If you’re attending an interview to be a graphic illustrator, it’s vital to be prepared! You will not only be asked the standard interview questions, but there will be a few very specific to your work as an illustrator.
Here are the answers for the top 10 Illustrator interview questions:
1. 'Why did you become a graphic designer/illustrator?'
This is where you get to share that moment when you discovered your love of art as a child, teenager, or even adult. The more passionate you are, the better!
2. 'What challenges do you expect in this job?'
They’re looking for ways that you will be challenging yourself to become better as an illustrator, and it’s up to you to think about the areas you want to improve. Share with the interviewer the skills you want to develop and the progress you want to make.
3. 'Where do you see yourself in five years' time?'
A good answer is "Serving as the Chief Illustrator or Head of Graphic Design" or a similar position within their company. Ambition is a vital professional skill, and the more ambitious you are, the better quality they can expect from your work.
4. 'Describe your typical work week.'
As an illustrator, a lot of your time is going to be spent on the computer. But the interviewer also wants to know what you do to stay active and healthy outside the office, and what hobbies, passions, and interests you have outside of work. The answer should revolve around work, but you can include other activities that make you a better professional.
5. 'How well do you work under pressure?'
This is a question that will be asked in just about every interview, but you should come up with an answer specific to your illustrator work. Answers like, "I put in extra work in my off hours" will show the interviewer that you aim to get the job done, no matter what.
6. 'What's your biggest weakness?'
Tailor this answer to your work. If your skills are lacking in one area, or if you struggle with the small details in your illustration, share this with the interviewer. It will show that you have an honest assessment of your technical skills.
7. 'What has been your most successful graphic design project? Why?'
This is time to trot out the project of which you are the most proud. The quality of the art or the amount of work done in a short period of time will all be a good way to show the interviewer what you’re capable of.
8. 'Why should we hire you?'
They want to know why you are the illustrator for the job but also the person for the job. This goes beyond just your technical knowhow and creative skills. Your answer should include aspects of both your abilities as an illustrator and the character traits that make you the right person for the job.
9. 'What do you think makes a good illustrator/designer?'
This is a question without a "right" answer, so feel free to get a bit creative with it. The interviewer just wants to know what skills or traits you consider are most important for an illustrator. Consider giving an answer along the lines of:
- Your attention to detail
- The ability to work under pressure
- Being organized
- Being good at communicating with clients
10. 'What kind of illustration projects are you most interested in?'
This is the interviewer giving you a window to talk about the things that make you passionate about your job. Keep the answer fairly short, but feel free to let your love of art and creation shine through!
Answer these questions the right way, and you’re VERY likely to get the job.
Any illustrators out there with advice on how to answer tough interview questions? Leave a comment below and let us know…