3 Job Careers

Illustrator

An illustrator produces drawings, paintings and diagrams that make products engaging and easier to understand.  The jobs include books, greeting cards, advertisements, packaging and book jackets.  The skills required include drawing skills, attention to detail, working towards a customer brief and knowledge of computer graphics. Time management and working towards a customer brief is important and many professional illustrators have a degree in the subject. The hours are variable and are based around the amount of work and deadlines. The hours are based at home, studio and visiting clients to discuss briefs and projects. The salary is variable, as a freelance illustrator would negotiate fees for services with clients.  Organisations advise on fees between briefs for companies. The requirements include a strong portfolio of your work, building a website, producing pieces of work and presenting a social media account. Also, the requirements include a degree and 5 GCSEs, which includes Maths and English. Illustration can be developed into subjects, which include children’s book illustration, medical art illustration and graphic design.

Animator

An animator brings drawings and computer generated characters to life on screen. Animation can be specialised into 2D computer generated, 3D computer imagery and stop-motion animation. It involves many stages and processes and also includes generating ideas in the development stages to producing and editing the final piece. Animation can involves specific tasks which includes:

·      Directors and producers to create ideas

·      Storyboard artists

·      Digital Painters

·      Texture Artists

·      Compositors

·      Editors

Creative skills, which include drawings and modelling, are required as an illustrator and all of the work that has been produced must be accurate and detailed.  Computer skills are required and artistic talent is valued in the animation industry.  The hours vary from 35-40 hours per week which includes a Monday-Friday timetable.  The work is based at and office or studio.  The income starts at £12,00-£20,00 per year. When more experience is gained the salary can be raised to £30,00. Freelance animators are paid a fee for each contract or project. The skills required include creativity, imagination, modelling skills, drawing skills, patience, concentration, accuracy attention to detail. Training involves the development of software packages which includes

·      Flash

·      Maya

·      3D Studio Max

·      Lightwave 3D

The entry requirements include the skills of drawing, modelling and computer animation packages. A qualification is required in relevant subjects, which includes illustration and graphic design. A degree and 5 GCSES including English and Maths are required. The opportunities include working for large and small animation studios and areas that includes London, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester.

Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer uses lettering and images to communicate information and ideas. These can be involved in advertisements and product packaging for companies and businesses. The skills required include ICT skills, drawing techniques, communication skills and knowledge of printing techniques and photography. A Graphic Designer must have practical knowledge to solutions and problems. They must use specialist computer software and produce rough sketches ad change them into computer visual outcomes.  A designer must provide costs and choose the most suitable materials for pieces of work. The hours vary from 35-40 hours per week and the shifts include 9-5 hours based in a studio and office. The hours vary as a freelance graphic designer depending on the amount of work. The income starts from around £18,000-£20,000 a year and then increases when designers become more experienced.  Senior designers earn between £33,00 and £50,000. The entry requirements include the knowledge of software’s such as Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop.