An illustrator draws the pictures that go into children's storybooks. Their responsibilities include reading the story, creating thumbnail sketches for each page, getting approval from the publisher, researching references, developing character models, and delivering final artwork. A degree is not required but experience and skills in programs like Photoshop and Illustration are important. Illustrators can work for publishers, authors, or independently, and illustrate books as well as other media like cards and games. Pay varies significantly depending on experience and the project but averages $46,000-$80,000 per year.

1. Children’s Book
Illustrator
By: sre702897.nspes.com

2. What does it mean to be a
illustrator?
Illustrators are people who do illustration, like how
designers are people who do design. They draw the
pictures that are put in story books. Normally they
are hired to illustrate fiction.

3. What are the
responsibilities?
-Reading the story and creating a thumbnail for each
page.
-Get the publisher’s input/approval of the preliminary
work.
-Research photo references to create final drawing.
-Develop character model sheets.
-A color press proof is made and final files are
delivered to the publisher.

4. Training and education
The common requirements to become a illustrator are:
-Degree level: Postsecondary education is not required but is
very helpful and encouraged, most of the time you will need it!
-Experience: Creating images (in/outside of school) and may
need a portfolio of their work to obtain employment.
-Key skills: Must be creative and have the ability to market and
sell your work.
-Computer skills: Should be familiar with several software
programs, including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
P.S. You may need additional training for specific job
oppertunities.

5. Where do I get hired?
Get your work out there! Post it publicly and
regularly For.ex creating your own blog. Entering
work in contests and get noticed. Try to be original.
You can get employed by a private author, a print
house or even a large publishing company like
Scholastic!

6. Job opportunities
The great thing about this job is you work anywhere
you get hired. So not only can you illustrate children
books even though that’s what your working
towards, you can illustrate cards of all kinds, art
prints, video game sketches as well as freelance
projects and art licensing. You can also change your
career and become a (Ex. graphic designer).

7. Salary Scale
There is no standard, it varies from job to job and
illustrator to illustrator. It depends on how much the
client can pay and how they want the job done.
The average amount per year depending on how
successful you are is $46,080 - $80,040.

8. Challenges illustrators face
You have personal issues such as the possibility of
having a lack of drawing skills and poor colour.
Then
You have issues you actually cant practice and fix.
Getting noticed and hired is very difficult since it is
so competitive.

9. What is the best part of
Illustration
Seeing your work published online and getting
positive comments and seeing your viewing
numbers go up. I guess It’s the closest to applause
that drawing can get.

10. Sources
Websites:
-http://www.artsyshark.com/2011/03/18/do-you-want-to-be-a-childrens-book-illustrator/
-http://study.com/articles/Become_a_Childrens_Book_Illustrator_Career_Roadmap.html
Job listings:
http://www.scholastic.ca/aboutscholastic/postings.php
http://www.careerbuilder.ca/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?job_did=JHL41Q75HN91ZNQZ6FV&siteid=sep_can
_wow_org
https://ca.linkedin.com/jobs2/view/48562563?trk=jserp_job_details_text
http://www.internships.com/art/Illustrator-for-Childrens-
Book?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=idc
http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?sc_cmp1=js_jrp_jobclick&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=
J3H3PW633QGDYW0D24H&showNewJDP=yes&IPath=JRKV0C