Book illustrator
さしえがか
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
An artist who creates illustrations (sashie) published in books, magazines, advertisements, etc., visually supplementing text or concepts.
Description
Book illustrators create illustrations used in novels, children's books, magazine articles, advertisements, and more. They hold repeated discussions with clients and editors, interpret the story's worldview and themes, and visualize characters and scenes. They produce artwork by combining analog materials and digital tools, making adjustments to meet deadlines and format requirements. In recent years, expansion into e-books and web media has increased, requiring a wide range of expressive techniques and deadline management skills.
Future Outlook
With the spread of e-books and web media, demand for illustrations remains stable. While work efficiency improves with the introduction of AI support tools, it is expected to be a field where high creative quality preserves value.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Contract employee / Freelance / In-house employment / Remote
Career Path
Assistant illustrator → Freelance illustrator → Picture book author → Concept artist → Art director
Required Skills
Character design / Drawing / Graphic design software / Sketching techniques
Recommended Skills
Color theory / E-book production / SNS marketing / Typography
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because the expression of details directly impacts the quality of the work. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity to generate unique images is essential. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because acquiring new painting techniques and digital tools is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Almost no numerical calculation work is required. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical burden is relatively low even with long hours of work. |
Aliases
- Book illustrator
- Illustrator
Related Jobs
- CG artist
- Graphic designer
- Manga artist
- Picture book author