TSR DECISIONS DROP IN Q and A NOW OPEN - GET FREE ADVICE HERE >>

MA Illustration graduate adivce

Hi,

I am just wanting to see if there are any postgraduates that have graduated in Illustration MA that have left the course with interests with wanting to do both illustration and graphic design but have troubles like myself with having to try and mesh the two fields together to build a portfolio.

I had graduated last year in MA Illustration but always knew that I had interests of wanting to do work in graphic design but having done the Illustration course and done a freelance childrens book project I know I don't really have the patience to keep sketching and rubbing out on paper as I get really frustrated.

I had done my final major project on brand design work and really enjoyed doing so which I ended getting a distinction from the course, so I have been doing some branding work for portfolio ever since leaving the course but since last night thoughts of wanting to do childrens illustrations had came into my mind and caused a bit of confusion which had made me feel so anxious throwing my intentions off what I want to be doing.

I guess I just want to know if anyone struggles with this problem also.

Thanks!

Reply 1

Eigmatic Writer

Sometimes when interest is too high in the two correlated courses it becomes a mount Everest to decide. But i think once you finish the other course on illustraion its more easier to commence Design and Graphics.

Reply 2

insidedesigner

Apply for graphic design jobs and placements, even though you have an illustration portfolio. Larger agencies love to have someone in-house than can do illustartion (and design) because they don't have to employ freelance illustrators. Lots of illustrators end up working as 'graphic designers', even if a certain % of their job is illustration.

However, large parts of the design industry is really struggling at the moment, so you might have to be patient and keep building your portfolio.

Reply 3

Cabaniuk93

Original post by Eigmatic Writer

I know I am making the right choice in trying to fuse both illustration and graphic design together by doing branding work. I know that I can't sit and draw for a long time if it was children's illustration as it will drive me nuts. I seem to think more calmly when I am doing graphic design and my concentration is fully there.

Reply 4

Cabaniuk93

Original post by insidedesigner

Apply for graphic design jobs and placements, even though you have an illustration portfolio. Larger agencies love to have someone in-house than can do illustartion (and design) because they don't have to employ freelance illustrators. Lots of illustrators end up working as 'graphic designers', even if a certain % of their job is illustration.
However, large parts of the design industry is really struggling at the moment, so you might have to be patient and keep building your portfolio.

I think it's clear to see that there are more jobs in graphics design. I know of I just focused on illustration or children's illustration then the thought of not doing graphics design will haunt me