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Illustrator Career Interview
Richard Laurent is an illustrator whose work is published in the Chicago Sun-Times. He teaches painting workshops around the city of Chicago and teaches illustration classes at Columbia College of Chicago.
Illustrator Career Path
Richard started drawing seriously after some time in the military, and ever since then, he has loved it.
“I chose to study design at the acclaimed Illinois Institute of Design because the market was very hot at the time for corporate identity designers,” he says.
Illustrator: Experiences
Richard attended the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in visual design, and Roosevelt University, where he earned his Master of Science degree in marketing communication.
At the Institute of Design, Richard studied the illustration method knows as ‘Swiss Design,’ a form that originated at the Bauhaus design school in Germany.
While in earning his visual design degree, Richard also worked for a small design firm.
“This gave me a chance to experience little bits of everything: production, design, and a few in-house illustration assignments,” he said. Richard implores future artists to work at a design firm if possible, because you learn so much about the industry.
Richard runs a studio where he produces paintings for the Fine Art Gallery market. He also “practiced graphic design from various boutique design firms in Chicago, worked as creative director for Britannica Films, designed multi-media packaging for various educational publishers, directed an animation unit, worked as a freelance magazine illustrator, ran a freelance design consulting business, and drew political cartoons for the Chicago Sun-Times.”
Illustrator Degree Programs
According to Richard, there is no set educational program for illustrators to follow.
“I know this is difficult to accept,” he says, “but the best illustrators in the business have numerous types of backgrounds. You need to develop your skill, target it to the markt you’re seeking, and work until you’re as good or better than the competition.”
As with most art-related fields, it’s all about practice, practice, practice, but you still need the talent.
Richard adds, “It’s kind of like American Idol – where does the skill/talent come from? It’s not just about talent, but also desire to succeed in the profession. That’s called perserverance.” Richard stresses the need for taking the time to develop your skill, and if you don’t have any skill in the first place, stay out of the game.
“Now about the college degree,” says Richard, “I think everyone should have their Bachelor’s degree at least.” This degree lays the groundwork for illustration, providing a source of inspiration to draw on or at least a source of fallback.
Illustrator Job Description
Richard is a painter, designer and art director, illustrating for various media such as the Chicago Sun-Times. He teaches illustration classes at Columbia College of Chicago.
Illustrator Daily Routine
The days of an illustrator are as varied as their designs.
“It can be ‘feast or famine’ unless you structure your life to bill clients on a regular basis,” says Richard. “There is no room for procrastination because it costs you money or the loss of a client.
The typical days for Richard can range from spending the entire day painting and generating ideas to teaching painting workshops for students. His process for submitting his work to the Chicago Sun-Times includes finding out from the editorial staff what the cover story of the day is, sketching ideas and submitting his illustrations, and receiving revisions.
Illustrator Career: Steps to Success
According to Richard, the steps toward being a successful illustrator are: “Hard work, good skill set, experience in making deadlines and dealing with people, a general knowledge of the world and how it works, and that intangible: your personality.”
Illustrator Job Opportunities
In today’s economy, most illustrators work as freelancers instead of as large illustration departments. “I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the individual who is ready to run a business,” says Richard.
Because of the stiff competition, any education an illustrator receives gives him or her a more guaranteed income. “I think that there are always going to be jobs for talented/hardworking individuals, especially in the gaming and entertainment industry,” he says. If you have the talent and develop your craft, you will find work as an illustrator.
Illustration Career Favorite Aspect
“Freedom,” says Richard. This freedom is there because of Richard’s job as a freelancer instead of at a large illustration department. Richard also enjoys the interaction with his clients and being his own boss.
“It’s hard when you’re starting out, however,” he adds, “to get a grasp on your competition and how you should be positioning yourself. Of course, brilliant technique, a good perspective, and the proper reliance on your friends/resources, can make the startup business enjoyable. Sole proprietors usually work harder for their money than their corporate counterparts.” Richard suggests figuring out where you want to go with a career in illustration because sometimes up-and-comers start out by taking on too much before their careers even start.
Illustrator’s Future Ambitions
Richard wouldn’t paint his job any other way. To be able to work in his studio every day is his dream job.
Advice for Prospective Illustrators
When you’re in school, Richard says to learn as much as you can.
“Sit in the first two rows, ask questions, pay attention, and contribute to the overall quality of the class,” he says. “In other words, take responsibility for participating rather than be a passive observer.”
If you just put forth the effort in developing your skill, you’ll be set for your career. “Learn the basics: drawing, perspective, Photoshop, color, and design principles. Then seek some advanced training in specialized workshops.” If a beginning illustrator can find their passion for a particular area of illustration, they should follow that in their career.
