How to Become a Technical Illustrator

A technical illustrator uses hand drawings and design software to visually realize innovative ideas. Technical illustrators work in a variety of fields, including video production, automotive design, architecture and urban planning. You need to choose a professional field that will interest you 10 years down the line before you become a technical illustrator.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Resume
• Portfolio of illustrations

1. Begin your path toward a technical illustration career with an undergraduate degree in graphic design. Your elective courses should feature technical writing, digital illustration and three-dimensional design courses to round out your education.
2. Invest some money in courses in animation before you become a professional technical illustrator. Animation courses allow you to learn how to put drawings in motion while taking scale and perspective of objects into consideration.
3. Choose a specialization early to become a proficient illustrator in your desired industry. Freelance opportunities with design and architectural firms will help you choose areas of specialization.
4. Revisit past projects as you change positions in order to find the right balance for your portfolio. You should eliminate animations and illustrations that are flawed to show your development as a technical artist.
5. Submit your resume and portfolio to technical recruiting firms to expand your job search. A recruiting firm will review your credentials and look at its available list of interested employers to find the right fit for both sides.
6. Bring your portfolio to life by placing illustrations on a website. Use this portfolio website to highlight your past work experiences and samples.
7. Refine your illustration skills and establish relationships with young designers through teaching positions. A semester of teaching technical illustration at a local college can help you supplement your income while building another perspective on your profession.
8. Match your interest in print media with your illustration skills by working with an educational-publishing company. Your ability to show objects from multiple angles can be used in textbooks for biology, astronomy and art.

Tips & Warnings

• Gather supplies and furniture for a home studio. Your workspace should feature an updated computer, a drawing table and art supplies to create storyboards for all of your projects. Most of these items can be found at a discount through second-hand stores and art-supply vendors.
• Add a desktop-publishing certification to your resume in order to broaden your options as a technical illustrator. A short course from a local technical college can help you get certification in a matter of months.

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