Becoming an illustrator?

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Question:

I went to art school several years ago and studied drawing and painting for the 1st 2 years including aspects of illustration, printmaking and sculpture before specialising in Photography and Filmmaking for my final 3 years!. Looking back that may have been a mistake as I really prefer to work alone and once I was out of college I found the film industry to be a nightmare to work in!. I wish I had studied illustration instead now and would like to try and get some work of that sort where I could work from home etc!. I know I would need to brush up my drawing & Painting skills but I think there could be a lot to learn regarding technical processes etc and I just don't know where to start!. I'd rather not have to go back to college to study as money is tight so perhaps there is a book which might be useful!?

Any advice would be very gratefully recieved!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I went to school for illustration, and now that I'm done, I wish I went more towards graphic design!. After graduating, I looked for jobs, but everyone wants someone proficient in computer programs such as photoshop, illustrator, indesign or quark!. I did have some experience in photoshop and a little in illustrator, but it's not enough!. It's like they want an illustrator and graphic designer rolled into one!. Now I'm back in school for the graphic design that I lack!.

I love illustration, to draw and paint, but you unfortunately can't deny the technology now!. If you're dead set on perusing just the traditional illustration, I would look at illustration annuals, like Communication Arts magazine or other art magazines and see what everyone else is doing!. It might help you find what direction to go into!. Illustration is so broad, with so many options, you can do a lot with it!. Good luck to you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i don't know about books!.!.!.everyone works differently, and prefers different books!.!.!.but i would just say start drawing and painting!. practice, practice!. i don't know what kind of illustration you are interested in (corporate, personal, etc) but once you start getting some things of "portfolio quality" make a website or a flickr site, and some business cards, and start handing them out!. you can't make a living unless people can see what you can do!.
good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

I just do work and try to learn from others, tutorials, other examples, etc!. i really havent gone for school for it and im doing freelance and i consider myself better than a lot of people that have gone 4 years in a normal college!. Its all about just doing it as a hobby!. Im teaching myself Flash now and its working out very well, i also learned photoshop, illustrator, dreamweaver, autocad and others on my own time and its worked out very well for me!.Www@QuestionHome@Com