Adobe Illustrator is a commonly used vector graphics design tool to create graphics, images, and icons. Knowing what fields and industries you can work in after receiving Illustrator training can help you prepare for a career change. When you start your training, you should consider the requirements and expectations of prospective employees in each industry. For students who are unsure of what path they would like to take after learning Illustrator skills, as well as for students who have an idea of what kind of work they would like to do.

What is Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector design tool used in industries, including graphic and web design. Illustrator allows users to build graphics and illustrations from vectors (lines, shapes, and points). Graphics created in Illustrator receive minimal decay in quality when resized. This feature lets you use Illustrator designs on anything from billboards to business cards. 

Illustrator is a key part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. It works with Adobe programs such as Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Adobe created these programs to allow for optimized crossover.

Read more about what Illustrator is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Illustrator Skills?

Illustrator, a vector graphics design tool, lets users create illustrations. Creatives use Illustrator to build recognizable logos and iconography to define a brand identity. While most commonly used in the graphic design industry, several Fashion designers utilize the program. In professional settings, users create illustrations to quickly and effectively convey meaning and recognition among customers. A majority of product packaging uses vector graphics.

For non-professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs, Illustrator can help build an online identity. These individuals use Illustrator to create logos, signage, and decals for the growing business, making it a valuable skill to know. 

Common Industries That Use Illustrator

As a popular tool among creative individuals, Adobe Illustrator is used across industries for various reasons. As companies rely on marketing materials to drive business, they rely on Illustrator to create graphics that convey a message quickly. However, the various tools assist industries in multiple ways; below is an overview of top industries that utilize Illustrator. 

Marketing

The marketing industry involves promoting brands and campaigns to target audiences using print, television, web, or social media advertisements. Professionals in the marketing industry will have various job responsibilities depending on the position they are in. Content Developers, where you see many individuals working with programs like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, work on creating the marketing materials for the campaigns. These materials include brochures, infographics, advertisements, videos, and social media content. 

More analytical marketing positions exist, like the Marketing Analyst and Marketing Coordinator positions. Marketing Analysts will collect data about audiences and campaigns to recommend how to make future campaigns successful. Marketing Coordinators take the time to develop different strategies and monitor the sales from other campaigns. Most companies want to have their marketing team in the office; however, more remote opportunities have become available recently.

With the rise of digital and social media marketing, the marketing industry expects to grow 10% over the current decade. This is considerably faster than the average growth for jobs in the nation. Since there is a rise in digital and social media marketing, there is an expected decline in print marketing, especially newspaper publishing. Over the years, marketing has become a highly competitive industry, with many candidates possessing a bachelor's degree and excellent analytical skills, communication skills, creativity, and understanding of relevant computer software for their position. 

Fashion

The fashion industry involves designing and creating clothing, accessories, and footwear. While there are various aspects to the fashion industry, most commonly, you will find Fashion Designer positions. Fashion designers sketch out designs, select the fabrics, and give instructions on how to make the products to create original designs. Accessory Designers will follow the same process, specializing in items like handbags, suitcases, belts, scarves, and more. Costume Designers focus on designing and creating pieces for the performing arts and motion pictures. Those in this position will need to research more on the period the performance is set or work directly with directors to create the desired attire. Other roles include Clothing Designer and Footwear Designer, focusing on their respective areas. Positions can be found in high-end fashion or with apparel wholesalers. Those interested in entering the fashion industry may also consider selling their unique and custom works. 

Over this current decade, Fashion Designer positions expect to grow by 3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Due to the slow growth rate in these positions, it will be a more competitive market. Qualified candidates must possess a unique artistic ability, be highly detail-oriented, and be highly proficient in computer programs relevant to their positions. 

Architecture

The architecture industry involves the planning and designing of houses, offices, factories, and other structures. Professionals will have various responsibilities depending on their position within the industry. Architects focus on the plans and designs for buildings while preparing the structure specifications. Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects. Construction Managers oversee the process of creating the structure. Drafters focus on converting the designs of architects into technical drawings. While Architects spend most of their time in an office setting, some remote positions have become available in recent years. Other roles within the industry do require on-site presence. 

With improved building information modeling software, architecture positions expect to increase by 3% over the current decade. The decline in expected growth is because the modeling software will increase the productivity rate of these positions and close the gap of needed employees. Other roles within the industry, like Civil Engineers and Construction Managers, are expected to see 7% growth over the current decade, making them more desirable to enter. Those seeking these positions should seek proper licensing and have excellent analytical, communication, and visualization skills. 

Art and Design

Many sectors are involved in the art and design industry, including marketing, fashion, illustration, professional photography, video game design, animation, theater, and film. Content creation can contribute to business marketing, branding, packaging, and sales in art and design careers. Other careers involve the teaching of artistic expression as an educational focus. In addition to creating, selling, or promoting original works, many artists and designers become entrepreneurs. Artists and designers work in many different environments, such as traditional offices, collaborative offices, and home studios. 

Despite declining employment in these fields, other art and design occupations that integrate digital technology are growing. The outlook for Digital Designers, Product Designers, and Video Game Designers expects to grow by almost 10% over the next decade. Animators and Art Directors' outlooks expect to increase by around 5%. Job competition in art and design is high. Successful candidates must possess creative skills and digital software.

Learn Illustrator Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers various Illustrator classes and bootcamps for students hoping to receive Illustrator training through a live online course.

• Illustrator in a Day: An introductory course covering the program's basic functionalities. 
• Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp: A more advanced class that teaches students to create complex and vibrant vector illustrations. Students finish the course with a professional portfolio. 
• Graphic Design Certificate: Students will master Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign. They will work towards building various sample designs to include in their portfolio. 
• Digital Design Certificate: Students will learn the essential Adobe applications and UI and web design for digital publications. 

Key Takeaways

• Various Industries benefit from Illustrator skills.
• The marketing industry uses Illustrator to create unique graphics that will help boost marketing campaigns. 
• The fashion industry uses Illustrator to create fashion design sketches. 
• The architecture industry uses Illustrator to create artistic designs of buildings or parks. 
• The art and design industry uses Illustrator to create unique and stunning illustrations for business, personal promotion, or artistic expression. 
• You can receive comprehensive Illustrator training at Noble Desktop, with in-person and online options available.