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.
Undergraduate Certificate in Creative Arts and Health
UndergraduateTAS-CAH-CTF
Use your passion for the arts to help patients thrive
Discover how creative outlets such as music, theatre and dance can improve individual and community wellbeing. Learn how to deliver patient-centred arts programs. Graduate with job-ready skills that apply to numerous health and community settings.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP
Start with the subjects you’re passionate about
Follow your interests on this humanities pathway into university. Choices range from languages to history, politics, and philosophy. Pick up important skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Shape your future in the arts and social science.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Arts stream,
- Criminology stream,
- Global studies stream,
- Politics, philosophy and economics stream,
- Visual arts stream
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Fine Art)
PostgraduateCUR-AFA-GDI
Explore the artistic world and build professional skills
Reveal your inner artist as you explore the discipline of Fine Art. Learn about studio materials and methods. You’ll build an awareness of what it takes to be a professional artist. Get creative and engage with the art community.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
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
Introduction to History of Art and Design
UndergraduateCUR-VIS18
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Dec 2025, 2 Mar 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 31 Aug 2026, 30 Nov 2026
Enrolments open until 4 Dec
Aboriginal Resilience and Community
UndergraduateUNE-OORA100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Jun 2026
Screen Composition and Sound Design
UndergraduateUNE-MUSI364
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Feb 2026
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
How to write a business plan
Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.