We surveyed 2,542 illustrators to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical illustrator. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an illustrator?
Low
High
Working as an illustrator typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become an illustrator?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an illustrator typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an illustrator?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as an illustrator. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for illustrators.
Do illustrators work full-time or part-time?
29% of illustrators work in full-time roles while 71% work part-time.
Is being an illustrator stressful?
Low
High
Illustrators tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an illustrator?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being an illustrator.
How competitive is the workplace for illustrators?
Low
High
Illustrators tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being an illustrator require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Illustrators will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are illustrators allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being an illustrator, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do illustrators have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Illustrators have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being an illustrator physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as an illustrators is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are illustrators exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, illustrators tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being an illustrator require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for illustrators.
Does being a good illustrator require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as an illustrator.