Illustrator and Graphic Designer: the benefits of versatility in the motion design and animation industry
Today, I would like to share with you an important aspect of my journey to becoming an illustrator and graphic designer. While studying visual communication, I began incorporating illustrations into my projects whenever possible. I enjoyed exploring this avenue because it helped my graphic design projects stand out.
During my master’s degree, I landed a work-study position at a design agency in Paris. I was thrilled at first. But confined to creating packaging backs under the orders of a notoriously unpleasant boss, I quickly became unhappy at work. Once I graduated (a great victory for me, whose schooling had been… painful), I turned to freelance illustration. I started by creating images for the press, magazines, and newspapers, and I quickly realized that it didn’t pay much for the effort involved.
Combining my skills in illustration and graphic design, I approached motion design and animation studios for corporate communications in France. I spent several years working on more lucrative projects for numerous companies and brands. This decision was very beneficial to me, providing me with a stable income and a welcome variety of projects. In addition, developing branding (brand identity) in different styles of illustration and graphic design allowed me to develop my own style at my own pace.
Now freelancing for motion design and animation agencies and studios in the United States and Europe, I am fortunate to be able to juggle my two roles as an illustrator and graphic designer. I create characters, settings, and graphic designs, while keeping a critical eye on the visual aspect of the project as a whole. Another advantage of this dual role is that I am able to communicate effectively about my own projects, particularly when it comes to creating my portfolio.
In short, versatility in my field is a real asset.
Whether you work in illustration, graphic design, or any other creative profession, having more than one string to your bow can help you stand out from the competition and take on a wide variety of projects. It can also help us broaden our skill set and explore new career paths.
If you have the opportunity to develop new skills and diversify your expertise, I encourage you to do so. You may be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that come your way.