand for quality illustration remains high in many esoteric markets. Illustrators with a passion to earn a living by way of their art are forging new career paths as current economics make “specializing” essential.

What is the future for illustrators?

Illustrations in the future will be more than purely a visual support. The constant development of advanced programming, online formats and cutting-edge digital techniques, coupled with skilled innovative illustrators is resulting in new illustrative designs which are tactile, united and interactive (Burns, 2016).

What is the job outlook for an illustrators?

There are currently an estimated 28,000 illustrators in the United States. The illustrator job market is expected to grow by 6.8% between 2016 and 2026.

How much do illustrators make per page?

Bestselling author Joanna Penn estimates that the average pay for a 32-page picture book is $3,000 – $12,000, meaning a 32 page book with 20 illustrations equates anywhere from $150 to $600 per illustration. Publishing expert Anthony Puttee estimates a slightly lower standard rate of about $120 per illustration.

How much do beginning illustrators make?

PayScale.com reported a total pay range (including bonuses and commission) of $14,732 to $99,912 for book illustrators in April 2018. It also reported these salary ranges which show how much illustrators make based on experience: Entry-level: $21,716 – $66,212.

What are the highest paying art jobs?


9 Highest Paying Art Careers

  • #1 Art Director. Median Salary: $94,220. …
  • #2 Producer & Director. Median Salary: $74,420. …
  • #3 Landscape Architect. Median Salary: $69,360. …
  • #4 Video Editor. Median Salary: $63,780. …
  • #5 Graphic Designer. Median Salary: $52,110. …
  • #6 Drafter. Median Salary: $56,830. …
  • #7 Art Curator. …
  • #8 Interior Designer.

How long does it take to get a degree in illustration?

Answer: Individuals may take 4 to 6 years of education and training to become an illustrator. The requirements needed are the same as the requirement for craft and fine artists.

Should I do graphic design or illustration?

The main difference between graphic design and illustration is how and where you use them. Typically, graphic design leans more commercial, while illustration is related to fine art. As more and more commercial projects often require emotive and distinct visuals, those differences are becoming less obvious over time.

How do I get hired as an illustrator?


Top Sites for Hiring an Illustrator:

  1. Toptal. Paid.
  2. Fiverr. $5.00–$995.00 /job.
  3. Guru. Free and paid.
  4. PeoplePerHour. From £0.06 + 10% /project.
  5. 99designs. $279.00–$2,999.00 /project.
  6. Freelancer. Free.
  7. Indeed. Free and paid.
  8. Google for Jobs. Free.

What is a career in illustration?

Illustrators visually represent and interpret information for several industries, including book publishing, healthcare, film, and fashion. This guide helps you find the illustration path that fits your creative interests and professional goals.

How do I start a career in illustrator?


How to Kick Start Your Career as an Illustrator

  1. Think about what kind of work you’d like to do. Most people I know start off in editorial illustration. …
  2. Get drawing. …
  3. Create a portfolio website. …
  4. Set your business up. …
  5. Share your work on social media. …
  6. Start hustling. …
  7. Make friends with other illustrators. …
  8. Get organised.

Is being an illustrator stressful?

Like many professions, being an illustrator can be stressful. Depending on your situation, stress can be brought on by tight deadlines, lack of money, artist’s block or difficult clients. Illustrators can prevent or mitigate stress by actively working towards improving the following: Communication.

How long does it take to become an illustrator?

Answer: Individuals may take 4 to 6 years of education and training to become an illustrator. The requirements needed are the same as the requirement for craft and fine artists.

What qualifications do you need to be an illustrator?

Most illustrators have at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, though it is possible to qualify for some entry level positions with only a high school diploma and exceptional drawing skills.