How To Start A Career As A Medical Illustrator

By Author: Illustration Web
Total Articles: 21
Comment this article

One of the most famous textbooks in medical history, Gray's Anatomy, is host to numerous medical illustrations. They show certain parts of anatomy or biology that were either difficult to photograph or in the olden days, impossible to do so. Aside from its educational value, medical illustrations are also used for legal matters and at times, forcreating3-D models. Here's how a medical illustrator is created.

Most medical illustrators often work alongside doctors and other specialists in their field. The work produced will depend on your specialization as a medical illustrator and what the client wants.

Traditionally, an illustrator will draw things by hand using tools such as pencils and pens. These days, software can now be used to either create or enhance an existing illustration. One of the benefits of high-tech solutions for medical illustrations is that they can easily alter and zoom in on parts of the photograph that need editing. It has to be said that individuals who enter the world of medical illustration must have as much a passion ...
... for art as they do science.

There needs to be a combination of degrees when one decides to be a medical illustrator. However, there are now schools that offer courses that cater specifically to individuals who are interested in the career. Once you've earned a bachelor degree in either art or pre-medicine, you can then opt to embark on your journey to earn your Master's degree in medical illustration. It must be important to remember that most employers or clients require their medical illustrators to have Master's degrees.

Most aspiring illustrators take extra courses in graphic design, anatomy, biology, and the like to help enhance their skills. Another helpful tool to have in your arsenal is certification. While this is entirely optional, a medical illustrator who has passed the tests given by the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators will stand a better chance at getting good jobs because they show commitment to their work, as well as a knack for it.

With a well-made portfolio, a medical illustrator can get a start in their career. You may opt to work as a freelancer as most illustrators are, or find employment on a full-time basis with any one of the following: hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, private doctors, and many others.

When it comes to earning potential, medical illustrators stand to make as much as other professionals in the field of art. "The median salary for a medical illustrator is $61,000 and can range up to $150,000. Those in supervisory and director positions earn a median of $75,000 and $93,000 per year respectively (2009 AMI survey data)."

If you find your income a bit lacking as a salaried employee, you may still opt to supplement your income doing freelance work. Once you've racked up ample experience, you can earn as much as $200,000 per year.

If you believe that this is the right path for you, simply do the required legwork and you should be a medical illustrator in no time.

About Author:

Illustration Ltd represents the 77 worlds’ finest medical illustrator specializing in scientific surgical, medicine, diagrams and cutaways designs. Get in touch with our professional agents dedicated to find the perfect illustrator for your needs. For more details visit: http://www.illustrationweb.com