While many of the creative arts have been shaped and moulded by the passage of time and the gentle thrum of technology, illustration is, at its core, still the same art form that it was hundreds of years ago. It’s also an incredibly transferrable skill and one that is held in high regard across the creative spectrum.
What or who is an illustrator?
While computers might have changed the way we create, there is always going to be room for those who can wield a pen, pencil or paintbrush with skill and that’s true in all creative sectors - from advertising to film making and everywhere in-between.
An illustrator is an artist that can weave a tapestry of creative intent with little more than a few brush strokes and a rough pencil outline. They are the ones bringing ideas to life through a variety of mediums but always utilising original ideas in their own distinct style. They work with clients to turn ideas and concepts into inspiring illustrations that tell stories and turn businesses into brands.
How to find and hire the right illustrator
If your agency, studio or one-off project is in need of a skilled illustrator to hire, there are literally thousands to choose from on Creativepool alone. Whittling down the right pair of hands to visualise your concepts and ideas and finding the best illustrator for your needs means asking yourself and your potential candidates the right questions.
1. What’s your style?
This is something that should be apparent from a perusal of their portfolio (on that note, if they don’t have a decent portfolio then you’ll probably want to look elsewhere). Take a look at their previous pieces of work and see how they gel with the style you’re looking for. That doesn’t mean you should completely discount an illustrator with a distinct style that doesn’t match your own though. If you ask, they might be pretty enthused by the idea of escaping their comfort zone.
2. How do you work?
For many freelance illustrators, working from home has been a way of life for many years and the pandemic has made the idea of remote work more palatable for more of us. So, on a practical level, if they are more comfortable working from home than coming into the office and riffing ideas with the team it shouldn’t be an issue. That is, of course, unless that’s how you want to work. You should ensure you’re both on the same page as far as working conditions are concerned before pressing further.
3. Do you even digital?
Yes, I understand I spend the opening lines of this very article espousing the “ancient art of illustration” but that doesn’t mean modern illustrators can’t adapt to the times. There are hundreds of tools available for illustrators that allow them to utilise their computers as digital canvases, either using bespoke digital drawing tablets or even ‘smart pens’ on iPads and other options such as the Windows Surface range. If a lot of your work is going to be in the digital domain, it’s probably important that the illustrator you choose is well versed in digital drawing.
4. Do you work well with others?
Even if they are working freelance and working remotely, if the illustrator is being brought on board as part of a team then how they work with other people in that team is going to be a major concern. Are they happy to take constructive criticism? And are they open to collaboration and taking on the ideas of others where necessary? Not everyone is great at working with others so it’s an important question to ask.
5. Have you done this kind of work before?
Finding illustrators isn’t difficult but finding illustrators experienced in your field is another matter entirely. While the illustrator you’re courting might have ticked all of the boxes above, if they have never illustrated an advertising campaign or a children’s book or an instruction manual before (or whatever it is you’re asking of them) then you might be taking a bit of a risk. Of course, everybody deserves a chance and everybody needs a first time but ask yourself if you want to risk being the first? It’s a risk, for sure, but sometimes it’s the risks that make our creative industries so damn exciting, right?
Using Creativepool
Looking to hire an Illustrator? Creativepool has thousands of super-talented members waiting to make your projects work better for their users.
There are 3 ways for you to find an Illustrator on Creativepool.
1. Search and Contact
Want greater control of who you work with and the process behind it? Searching for talent directly and then handpicking who you would like to work is a great way to be proactive in your talent hunting.
Simply search for Illustrators and browse through the results. You will be able to look through projects, CVs/Resumes of the talent listed to make an informed decision on your next hire.
On Creativepool we use a series of indicators to rank our members based on job title. Looking through the top 25 ranked Illustrators is also a powerful and quick way to view the best in talent on the platform.
Once you have found someone whose style and experience works for you, contact them directly by clicking on the message tab. Searching is ideal if you have a very specific idea on who it is that you would like to be working with.
2. Post a studiogig
Looking for a freelance Illustrator? The quickest way to find available talent is to advertise your brief. With us, briefs for individuals are called studiogigs.
Posting your role is formulated to be quick and easy and once you have posted your role, we get busy behind the scenes selecting the best talent to send out your brief to and then post the role on the jobs board. Once you have advertised your brief then just relax and wait for applicants to come to you directly!
3. Post a job
If you are looking for a permanent Illustrator, then advertising an illustrator job is the way for you to attract talent. The process is identical to posting a studiogig.
Once you have posted your role we will check the details of the adverts, send out job alerts to our community that best match your criteria and post on the jobs board. Like studiogigs applicants will apply to you direct.
Whether posting a job or a studiogig or searching for talent you are in control on who you hire. You are under no obligation to choose any of the applicants, and you negotiate with them directly on rates.
If you need any help on your talent hunt. You can chat with us or send us a message. We'd be happy to help.
James France September 15th, 2021, in the afternoon
Having taught in a middle school for 22 years, I am always amazed at the talent coming out of today's education system. My company did a curriculum based film project some years ago and instead of hiring a design company, we utilized the very talented artists in the school for the publicity. Not only was it a success, but went on to be nominated for an RTS award. A true reflection of the spirit and eagerness to learn and participate in the media, whatever the age.