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Technical Illustrator |
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Description Technical illustrators' pencil and paper drawings are slowly becoming obsolete with the increased use of computer-aided design systems. Technical illustrators use both traditional and computer aided techniques when drawing for a broad range of industrial industries and specialties. They draw enlarged views of machinery parts for operating manuals, create wildlife illustrations, or draw commercial and residential buildings from structural information provided by blueprints. Their job is to draw diagrams and simplified directions for people to understand how things work. Technical illustrators draw machine parts and objects from different angles to show how they fit together. They also show through drawings how things should be assembled, taken care of, and repaired. Technical illustrators specialize in catalogs, technical manuals and handbooks, instruction manuals, brochures, or presentation materials such as transparencies, flip charts, and slides. They study blueprints and engineers drawings in order to create a visual illustration. Most technical illustrators make drawings for detailed instructions on how to assemble manufactured products. The first step for illustrators is to meet with product designers or companies to discuss how to draw the product. The technical illustrator will draw a rough sketch either from measuring or photographing an object or listening to an oral description from an engineer. Many technical illustrators enjoy the diversity involved in the job as they are always drawing new and sometimes very different images. However, the creativity involved in each drawing is sometimes minimal due to the technical nature of the drawings. Technical illustrators spend a lot of time researching the products or subjects they draw. They often work closely with engineers or scientists to make sure that the drawings cohere with the products. Some technical illustrators also draw promotional and advertising drawings in replacement of photographic images or for style purposes. They may work independently, in teams with engineers and other artists or as support for engineers, architects and industrial designers. Illustrators are required to constantly update their skills and knowledge in order to keep up with technological advancements in this quickly changing field. |
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Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm |
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