During this tour of the potential markets available to contemporary illustrators, it is likely that more than a few of the career paths struck a chord with you. All the markets described herein are going to require additional exploration to gain a more comprehensive understanding of each specialty. The best place to start with any of the markets of interest is with an Internet search. This is a necessary starting point that will undoubtedly reveal little-known aspects of particular markets, and will enlighten you to the fact that every category listed has sub-categories to greater or lesser degrees. You’ll also discover that further research will make this compilation of the fifty markets of illustration more of a starting point as opposed to being the actual number of venues available.
Another point to take into account is that many of the illustration markets noted have their own “societies” (The Society of Architectural Illustrators, The Portrait Society of America, The Guild of Aviation Artists, The National Cartoonists Society, etc.). Search the web to see if a society exists for your particular area of interest as much can be learned about an art marketplace from a group of artists who have made that field their vocation. Some societies may even be able to connect you to notable artists within the profession to talk with and maybe even apprentice under—it never hurts to have a mentor!
Above all, it is important to find and pursue your authentic “calling” as an artist. Set your intentions on finding a path, style, and particular variety of illustration that speaks directly to you. I quote the famous teacher and philosopher, Joseph Campbell who provided apt advice for all who seek their true, individual passion. Campbell’s formula was simple: “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid…and you will put yourself on a track that has been there all the while. Follow your bliss, and doors will open for you where you didn’t know they were going to be.”
John Roman is a freelance illustrator who specializes in technical, architectural, and illustrated map art. His clients have included Time Inc., The National Park Service, The Massachusetts Audubon Society, Marriott Hotels, King Features Syndicate, Golf Digest Magazine, and The Thoreau Society. He is also an Assistant Professor of Illustration at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. He has won many awards for his illustration work from exhibitions such as The New York Society of Illustrators, The Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, The American Society of Architectural Illustrators, and Communication Arts. John is a graduate of The New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University.