Micro Jobs: Design & Illustration
Up to this point, we have lightly discussed a sampling of micro jobs that one can work with. The world of micro jobs is constantly changing and with every change comes a new need. Since the start of the series, every micro job category that was discussed has changed in some way shape or form to the point of almost being unrecognizable.
Writing is always changing so there's no big surprise there. Even with that fact in mind, there are still hurdles in place as clients are expecting you to bring your A-Game every round with hopes of seeing you up the ante tenfold each and every single time. Upping the ante may sound like a tall order but once its fulfilled, you'll be more than ready for the next challenge.
Even coding and digital marketing has changed to better fit the end consumers' needs. Coding has under gone another growth spurt that enables coders to design better end products that are universally compatible with various platforms without the need of third party extras. Digital marketing is better at adapting to its environment (think in-game/sidebar advertisements) as opposed to the days where it stood out like a sore thumb (think pop-ups galore).
Not only those but photography has come a long way in terms of capturing moments on the fly. A simple scene just doesn't do it any more and consumers' cravings are ever changing. The same hurdles apply to the design and illustration arena.
An Overview (sort of)
There are various examples of design and illustration that are viewed on a daily basis during your commutes to school, work or wherever. Every attention capturing display, vehicle, structure, portable/stationary devices, etc have been illustrated and designed by someone or someones. The work process wasn't easy but I'm sure many were relieved and mostly satisfied with the end products.
Why mostly satisfied? This is do to the fact that there are those select individuals that are extremely difficult to please even when you bend over backwards into a pretzel knot. You can't please everyone so don't stress yourself when you encounter a critique that criticizes every minute (my-newt) detail.
What Can You Do?
Like with most categories, these two are by no means one dimensional. Its pretty standard to see design as a broad category since it encompasses a variety of platforms. Illustration is typically seen as one dimensional but after you start peeling back the layers, you'll quickly discover that illustration is just as broad as design.
Let's start with illustration.
There are a variety of publications that utilize illustrations be it simple line art or realistic renderings. Some examples of where you can start looking are sports, medical and real estate publications if you're working in the traditional (pencil and paper) medium. For the digital medium, you can also look into the prior along with fashion, tech and health/cooking publications.
This is just for starters and by no way a definitive guide. Feel free to check with local businesses or even your own sources for opportunities within this sector. If you rather go the route of illustrating your own things or even creating comic strips, you are more than welcome to do so.
Design on the other hand can be a bit confusing as the line between it and illustration are often blurred. Let's utilize the following as an example/explanation.
Illustration focuses on illustrating a particular object. Above is a bookcover with a drawing at the center. The drawing is compiled by an illustrator.
The type like the title, by line and volume tag are arranged by designers. Type elements aren't just thrown on the page but are meticulously placed in a manner that balances things out. Designers ensure that all elements are laid out in way that creates fluidity so that viewers' eyes are guided throughout a piece rather than focus on a single element.
Though in a nutshell, designers help bring creative elements together to form a complete whole. The above brought together illustrations and type to form a complete eComic cover.
This technique isn't restricted to illustrative pieces but also applies to other design categories as well. So what can one do within design? Lots but a better question would be what can you yourself do within this broad arena?
Start with your interests and or experience. Compile a list of skills you possess within your interests and or experience and work from there. Start local, explore online or go solo.
What Else You Got?
Some are probably asking for more than what is listed but this is some what good as is. No, I'm not behind the times and am aware of the various if not plethora of platforms that are available to work on. I have no qualms about them but there are those select few that will turn to the finger of blame game if things don't go ideally for them.
Not mentioning platforms has turned into a bit of a habit so try not to get too upset. If you know of some online platforms that you would like to work with/on, feel free to do so but do your homework in advance prior to sign up so you're not blind sided later on. This includes but isn't limited to reading every single word of the sites' Terms and Rules.
Writing is always changing so there's no big surprise there. Even with that fact in mind, there are still hurdles in place as clients are expecting you to bring your A-Game every round with hopes of seeing you up the ante tenfold each and every single time. Upping the ante may sound like a tall order but once its fulfilled, you'll be more than ready for the next challenge.
Even coding and digital marketing has changed to better fit the end consumers' needs. Coding has under gone another growth spurt that enables coders to design better end products that are universally compatible with various platforms without the need of third party extras. Digital marketing is better at adapting to its environment (think in-game/sidebar advertisements) as opposed to the days where it stood out like a sore thumb (think pop-ups galore).
Not only those but photography has come a long way in terms of capturing moments on the fly. A simple scene just doesn't do it any more and consumers' cravings are ever changing. The same hurdles apply to the design and illustration arena.
An Overview (sort of)
There are various examples of design and illustration that are viewed on a daily basis during your commutes to school, work or wherever. Every attention capturing display, vehicle, structure, portable/stationary devices, etc have been illustrated and designed by someone or someones. The work process wasn't easy but I'm sure many were relieved and mostly satisfied with the end products.
Why mostly satisfied? This is do to the fact that there are those select individuals that are extremely difficult to please even when you bend over backwards into a pretzel knot. You can't please everyone so don't stress yourself when you encounter a critique that criticizes every minute (my-newt) detail.
What Can You Do?
Like with most categories, these two are by no means one dimensional. Its pretty standard to see design as a broad category since it encompasses a variety of platforms. Illustration is typically seen as one dimensional but after you start peeling back the layers, you'll quickly discover that illustration is just as broad as design.
Let's start with illustration.
There are a variety of publications that utilize illustrations be it simple line art or realistic renderings. Some examples of where you can start looking are sports, medical and real estate publications if you're working in the traditional (pencil and paper) medium. For the digital medium, you can also look into the prior along with fashion, tech and health/cooking publications.
This is just for starters and by no way a definitive guide. Feel free to check with local businesses or even your own sources for opportunities within this sector. If you rather go the route of illustrating your own things or even creating comic strips, you are more than welcome to do so.
Design on the other hand can be a bit confusing as the line between it and illustration are often blurred. Let's utilize the following as an example/explanation.
 |
| Cover design for eComic (rough stages) |
The type like the title, by line and volume tag are arranged by designers. Type elements aren't just thrown on the page but are meticulously placed in a manner that balances things out. Designers ensure that all elements are laid out in way that creates fluidity so that viewers' eyes are guided throughout a piece rather than focus on a single element.
Though in a nutshell, designers help bring creative elements together to form a complete whole. The above brought together illustrations and type to form a complete eComic cover.
This technique isn't restricted to illustrative pieces but also applies to other design categories as well. So what can one do within design? Lots but a better question would be what can you yourself do within this broad arena?
Start with your interests and or experience. Compile a list of skills you possess within your interests and or experience and work from there. Start local, explore online or go solo.
What Else You Got?
Some are probably asking for more than what is listed but this is some what good as is. No, I'm not behind the times and am aware of the various if not plethora of platforms that are available to work on. I have no qualms about them but there are those select few that will turn to the finger of blame game if things don't go ideally for them.
Not mentioning platforms has turned into a bit of a habit so try not to get too upset. If you know of some online platforms that you would like to work with/on, feel free to do so but do your homework in advance prior to sign up so you're not blind sided later on. This includes but isn't limited to reading every single word of the sites' Terms and Rules.
