Skills and characteristics related to different specialisms

Skills and characteristics related to different specialisms

'A Mad Tea-Party' by Arthur Rackham 

Illustration is my chosen specialism and I am going to explore the skills and characteristics that are most common and related to my specialism. One of the most important skills needed is great artistic ability and a creative imagination. Illustrators require core skills such as; an understanding of colour, shape, form and to be able to work well using different art techniques. Illustrators need to be able to convey a message or narrative within their work and to have specialist knowledge and interest in the subject area. For example, the illustration of children's books. Many illustrators are freelance, so it is important that illustrators are professional, and can work to a clients brief. For example, an important characteristic required to be an illustrator is, time management and the ability to work under tight deadlines. Another characteristic required to be an illustrator is, making sure that you are able to work long hours and at home as well as work, or if you are self-employed, then to make sure that you give up a lot of time to get work completed. Another characteristic required to be an illustrator is, good communication, presentation and negotiation skills. Illustrators are also expected to be able to work both independently and in a team. Freelance illustrators need to have great business and marketing skills and a good knowledge of computer graphics software and digital imaging.

The skills and characteristics that are used in Illustration can also be found in Textiles design. Textile designers need to have a creative flair and artistic ability, excellent attention to detail and a good eye for colour, fabrics, texture and designs. Textile designers also need to have design skills and the ability to use computer-aided design packages, good communication and team working skills and the ability to work to deadlines and a budget. Another skill needed to be a Textile designer is; marketing, administrative and business skills - especially if you are self-employed. I have been embroidering and hand stitching my work and I have also been starting to use my sewing machine to stitch garments. I have been taking my illustrative skills and transferring them to other specialisms such as; Textiles. Similarly, I have been improving my digital design skills by using Adobe Photoshop to aid my work by rearranging my compositions of my final piece and I have been using a WACOM tablet to draw over my photographs.