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An Illustrator produces creative images used for a range of purposes. You might prepare illustrations used in story books or prepare images used in advertising, marketing or communication materials. Illustrators may specialise in a type of media such as paintings, drawings or collage or use other techniques such as photos and digital images.
Illustrators should be creative and able to work with prepared briefs. You’ll need to have strong artistic skills and be able to use your abilities in a range of circumstances. Illustrators must be able to manage their time well and work within a deadline. It’s important you can communicate well and work as part of a team.
There are 8 courses available for people who want to become an Illustrator. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) is tailored for students who have shown significant ability at the undergraduate level, allowing them to enhance their practical skills and theoretical knowledge to a higher degree. This course is ideal for those seeking to deepen their expertise in visual arts, focusing on advanced development in both practice and understanding of the field. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The Bachelor of Visual Arts prepares students with essential historical, theoretical, and practical knowledge for a career in visual arts. Engaging with renowned artists, art historians, and industry leaders, students acquire skills to thrive in the visual arts sector. They gain understanding of contemporary art's reflection on the world and our role within it. This course explores art's contribution to significant historical, cultural, ecological, and ethical matters, offering a profound insight into the interplay between art and other visual cultures like fashion, film, and design..
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) offers an integrated approach to enhance art-making practices, covering methodologies like painting, drawing, and digital art. Students will deeply understand fine art history and theory, critique artworks, and engage in rigorous analytical thinking about art. Interaction with arts professionals, exhibition visits, and writing reviews further enrich the experience. .
The Bachelor of 2D Animation course involves the integration of creative drawing, character creation, landscape design, storytelling, and the representation of human gestures and emotions. It focuses on enhancing abilities in drawing, character development, character animation, directing, and story crafting. The course also promotes proficiency in traditional animation techniques such as storyboarding, colour styling, bio-mechanics, movement dynamics, rigging, and light and colour theory, in addition to the fundamental principles of animation. .
The CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts supports your career in photography, ceramics, painting, digital art, printmaking, sculpting, and fashion — or for further developing your creative hobbies and artistic interests. It’s the perfect blend of creative arts history, theory, and practice. Over 12 months you’ll be refining your practical skills across a range of mediums, plus realising and presenting a body of your own creative work. Even better, you’ll have the opportunity to join an international study tour to the world’s artistic hotspots such as Milan, Paris, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong. Enquire now for the list of study choices and details of the portfolio submission required at enrolment. .
In Australia, a full time Illustrator generally earns $1,340 per week ($69,680 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this field is likely to grow strongly in coming years. There are currently 2,100 people employed in this industry in Australia and many of them specialise as an Illustrator. Illustrators may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as an Illustrator, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Visual Arts. This course will develop your practical skills across a range of creative mediums. You’ll have the opportunity to prepare a body of work during your studies. A Certificate IV in Design may also be appropriate.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within arts and craft. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Arts and Craft
Art Gallery Assistant
$960 weekly pay
Art Studio Assistant
Artist
Painter
Picture Framer
Potter
Screen Printer
Sculptor
Art Consultant
$1,500 weekly pay
Art Director
$1,450 weekly pay
Art Gallery Director
$1,340 weekly pay
Arts Administrator
$1,250 weekly pay
Craftsperson
Fine Artist
Freelance Artist
Illustrator
Jeweller
Learn more about Illustrator courses in your area.