Job Profiles

Illustrator Job Profile-

Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products including books, magazines, animations, computer games, websites, sales brochures and reference materials.

An illustrator should-

• have excellent drawing and IT skills
• be able to work to a brief and adapt their style if needed
• have an understanding of the context in which they are working
• know the audience they are aiming at
• be able to conduct good research
• have a high level of creativity and an eye for detail and design
• have good communication and negotiation skills
• be able to work within budgets
• be self-motivated and able to work to deadlines
• have a good general knowledge and an awareness of current affairs
• have good initiative.

Illustrators work throughout the UK. Most illustrators are self-employed and often have other paid jobs while they build up their business. It is a competitive area of work.

Many illustrators employ agents to promote their work and pay a percentage commission for their services. Many illustrators also have a web presence to promote their work. There are also websites that allow illustrators to upload their work for potential commissioners to see, often for a fee.

There are no set entry requirements to become an illustrator. However, most professional illustrators have a degree in illustration or another art-related subject such as graphic design or fine art. It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work. Getting work experience through an internship in a relevant field such as advertising or publishing may help.

Most illustrators are self-employed and work freelance. They are paid an agreed fee for each commission, which varies widely. Earnings may range from £5,000 to £50,000 a year. Some extremely successful illustrators may earn £250,000 a year or more.

Source-

http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm?pid=46&catalogueContentID=131


[‘illustrator’ is a broad term, and I feel at the moment that it is defiantly where I want to go. The earnings are very uncertain, but that dosen’t effect me decision. I believe I have enough skills and determination to mean that this is a suitable job for me.]



Animator Job Profile-


As an animator, you would bring drawings or models to life on screen. Your work could be used in animated short and full-length films, television cartoons, adverts, computer games, music videos, websites and movie visual effects.
Skills Necessary-

• creativity and imagination
• good drawing or modelling skills
• patience and concentration
• accuracy and attention to detail
• good computer skills, preferably including graphics and animation software
• communication and presentation skills
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• good teamworking skills.

Income can start at around £20,000 a year, but with experience and skills one can earn up to £40,000 a year.

To become an animator, you will need skills in drawing, modelling or using computer animation packages. Some animators are self-taught, but many start by taking an animation or art-related course to develop their skills before looking for work.

You can get into the industry with qualifications in relevant subjects such as:

• illustration
• graphic design
• computer programming
• model making or sculpture
• 3-D design
• multimedia design.

Source-
https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/PlanningYourCareer/JobProfiles/JobProfile1396/Pages/default.aspx

[An animator would be a really interesting career to look further into, I would need to work with some of the 3d modelling and animation programs first as I have no experience at all. If i were to go into animation, maybe an animation specific course would be a good Idea. Apart from the technology side of things, I feel it could be very achievable and the income looks good. So maybe its a good career to go down?]

Higher education lecturer job description-

Higher education (HE) lecturers facilitate learning and carry out research activities in universities and some colleges of further education (FE). They teach academic or vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 upwards. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory demonstrations, field work and e-learning. Multimedia technologies are increasingly used.

Most HE lecturers pursue their own areas of research and develop these in order to contribute to the wider research activities of their department/institution.

Administrative tasks take up a significant part of the working day. Many lecturers also take on a pastoral role with their students. As HE lecturers progress along their career paths, they may be expected to undertake a managerial role.

Work activities vary according to individual areas of responsibility and research. Progression to managerial posts will also have an impact on work responsibilities.

Tasks typically involve-

• §  developing and implementing new methods of teaching to reflect changes in research;
• §  designing, preparing and developing teaching materials;
• §  delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials;
• §  assessing students' coursework;
• §  setting and marking examinations;
• §  supporting students through a pastoral/advisory role;
• §  undertaking personal research projects and actively contributing to the institution’s research profile;
• §  writing up research and preparing it for publication;
• §  supervising students’ research activities;
• §  undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff training activities;
• §  undertaking administrative tasks related to the department, such as student admissions, induction programmes and involvement in committees and boards;
• §  managing and supervising staff - at a senior level this may include the role of head of department;
• §  representing the institution at professional conferences and seminars, and contributing to these as necessary;
• §  establishing collaborative links outside the university with industrial, commercial and public organisations.

Salaries for higher education (HE) lecturers range from £30,500 - £40,000+ (salary data collected June 2009).

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, undergraduate and doctoral degrees relevant to the post are required, along with:

§  demonstrable experience of (or clear potential for) teaching;

§  the ability to produce original research for peers;

§  early publication of academic work.

Entry without a degree is not possible.

Entry without a PhD (or nearing completion of a PhD) is difficult. However, for more vocational or specialised courses, expertise in the relevant field may be just as valuable as a PhD.

Source- http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/higher_education_lecturer_job_description.jsp

[Ive always wanted to teach to older students, and teaching higher education has become more recently a good idea. I think it would make sense to maybe consider this later in my career, when maybe have the money and its is the right time to further my own education and further better my chances of working as a HE lecturer.]