Illustration is always done for a purpose – usually to provide visual interest, to explain or to persuade. Original illustrations are used in advertising, films and videos, websites, magazines and books.

Each project starts with a brief. As an illustrator, you need to understand what the client wants to achieve and the style, content and technical details that are required.

The first step is to draw up some rough sketches to show your ideas. When these have been discussed and approved, you would go on to produce finished artwork to exact technical specifications. You might do some of the early work on a project by hand, but you would also use software, such as Adobe Illustrator, to produce the final version.

If the illustrations you are producing are very detailed, such as diagrams to explain a piece of equipment, you may have to go through several sets of corrections before you are finished.

Most illustrators work as freelancers. You could work directly with the client who is paying for the project or through a graphic designer or art director. Some illustrators work through an agent who takes a commission for every job.