Illustrator
Also known as: tattoo drawer, storyboard artist, colorist, court room sketcher, book illustrator, medical illustrator
About this occupation
Illustrators provide a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. Illustrations can help clarify difficult concepts or objects that are hard to describe textually. Illustrators can work for books, magazines, journals, comic books and other publications.
Essential skills and knowledge
- graphic design
- gather reference materials for artwork
- consult with business clients
- contextualise artistic work
- intellectual property law
- follow work schedule
- finish project within budget
- copyright legislation
- ensure visual quality of the set
- interpret illustration needs
- select illustration styles
- art history
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Lighting Technicians (O*NET 27-4015.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
- Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
- Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
- Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
- Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
- Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
US median pay: US$68,060 a year (2025), 8,900 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.