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Illustrator apprenticeships

Artists > Illustrator

Creative and media

Illustrator apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • applying directly


    • University

    You'll need a higher national diploma or degree in illustration or a related subject like fine art or graphic design. You'll usually need between 1 and 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree.

     

    College
    College courses that may help you get into this role include:

    • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design 
    • A-Level in Art and Design 
    • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design
    You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Direct Application
    You could market your work by contacting companies directly. You can find advice about getting started as a freelance illustrator, how to prepare a portfolio, lists of publishers, and other useful information in The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook. As a freelance illustrator you'll need to think of creative ways to get your work noticed. 

    You'll also need a portfolio of your work to show prospective clients or for entry onto courses. Building a website or starting a blog where you can showcase your work is one way to get noticed. Having a presence on social media sites like Instagram is a great way of connecting with the public and potential customers. 

    If you work as a freelance illustrator you may decide to sell your work through an agent, who could put you in touch with more buyers. An agent will take a percentage of your sales as commission. The Society of Artists Agents has details of agents as well as examples of artists' work.


    Illustrator apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • design skills and knowledge
    • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    • thinking and reasoning skills 
    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • active listening skills 
    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • to be flexible and open to change
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Illustrator apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Day-to-day you may: 

    • discuss requirements, or a 'brief', with authors, editors or designers 
    • negotiate prices and timescales 
    • research your creative ideas 
    • decide on the right style for illustrations 
    • create rough, hand drawn sketches 
    • create final illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages 
    • if you're self-employed, promote your business and manage your finances
    Working environment
    You could work in a creative studio, from home or at a client's business.

    Career path and progression - Illustrator apprenticeships

    With experience and graphic design skills you could work for a design agency, publishing company or magazine. You could also move into specialist work, for example architectural or archaeological illustration.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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