What do I need to work as an illustrator?
The world of illustration has experienced exponential growth in recent years thanks to digital media and social networks. However, to stand out in this creative industry it is essential to have a solid training and develop a series of technical and artistic skills. In this article we explain everything you need to know to become a professional illustrator.
6 key skills to become an illustrator
1. Passion and creativity
Illustration is a discipline that requires a great deal of creativity and imagination. Illustrators must be able to tell stories, convey emotions and communicate ideas through images. If you have a deep passion for drawing, painting or visual design, you already have an essential element to succeed in this field.
2. Academic training
To develop your skills and acquire advanced technical knowledge, specialised academic training is essential. Choosing a degree that provides you with the necessary knowledge, tools and contacts is essential.
Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration at UDIT: the gateway to the future of Illustration
A pioneering degree in Spain that combines Illustration with graphic, advertising and audiovisual creation. With an up-to-date and innovative curriculum and a learning by doing methodology , you will learn to tackle complex professional projects and build your portfolio.
During your training in the Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration, you will learn to create illustrated books, comics, motion graphics, posters, typography design, etc., which will enable you to work in the field of Illustration, the audiovisual industry, graphic design and advertising.
👉 F ind out which baccalaureate you need to study Illustration
Together with a teaching staff with professional and academic rigour, you will develop your career as an audiovisual illustrator and you will be able to join the art direction of a studio, agency or company.
At the University of Design, Innovation and Technology you will be able to live unique experiences meeting great figures of illustration who will present their projects or masterclasses such as the illustrator Chloé Cruchaudet, the workshop The Metamorphosis organised with the Higher School of Art and Design of Oporto ESAD or the presentation of the book Creativity in advertising narrative, participate in events and competitions such as Ilustrafest, the largest illustration festival in the world . such as Ilustrafest, the largest illustration fair in Madrid organised by UDIT, the International Tourism Forum TURIUM 2023, for which the students designed a mural, the collaboration between El Duende, the creative agency La Más Chula and the brand El Águila, for which the students were able to customise the shop windows of five emblematic bars in the city , or design the cover of "Creatividad en la Narrativa Publicitaria: Strategy, contents and discourses", among others.
REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEGREE
What does the Degree in Audiovisual Design consist of?
This official degree combines the learning of traditional illustration techniques with the mastery of digital tools.
In the first year, you will understand the creative processes and you will put into practice in an analogue and digital way the knowledge acquired in subjects such as the application of colour, photography and illustration.
In the second year, you will work on a series of techniques for graphic and narrative communication such as story boards and comics. You will begin to express ideas graphically using techniques, sketches, photographs and typography in an effective and professional way.
During the third course, you will work effectively and creatively with software applications to present a range of graphic work in 2D and 3D and professional video, working with audiovisual material and advanced techniques.
In the final year, you will develop methods for creating multimedia applications and animations. You will be able to carry out the art direction of a complex communication or advertising project; to transform data into visual images and infographics and to develop an audiovisual branding project.
👉 Get to know the subjects of the Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration in depth 👈
3. Development of technical skills
A professional illustrator must master a series of technical skills that allow him/her to adapt to different styles and means of visual communication. Among the most important are:
- Freehand drawing and traditional techniques.
- Use of digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and Procreate.
- Knowledge of colour theory and visual composition.
- Basic animation and motion graphics design.
- Ability to create storyboards and visual sequences.
4. Creating a professional portfolio
One of the most important aspects of getting a job as an illustrator is to have a portfolio that reflects your style and skills. In the Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration at UDIT, students develop real projects that can form part of their portfolio, becoming a showcase for their creativity and versatility.
5. Practical experience and networking
Real-world experience is key to making your way in the illustration industry. UDIT has more than 2,400 active internship agreements, allowing you to do your internship in graphic design and illustration companies, studios and agencies.
In addition, the University of Design, Innovation and Technology is a partner of the main professional associations such as DiMad, Club de la Creatividad or ADG Fad Laus, connecting people, brands and businesses from different areas with creativity as an ally.
Through events, masterclasses, visits or workshops, students of the Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration at UDIT come into contact with the industry and with great figures of illustration.
6. Specialisation and continuous training
The field of illustration is wide and diverse, so it is necessary to specialise. If you want to reorient your professional career or delve deeper into illustration, UDIT's Master's Degree in Illustration is your best option.
An official university master's degree with which you can continue your training or even start on the path to a doctorate. Through small groups and a practical and experimental methodology, you will strengthen your knowledge in traditional and digital illustration for sectors such as publishing, advertising and journalism.
You will be part of an important network of professional contacts and you will be able to enjoy numerous activities such as masterclasses, studio visits and festivals, among others.
Your professional profile will be unique as you will be able to complement your postgraduate training with certifications in world-renowned tools, such as Adobe Cloud, or our wide range of specialised courses in English, French or Chinese, among others.
What are the career opportunities if you study Illustration?
Graduates in the Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration will be able to work in three major areas, entrepreneurship, audiovisual creation and graphic design, and in areas and positions such as:
- Illustration creator/artist
- Creation of illustrated books
- Creation of comics
- Creation of urban art
- Creation of audiovisual content
- 3D modelling and animation
- Character creation
- Storyboard creation
- Art direction
- Editorial design
- Typographic design
Becoming a professional illustrator requires dedication, creativity and a solid academic background. UDIT's Bachelor's Degree in Audiovisual Design and Illustration offers the tools, environment and experience necessary for you to develop your talent and stand out in this competitive industry. If you dream of bringing your ideas to life through drawing and visual storytelling, this is the perfect training for you.
Find out more and take the first step towards your career as an illustrator!
More information
Which bachelor's degree do you need to study Illustration?
Is digital illustration better than traditional illustration?
