Pemex Global gurgaon : Artist Vs. Illustrator: What's the Difference?

How Artists and Illustrators Differ

The general term 'artist,' can refer to a wide range of careers, including illustrators. Just as there are many different types of artists, there are different types of illustrators. Take a look at information on various art and illustration career options.

Types of Artists

Artists use art to communicate thoughts, feelings and ideas. The types of tools and materials used by artists depend on their job title and description. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are typically four occupational categories that artists fall into, including art directors, multimedia artists and animators, fine artists and craft artists.

Art Directors

Art directors give creative direction on a number of projects, including advertisements, CD jackets, billboards, websites and magazine layouts. They also manage other artists. Therefore, in addition to possessing artistic ability, art directors must also possess good management skills.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

Multimedia artists and animators create images for use in movies, TV shows and computer games. They use video, computers, film and other kinds of electronic media to produce these images. Multimedia artists often create animations and special effects.

Fine Artists

Fine artists include occupations such as painters, sculptors, sketch artists, cartoonists and illustrators. They create original works of art using many different tools. For example, sculptors use clay, wood, plaster, stone and glass to create artwork. Sketch artists use charcoal, pencil and pastels. In addition to using many different tools, fine artists also use many different techniques to create realistic drawings. Two such techniques include shadowing and perspective.

Craft Artists

Craft artists make handmade objects to be sold or showcased in galleries and museums. Such objects include jewelry, rugs, art glass and quilts. Craft artists may use recycled objects to create their handmade items. These recycled objects can include soda cans, costume jewelry, old t-shirts and license plates. Craft artists often employ the same techniques used by fine artists.

Types of Illustrators

According to the BLS, illustrators create images for use in publications, such as books and magazines. They also make images for commercial products such as calendars, wrapping paper and greeting cards. There are other types of illustrators, too, including medical, scientific and technical illustrators. The kind of work they do varies greatly.

Medical Illustrators

Medical illustrators use both traditional and digital methods of illustration to create images of the human body. They also create 3D models, animations and images of surgical procedures. Becoming a medical illustrator requires knowledge of biology.

Scientific Illustrators

Scientific illustrators create images of plant and animal life, planets and atomic structures. These images are used in training presentations as well as medical and scientific publications. Like medical illustrators, scientific illustrators also need to study biology.

Technical Illustrators

Technical illustrators are sometimes known as mechanical drafters. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare drawings and diagrams of mechanical devices and machinery. These drawings show details of assembly methods and indicate requirements such as fastening methods and dimensions.