Info on Working as an Illustrator in Lincoln, Nebraska

The city of Lincoln, Nebraska supports a resident population of well over a quarter million people.  Lincoln is also home to a large number of visual artists making use of the city's many opportunities for experienced graphic designers, especially illustrators.

Lincoln Schools and Training Programs for Illustrators

Lincoln, Nebraska is fully loaded with colleges and private fine arts schools that offer various training programs in illustration design.  Aspiring commercial illustrators often major in fine arts or communication design, but also study computer science.  Lincoln colleges with graphic arts departments include Sheldon Museum of Art, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Sherrill Education Center, Union College and University of Nebraska. 

Meanwhile, other artists living in Lincoln acquire technical skills and professional degrees online.  Accredited online fine arts schools include the Academy of Art University, National University, Post University, Full Sail University, DeVry, Stratford Career Institute, University of Phoenix, The Art Institutes and ITT Tech.  Many virtual schools of design also provide local campuses and resource facilities.

Working as an Illustrator in Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln businesses hiring illustrators include local writers, commercial printers, medical service corporations, video game developers and movie producers.  Many Lincoln artists create commercial art for graphic design firms like Graphic Answers, Powerband Graphics, Jordan Graphics, Nova Graphics and Charlotte's Web Design, for example.  Other local illustrators draw technical images for top engineering firms like Azaroff Engineering, Resch Engineering, Ross Engineering, Pacific Engineering and Stetson Engineering, among others.  Some Lincoln illustrators color anatomy charts for medical illustration companies like Indepth Medical, Seacoast Medical or Mower Medic.

Professional illustrators employed full time in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska report an average annual salary of about $36,420, with a mean hourly wage of around $17.50.  Lincoln businesses employ around 290 graphic designers (includes illustrators).  These figures, however, do not reflect the unreported incomes of local freelancers. 

Skills of a Professional Illustrator

Professional illustrators are customarily expert at drawing and coloring detailed recognizable images in a variety of styles and visual media.  Illustrators also know photography, styling and photo retouching, as well as business-related topics like manufacturing and development.  Among the most essential qualifications of a professional illustrator is the versatility to meet the individually creative demands of each project.  Most illustration professionals are entirely familiar with at least one digital illustration software design package.  Currently popular varieties include Microsoft Expression Design, SoThink Logo Maker, Intaglio, iDraw and LogoDesign Studio Pro.