Design & Creative

Illustrator / Animator

Creates original drawn or animated visual content for media, games, or publishing.

Content last reviewed: August 2026

An illustrator or animator creates original visual content, illustrations for books or editorial pieces, character designs, or animated sequences for film, games, or advertising. A typical day (for a freelancer or studio artist alike) involves sketching concepts, refining approved drafts, and working within specific technical or stylistic requirements set by a client or project.

A significant part of the job, particularly for freelancers, is managing a body of work: building a portfolio, pitching for projects, and handling revisions based on client or director feedback.

Core tasks

✓Sketching and developing visual concepts
✓Producing finished illustrations or animation sequences
✓Revising work based on client or director feedback
✓Maintaining a consistent style within a project's requirements
✓Managing project timelines and deliverables
✓Building and updating a professional portfolio

Tools & skills used

Drawing fundamentalsDigital illustration or animation softwareFor animators: timing, motion, and rigging skillsStyle adaptability across projectsTime management, especially for freelance workClient communication and revision handling

Typical entry paths

→Fine Arts / Studio Art or Animation
→Graphic Design with an illustration focus

Common misconceptions

Talent alone isn't usually enough; consistency, reliability, and the ability to work within a client's requirements matter just as much.
A large share of working illustrators and animators are freelance or project-based, which brings business and client-management skills into the job too.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Illustrator / Animator do?

Creates original drawn or animated visual content for media, games, or publishing.

What are the core tasks of a Illustrator / Animator?

Day to day, this typically includes: Sketching and developing visual concepts; Producing finished illustrations or animation sequences; Revising work based on client or director feedback.

What tools or skills does a Illustrator / Animator use?

Common tools and skills for this role include Drawing fundamentals, Digital illustration or animation software, For animators: timing, motion, and rigging skills, Style adaptability across projects.

How do people typically become a Illustrator / Animator?

Fine Arts / Studio Art or Animation. Graphic Design with an illustration focus.

What's a common misconception about being a Illustrator / Animator?

Talent alone isn't usually enough; consistency, reliability, and the ability to work within a client's requirements matter just as much.

What college majors lead to becoming a Illustrator / Animator?

Majors that commonly lead here include Animation, Fine Arts / Studio Art, Graphic Design. A major shapes what you study, it isn't a guarantee of landing this specific role.

This describes what the role typically involves day to day. It's not a guarantee of hiring, salary, or advancement, actual responsibilities vary by employer, industry, and location. See our disclaimer.