Find out how to earn a living as a Graphic artist/Illustrator

One of the questions that I put on my action plan (which I still haven't done a Blog about >_<) is "Find out how to earn a living as a Graphic artist/Illustrator" and this is what this entry is going to about so lets get started.


Well according to the Directgov national careers service website.........
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/illustrator.aspx


"As an Illustrator you would produce drawings, paintings or diagrams that help make products more attractive or easier to understand. This could include books, book jackets, greetings cards, advertisements, packaging and detailed technical diagrams." 


Im not sure about the Technical diagrams part, or packaging and detailed technical diagrams :/ but I do like the sound of The Book cover parts and Greetings cards I always make cards for my family so I think that part of Illustrating will suit me fine.    

Heres what the work would typically include:

• discussing requirements (the brief) with authors, editors or designers -That would be like Talking to my tutors I guess) 
• negotiating prices and time scales - Im not really good with money Im an artist not a Business man!
• deciding on appropriate styles for the illustrations - so no nob drawings I never draw nob's anyway so you know
• creating illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages - Im good at Hand drawing alright at Computer design but Painting :/ not so much Im not that great at Painting to be honest.   
• consulting with the client and modifying designs if necessary -Im abit awkward with Humans but I think If I was to do this It may boost my Confidence.
• making sure the work is completed within set budgets and deadlines - This might prove to be abit of a Challenge as meeting deadlines has never been my strong point and so is Budgeting but with the Budgeting I could probably get my dad to help that    

With those bit criticised lets read on to see what else the Directgov has to say about Illustration.   


As you would usually be freelance, you would also need to market your work and complete the administrative tasks associated with running a business.

You may be able to specialise in one type of illustration, such as children’s books or medical illustration.

Creative Choices describes the work of an illustrator, including an archaeological illustrator, a technical illustrator and a children's book illustrator.


The statement mentions that you would usually be freelance which is good and Im going to see Anne Newman of the Futures department next Tuesday about the Freelancing part to get some Ideas some "Tricks and Tips" if you will! And Its so obvious that I will work as a Children's Illustrator I mean could you Imagine me as a Technical Illustrator!? no! well neither can I!


I haven't really found out How much I earn as an Illustrator I think It all comes down to what job your doing I did some Christmas cards for my aunt back in Christmas 2009 and I think I got £15 out of It which is not bad but I Imagine If I was to send the Cards I do (here are some examples) To say Halmarks or

Clifton Cards the Id Imagine Id get alot more than just £15 but then again It all comes down how much effort It put Into my work. I sure hope this has cleared up how I can earn a Living from being a Illustrator now what I need to do Is find some Publishers for my Tom-Man comics.......