Advertising illustrators are graphic artists whose work consists of illustrating products, services or business concepts in the context of advertising campaigns. Agencies choose advertising illustrators whose style is best suited for each individual advertising campaign. At any given point there can be several advertising illustrators working within an agency, sometimes working or competing for work on the same advertising campaign.
Most advertising illustrators are independent artists who have their own studios and who serve several advertising agencies or clients at one time. These illustrators work in cooperation with advertising agency personnel: artistic directors, advertising managers, copywriters and creative directors.
Advertising Illustrators use several techniques to produce images including sculpting, sketches, animation, and painting. In preparing and creating their works, the illustrator turns to several types of sources for reference on their project such as press clippings, photographs and art books. Often the advertising illustrator must work under very short deadlines and must demonstrate high-level talent and performance under pressure, sometimes turning projects in within deadlines can extremely stressful for the illustrator. They often juggle many projects and deadlines at one time.
In order to obtain a position as an advertising illustrator one usually develops their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or postsecondary training in art or design, it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without some sort of official training within the advertising and design field. Many times an advertising illustrator will work under a mentor for additional training and experience. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed through postsecondary training in art or visual communications. Internships also provide excellent opportunities for artists to develop and enhance their portfolios, also with a mentor you are able to work on large projects these projects are great for building your portfolio. Once you have gained experience put together your portfolio with your best works but remember you should never include the works of others in your portfolio. If you haven’t worked on the project don’t include it.
