This is a guest article contributed by Nicole Polzi.

Some say the illustration profession is in poor shape. Some say it is dead.

For sure, illustration (in the traditional sense) has endured substantial decline (Shaughnessy 2006), but there are others that say there are many opportunities for illustrators if they just know where to look (Glover 2013)(Riddell 2012). Regardless of opinions, the illustration industry is definitely experiencing a significant change.

The Current State of Illustration & Trend Forecast

Illustration is an extremely competitive area, as there are many more illustrators than there are actual illustration jobs. Whilst there is still a relevant space for illustrators doing editorial work, album covers, posters and children’s books, this area is limited (Gall 2011). Basically, illustrators better move with the times or be prepared to get left behind. Why? Because a major shift towards the digital world is well and truly underway.

The Rise of Stock Imagery

One of the factors limiting this field is the use of stock imagery. Stock houses are flourishing, as they provide a cheaper, immediately available option, and the designer can maintain control over the look of the finished product. Shutterstock is one of the largest stock agencies in the world. They report that since 2005, designers have been relying more on scalable vectors to meet the demand for mobile and web design. The company claims that between 2011 and 2012, there has been a 134% growth in apps (buttons and icon design), a 60% growth in packaging (illustrated labels), and a staggering 525% increase in infographics (Shutterstock Infographic 2012). Accordingly, there is less opportunity for an illustrator.

Or is there?

Stock houses are just another opportunity for illustrators to sell their work. Yes, the rewards aren’t as great because it undercuts commissioned work, but illustrator Ben Sanders believes that stock imagery is used by a different market. Sanders says “…freelancers need to create illustrations of a much higher standard than what is available on stock sites… and so they should! If your average illustrator can’t produce something better than a stock image there is something wrong.”

Overseas Competition

Competition from overseas has contributed to the decline in opportunities for illustrators. Websites such as Freelancer.com allow for people to bid for work, and in many cases, it is impossible for illustrators compete. The work goes to someone in Colombia or India, as their rates are significantly smaller (McWade 2011).

Maybe we need to educate the market? Inform them about quality versus quantity, keeping the work on our shores, and the various pitfalls that may await those that choose to outsource design and illustration work.

A Shift to Digital

The shift from print to digital is another limiting factor, and has been increasing steadily. Chris Riddell (2012) (Brittish illustrator and political cartoonist) agrees, “as the digital revolution gathers momentum, traditional print publishing is being forced to change”. We’ve swapped hardback novels for eReaders; we scan headlines of the news online rather than flicking through the newspaper; we search directions on google maps, we instagram, we facebook, we tweet, we pin… It’s all happening online.

Use Digital To Your Advantage

Despite these limitations, or rather, because of them – illustrators must take advantage of the opportunities available in the digital world. Already, animation in the film and gaming industry has made giant leaps in the digital world. Glover believes it is because design tools are evolving and “creative demand for realistic and fantastic environments for games and movies is pushing technology ahead” (Glover 2013).

Additionally, as computers continue to become more powerful and hardware (such as drawing tablets) becomes more affordable – graphic design is starting to catch up with these industries (Glover 2013). It is essential for illustrators to be aware of the state of the industry and evolve and adapt to use technology to their advantage.

Design trend predictions for 2013 included simplified geometric designs, bold and bright images, and stripped back logos (Carney 2012). These trends are all applicable to the online platform, because simple, less complicated imagery provides for more effective navigation. Finding a niche within illustration that is connected to the web or associated applications may just be the ticket to success.

Skills Required As An Illustrator

The following list details the skills and attributes required for a job in illustration.

Technical skills:

Have brilliant free hand drawing skills, a unique and original style, a quality portfolio (featuring the work you’d like to be commissioned for) (Hassell 2013), and back-to-front knowledge of software – and hardware (drawing tablet) if applicable to your style.

Professionalism:

Be easy to work with. Be punctual. Have the ability to work to deadlines; work colleagically or autonomously; and take criticism about your work. Don’t be precious or pretentious (Tan 2012).

Context:

At a time when photographic images are favored, illustrators need to ensure their work can add “visual dimensions beyond the scope of text” (Heller 2006). Simply, this means having the ability to add meaning to the image, rather than simply a collection of decorative marks on the page.

Personal drive:

There is fierce competition out there, and it can take a while to really hone your skills and style. Practice every day. Go the extra mile. Be patient. Maintain your determination (Conger 2005)( Tan 2012).

How to get that job

The path to success is varied for each individual. And it really depends on what direction you’re headed. Do you want to be a freelancer? Or do you want to find a more secure job within a specific company? Regardless, the following list provides some key ingredients that may assist in scoring that dream illustration job – which ever your preference.

1. Use social media

• Research and use social networking strategies – social media is the ultimate tool for self-promotion. For freelancers, it’s an invaluable tool to help you connect with potential clients.
• Share your folio on as many different sites as possible.
• Build a website and blog.

(Conger 2005)(James)

It is important to promote your work on various platforms, even if you don’t intend to do freelance work. It a great way to get your name out there, and potential employers will get to see more of your work, and get a better sense of our style and who you are.

2. Collaborate

Collaborate with other creatives – multidiscipline design is a great way to expand your network, skills and ideas (Hassell 2013).

3. Network

Be on the lookout for relevant functions to attend and keep in contact with previous employers and colleagues.

4. Try a To-Do List

Holli Conger, a children’s illustrator and licensing artist created a ‘to-do’ list to assist with acquiring new clients. The following list is useful for budding freelancers, as it details how she prepared herself and organized her time:

Daily

• Find 3 new addresses for promo
• Sketch
• Blog entry (at least a few days a week)

Weekly

• Update Portfolios.com listing
• Illustration Friday
• One clay or digital illustration (portfolio quality)
• Look at freelance job listing sites

Monthly

• Press Release
• Update portfolio
• Creative Latitude article (Conger 2005).

Similarly, another children’s book illustrator admitted her tips for success included sending hard copies of her images to a publisher to keep on file. She says that “they regularly peruse their collection to choose an appropriate illustrator for new projects. Once you have proved yourself to be reliable, punctual with deadlines and a collaborative worker who will work to a spec, further work will be directed to you” (Grzegrzolka 2013).

Conclusion

It is due to technology that illustrators experienced a decline in demand for their craft. But now – as new tools and marketing strategies are readily accessible and more affordable – it appears it is technology that could save the modern illustrator.

A new illustrator must adapt and utilise available technology to create their work; promote themselves, and find new clients. Trend predictions indicate that illustration that may be applied to an online platform is likely to be successful. Illustrators within the industry believe the most important skills to acquire include; constantly working to improve technical skills, working in context, maintaining professionalism and personal drive.

Social networking, sharing a portfolio online, creating a website and blog, and working collaboratively with others will also assist new illustrators in finding employment.

There is a balance to be struck with technology; make it work for you, not against you.