Illustration job description
An illustrator uses creativity and the technical skills of painting and drawing to communicate ideas, sensations, facts, feelings and emotions. Illustrators work to commercial briefs to inform, persuade or entertain a client's intended audience, adjusting the mood and style of images accordingly.
Work is predominantly freelance. Possible markets include:
- editorial (magazines, newspapers and comics);
- books;
- advertising (posters, story boards, press);
- fashion (forecasting);
- merchandising (greetings cards, calendars, t-shirts, ceramics, etc.);
- corporate work (brochures, catalogues);
- multimedia (video games, websites, animation).
Specialisms include scientific, technical and medical illustration. In these fields, illustrators create illustrations for text and reference books that may show new products, processes or techniques.
Typical work activities
Work activities typically involve:
- liaising with clients, editors and authors in order to understand and interpret their business needs;
- building an understanding of what styles are appropriate;
- negotiating pricing and deadlines;
- analysing a brief's specification and the text to be illustrated as well as researching sources;
- thinking creatively and using imagination to produce new ideas;
- creating images and designs by using the traditional hand skills of drawing and painting, alongside other techniques, to meet design briefs;
- using computer-aided design (CAD) packages to scan images and change size, colours and other elements;
- providing roughs for approval;
- redefining a brief through further consultation with the client to include new ideas or text as appropriate;
- running the business, when working freelance;
- speculatively approaching potential commissioners to seek new sources of work;
- working to a brief within a set timescale, often to tight deadlines;
- creating original pieces for self-promotion;
- researching appropriate galleries to find suitable venues to exhibit work.
If I was to pick one of these I think I would like to look at doing books or editorial based illustration. The only problem with doing books is you don't always get a lot of money unless the book sells well. Also it isn't always easy to get into this unless you have connections within the publishing industry. Editorial based work would be a better option if you wanted more money and more opportunities for work. Because editorial work is a wider range of things than books there is more option and more work out there to be done. Plus if you do a good job on a magazine for example that magazine may use you again and it is a good way to get your work out there and seen by others.
Fine artist:Job description and activities
Job description
Fine artists create original pieces of art work, through a variety of mediums. Often specialising in a particular type of art which can be categorised in the following ways:
- two-dimensional work (drawing, painting, collage);
- three-dimensional work (sculpture, installation);
- four-dimensional work (moving images, performance).
As well as specialising in a type of art, many artists also specialise in a subject and may concentrate on areas such as landscapes, portraits or abstract.
Fine artists can be commissioned to produce a piece of work or they can create pieces from their own imagination for sale at a later date.
Typical work activities
A typical day will involve research, making art work, planning and creativity.
Tasks typically involve:
- generating ideas, idea development, sketching, making models;
- creating or developing a piece of work in response to a brief or commission;
- meeting deadlines;
- working in a studio or off-site and adhering to health and safety procedures;
- sourcing materials and developing relationships with suppliers;
- researching, visiting locations, interviewing people, using libraries and the internet;
- administration, correspondence, creating publicity;
- project planning, creating and managing a budget, financial planning, calculating expenditure;
- managing tax and self-employment issues;
- organisation and administration tasks associated with running a studio;
- writing project proposals for galleries, competitions or artist residencies;
- writing funding applications (public and private);
- applying for residencies and competitions;
- liaising with contacts, gallery owners, curators and other artists;
- curating individual and group shows;
- negotiating a sale or commission;
- self-promotion, networking, attending private views and other events;
- writing press releases;
- maintaining a portfolio which will typically include a website;
- evaluating a project and feeding back to the main funder or sponsor
Photographer:Job description and activities
Job description
Photographers create permanent visual images for an exceptionally wide range of creative, technical and documentary purposes. A professional photographer usually works to a brief set by the client or employer. Examples of image content include wedding, family and baby photographs, fashion, food, architecture, corporate photography, war zones and landscapes.
Most professional photographers specialise in one area, such as fine art, fashion, advertising, editorial or social photography. Around half of all professional photographers are self-employed. The remainder work for a wide range of employers, including creative businesses, publishers and photographic agencies, or in the education or public sector.
Typical work activities
Work activities vary according to specialisation. However, common activities for most photographers include:
- working with clients to discuss the images they require and how they want to use them;
- seeking out appropriate photographic subjects and opportunities;
- carrying out research and preparation for a shoot;
- working in different locations, and in different circumstances, to get the right image;
- using an extensive range of technical equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting and specialist software;
- communicating with photographic subjects, putting them at ease, encouraging them and directing them;
- arranging still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds;
- liaising with other professionals, including graphic designers, writers, gallery managers, picture researchers, commissioning editors and art directors;
- managing the processing and use of images, discussing technical problems, checking for quality and dealing with clients' concerns;
- preparing proofs for approval;
- compiling finished products for sale, including albums and framed prints, for example;
- understanding traditional film and digital photography and keeping up to date with industry trends, developments and new techniques;
- developing expertise with software to digitally enhance images by, for example, changing emphasis, cropping pictures, correcting minor faults, or moving objects around;
- managing the business aspects of the work, including administration, scheduling work, invoicing and basic accounting;
- developing a good portfolio, building a network of contacts, and achieving a reputation for quality and reliability, in order to secure future assignments;
- self-marketing by, for example, producing business cards, postcards and promotional materials, and creating and maintaining a website.
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