Children's Book Illustrator: Education and Career Facts

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree in art or illustration is not required for a career as a children's book illustrator, but it is highly preferred by potential employers. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) states that while talent is important, a student will not succeed in visual arts without education and hard work (<i>www.nasad.arts-accredit.org</i>). </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Programs</b> </td><td> Bachelor's and master's degrees</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $69,010 (for fine artists, including painters, sculptors and illustrators)</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b> </td><td> 6% (for fine artists, including painters, sculptors and illustrators)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationWillINeed">What Education Will I Need?</h3> <p>NASAD suggests earning a very well-balanced high school education, which includes good communication skills as well as art history appreciation, in order to prepare for a university-level art degree. </p> <p>Often, a bachelor's degree program will focus upon the study of artists and styles that have impacted the art world. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a children's book illustrator, you have several choices in undergraduate majors. A program in illustration, for example, will teach you to use visual art to interpret the words of an author, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (<i>www.nces.ed.gov</i>). A visual arts program is also a good choice and will give you a solid background in different styles of illustration. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanILearnInAGraduateProgram">What Can I Learn in a Graduate Program?</h3> <p>At the graduate level, an art or illustration program will include more practical study than the undergraduate level. A Master of Arts program requires a focused concentration on your own talents and interests to build on your undergraduate study of other artists and styles. For a future children's book illustrator, this might include an internship with a publishing company or art director, as well as the development of strong samples of your best visual artwork. A Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts program might be another potential option to consider for your graduate studies. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeedToBeSuccessful">What Skills Do I Need to Be Successful?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there may be stiff competition among artists who are self-employed (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Since many children's book illustrators are freelance artists and not salaried, you can expect to work quite hard to keep steady employment, especially early in your career. NASAD explains that steady workflow for a visual artist such as a children's book illustrator is a far better goal than becoming extremely well-known. </p> <p>Building a client list requires a dedication to excellence, a strong work ethic and an outstanding portfolio. The BLS says that illustrators hoping to impress potential clients will develop samples of their best artwork. While pursuing your degree, you will be expected to build and maintain a professional portfolio which can be presented to potential clients. This portfolio plays a key factor in employment decisions made by these professionals. These potential employers might include: </p> <ul><li>Art directors </li><li>Publishers </li><li>Agents </li><li>Children's book authors </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatEmploymentProspectsCanIExpect">What Employment Prospects Can I Expect?</h3> <p>The BLS statistics for the category of fine artists, which includes illustrators, showed a median annual salary of $69,010 as of May 2021. Many professionals supplement their incomes by teaching art courses and doing other work between major projects. You might find that's a good option to allow you to pursue your interest and passion for illustrating children's books while at the same earning a steady income. If you choose self-employment, as most artists do, you'll have the freedom to choose projects to fit your interests and style, but you'll have to keep the work pipeline full and fund your own benefits. While the projected income for this field is modest, the potential for personal fulfillment is strong.</p>