How to become an illustrator
Apply your artistry to produce original illustrations that communicate your client’s message and meaning.
Pathways to this career
Complete a recognised qualification in design. Other areas of study include animation, graphic design, digital media, new media design, fine arts, creative arts, visual arts or visual communication.
Create and maintain a portfolio showcasing your previous work, mock projects and illustration style. Prospective employers will use this to help them decide if you are the right fit for the job.
Practice makes perfect. Get as much experience as you can!
What does an illustrator do?
Duties and tasks
Combine images and symbols to create visual representations of concepts, products, stories and ideas.
Create and design original illustrations for a variety of media and industries including video games, film or television storyboards, magazine, book covers and children's story illustrations.
Create drawings, sketches, painting, photography or visual images of designs for clients to review, and then create polished illustrations.
Ensure that creation of illustration production in selected media accurately depicts desired illustration, working with necessary staff such as technicians, developers, and printers.
Use a variety of software programmes and tools to create original and creative illustrations to produce technical and aesthetically pleasing illustrations.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art
UndergraduateCUR-FIA-CTF
Explore your talent and develop your artistic skills
Your introduction to fine art studies at university level. You can use this course to discover the methods, mediums, and media you connect with. Paint the first strokes on your professional career in today’s art industry or work towards further study.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
PostgraduateCUR-AFA-MAS
For professional fine art skills and expertise
Deep dive into the discipline of Fine Art. Unpack approaches to arts research. Consider the materials and methods of the artist’s studio. You’ll build up your portfolio with a series of artworks. Prepare for professional practice as an artist.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateCUR-ART-GCE
Embrace your creativity and build your expertise
Prepare for creative industries and roles. You’ll choose from topics including creative writing and fine art. Get to know professional publishing. Consider creating online. Add new specialised skills to your resume and watch your career bloom.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
Innovators, communicators and creators start here!
Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Creative Writing,
- History and Society,
- Journalism,
- Literature and Culture,
- Strategic Communication
Discover related subjects
UndergraduateCUR-VAR110
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Next enrolment closes 22 Feb
UndergraduateCUR-VSW100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 30 Nov 2026
UndergraduateTUA-FA101A
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
UndergraduateTAS-FXA101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Jul 2026, 2 Nov 2026
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