Oke Ira, Lagos12 illustrators near you

It is not necessary to have a university degree to become an illustrator, especially a freelance illustrator, but it is a good idea to attend an art school, a computer graphics school or a higher national school to understand the concepts and basics. Most professional illustrators have had some form of art training and some are self-taught. Obtaining a BTS in graphic design or a BTS in visual communication for Bac+2 and a DNAT (national diploma in arts and techniques) in communication, art and design for Bac+3 are options for direct access to this position. There are also diplomas from specialised schools such as the international bachelor of Franco-Japanese design (autograf), illustration concept art (Ipesaa), the comic strip and illustration designer (Cesan). Numerous schools also offer training for illustrators at bac+4 level (Diplôme supérieur d'arts appliqué option graphisme or DSAA) and bac+5 (Diplôme national supérieure d'expression plastique option communication or DNSEP). The Bachelor of Art, Bachelor of Design, Licence pro Design and Master of Design also give access to the profession of illustrator. Working in the art professions requires several skills, including drawing skills. Although this is often an innate skill, it can be acquired through training in graphic design, computer graphics or illustration. Technical and artistic know-how is very important to illustrate an image, a map or a text. They must also have a very creative mind, a style of their own and a personality. They must master the various drawing techniques on paper (ink, felt pen, pencil, acrylic, pastel, etc.) and on computer tools including DTP software. Good communication, availability and time management are extremely important for illustrators.

An illustrator may create original images that help explain the context of an advertisement, fashion or publication (comic strip, magazine, newspaper, etc.). In his work, he uses several tools such as pen, pencil and brushes. He designs graphic illustrations that require hand drawing tools. Computer-aided illustration also requires digital programs such as Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape and Procreate for the creation of logos and graphic guidelines. As a graphic illustrator, he or she may collaborate with the author of the text, the web designer, the developer, the art director and other professionals who submit to him or her the specifications of their expectations (typography to be used, colour code, delivery deadlines, etc.). His work is often done online and he can make real appointments to understand and identify a client's needs. They may work on the entire pages of a book (comic book) or just the cover. Illustrators tend to work alone or in a studio or home. They may offer their illustration services for publishing (book covers, technical illustrations, interior narrative illustrations, etc.), for advertising (press announcements and press releases, posters, websites, advertising banners, etc.), for the press (fashion illustrations, illustrations for feature articles, political illustrations, etc.) and for visual communication (event stands, press kits, shop windows, etc.) They can also work for the cinema, video games and animated films. Scientific illustration, computer graphics, academic illustration and character illustration are also part of his or her areas of expertise. Before moving on to the colouring phase on a drawing board, the illustrator always suggests sketches or pencil drawings for approval. This is often done on a computer with a graphic palette.

Illustration offers many benefits to a company. The objective of an illustrator is to convey a message or concept with a few strokes of the pen to catch the eye of the reader, player or consumer. He is able to deliver unique and original illustrations to his clients. He knows how to adapt to the editorial line and the different requests of each client. Using various illustration techniques (motion design, multimedia, collage, audiovisual, etc.), the illustrator can create personalised illustrations that capture the attention of the target audience and have a positive impact on the brand image. Thanks to his expertise in 2D and 3D design, he is able to create high-quality product illustrations that stand out from the competition. In addition, he has a thorough knowledge of the various basic drawing techniques, the principles of colorimetry and image editing and creation software. He is able to use a realistic scale to illustrate an image or text.

An illustrator is essential to promote a company's brand and product or to create illustrations for educational, political or commercial purposes. They may work with a marketing team and artists and writers. They may also work with advertising companies on various projects such as magazines, brochures, cartoons and animated films.

There are many websites to find a professional illustrator in Oke Ira. The easiest way is to visit the StarOfService website. You just have to choose among the different illustrators proposed and follow the different steps.

The average cost of an illustrator varies between €160 and €340 depending on the complexity of the image, the number of retouching operations, the time required to make the illustration and the materials. Freelance illustrators often offer more attractive rates than a communications agency. Their rates range from €350 to €600 per day including VAT. Professional illustrators offer traditional (paper) or digital illustration services. Some charge by the hour, but most of them estimate a fixed fee. The price of an illustrator also varies according to the size and type of drawings. For example, the price of a brochure is around €1278, while a business card design is €212. Some illustrators set rules for giving away their designs, while others give clients freedom but charge higher prices.

First of all, research the illustrator thoroughly before hiring him or her. Shortlist several illustrators by checking their portfolio. It is necessary to know the different companies that have worked with him/her and to ask for their recommendations. If the job is a book illustration, it is advisable to check with writers' groups and artists. It is also essential to join online forums to get to know the illustrator better. Next, browse through websites dedicated to posting portfolios of illustrators' work. This will help you to know what kind of illustrator to hire if it is a freelance illustrator or an illustrator working in a graphic design company. Finally, it is preferable to know the price of the service in order to plan a sufficient budget for the project. The illustrator's fees should be reasonable, but this depends on the difficulty of the design and the type of illustration. Once the illustrator has been chosen, it is important to make an agreement in writing.

Which companies do you work with frequently? May I have your portfolio? What types of software do you master? What types of illustrations do you usually do? What are your rates? Do you include copyright on your work? When will the work be delivered?