One of the things you’ll need to be aware of are the startup costs for getting yourself up and running. This article will guide you through the first few tools and tips you'll need to be on your way making vector illustrations with Adobe Illustrator. While it may seem like simply creating art in your bedroom, when you begin your career as an illustrator, you’re actually starting your own business. Including advice of some kick-ass illustrators! Free illustrations, for everything. Thorsten Berger – Illustration, Visual Communication, Art und Design in Berlin. Part 2 of ‘How to start an illustration career’ is posted here. The tradition that has guided modern book illustration originates in western literature dating back to 15th-century block books, in which the text of a book was carved into the same block as the image. Memorable products, brands, & presentations start with our curated royalty-free illustration library Read along! Book illustration has existed in some form since the advent of the written word. The good news, though, is an illustration career has a very low overhead. For me personally, vector illustration is one of the most satisfying and exciting creative outputs there is - once you've learned the basics it's pure enjoyment, playing with shapes and colour. In the second part of this series I will talk more about how to get paid jobs, how to deal with clients and social media tips.