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Career Guidance; ask any working illustrator, being able to make pictures for a living is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. The path to that career is not a set route. Most come from art schools and colleges, some are self-taught and others chose it after careers in other disciplines. In almost all cases, the drive to succeed is strong.
High School students thinking about a career Today, many young students in high school may not be aware of all the possibilities a career in illustration has to offer. Publishing, (graphic novels, book covers, children's books), editorial illustration, advertising and the move into licensing offer different avenues an illustrator might pursue. Publishing has historically been the home to illustrators. We created images that 'illustrate' ideas related to the written word. In this area of illustration, there are a multitude of styles that are utilized by publishers, from cute to aggressive, elegant to crude. Because illustration for publication is so related to text, the written word is an area a future illustrator should focus on intensely along with developing their artistic talent. Editorial illustration is a specialty of illustration for newspaper, magazines and the internet. These illustrations are similar to work done for various books, but the deadlines are tighter, the work is based on an understanding of many areas, such as history, social studies, and in an area most high school students are experts in, pop culture. Many editorial illustrators need to be able to take the written word and understand the greater meaning, perhaps draw a visual pun or even make an historic connection to current events. Prepare yourself to be an intelligent adult, not just an artistic one. College students thinking about or currently pursuing a career in illustration: College or art school for the future illustrator is a time to hone your craft, learn about the history of art and illustration and find your particular voice. Some illustrators have claimed to come into the marketplace upon graduation with their style set, portfolio ready to go, and a head of stem behind them. However, the majority openly discusses the challenges and difficulties in entering the field. Many new illustrators need more time to develop their particular style or voice. Being able to pitch their wares while dealing with the financial concerns a recent graduate faces are challenging to say the least. Strong resolve and the expressed NEED to succeed is what seem to separate those who have succeeded from those who have moved on to other pursuits. Many illustration students have used the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition as a springboard into the field. Many notable and future award-winning illustrators have participated in this competition, and it is one of the ways the Society of Illustrators invests in and supports, the future of illustration. Current illustrators, keeping the ball rolling: For those who are currently illustrators and are finding that the phone is ringing less often, the work is not as rewarding and that the field isn't how you remembered it, you may be right. The industry is more competitive than ever, and each year fearless young illustrators with half of your savvy and skill enter the field hungry and will try anything to get into this field. Keeping the work current, and useful to what is going on in the industry, learning new skills and ways to market your work can go a long way to revitalizing one's career. Being an illustrator is a bit like being an actor in many respects, while the field is always interested in what is new and hot, there is always a place to the seasoned artist. Being able to adapt to where you are needed is your primary challenge. A career in the field of illustration can be a good choice for an artist. It is a goal one has to pursue with vigilance and enthusiasm.
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