How to become an Illustrator

Plans, designs, develops and prepares pictures and diagrams to communicate messages, clarify meaning, assist in presentations and illustrate stories.

Main tasks

• Creates visual concepts and develops illustrations for various purposes
• Collaborates with clients or art directors to determine the scope and requirements of illustration projects
• Researches and gathers reference materials to inform the design and development of illustrations
• Sketches preliminary ideas and concepts for illustrations
• Refines and finalises illustrations using traditional and digital media
• Uses drawing, painting, drafting, collage and other techniques to create illustrations
• Utilises image capture and manipulation software to enhance and modify illustrations
• Creates illustrations that effectively communicate messages and clarify meaning
• Adapts illustration styles and techniques to suit different projects and target audiences

Ways in

• University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development (CUA60420); Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA60320); Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA60720); Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720); Certificate III in Visual Arts (CUA31120); Certificate II in Creative Industries (CUA20220); Certificate II in Visual Arts (CUA20720); Certificate IV in Design (CUA40720)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $96,200 a year
• About 55,700 people work in this job group now, and about 66,200 are projected by 2035. (+19%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Animator or Visual Effects Artist
• Graphic Designer
• Multimedia Designer
• UI / UX Designer
• Web Designer
• Fashion Designer

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Illustrator?

Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development; Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design.

How much does an Illustrator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $96,200 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Illustrator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 55,700 to about 66,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Illustrator?

Usually. 65% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Illustrator?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04