How to Become a Professional Illustrator: Tips from Dave Follett

Featuring David Follett – Character Artist, Cartoonist, and Storyboarder

How awesome is the artwork above? It was created by professional illustrator and cartoonist David Follett, who draws for a living! Dave is part of our extended family, and we’re so proud to share his creative journey with you.

Artists like Dave get so much joy from producing their work—and we, the viewers, get to enjoy it too. A win-win! And because many of your children might love drawing characters, I asked Dave to share what it’s really like to be an illustrator for a career.

Becoming a Professional Illustrator

Dave always loved comic strips, graphic novels, and action-packed storytelling. By high school, he realised he wasn’t destined for fine art galleries—but he could pursue a career that involved drawing every day.

Studying illustration at university helped him turn that dream into a reality—learning how to help others tell their stories visually. As Dave puts it, he became “a pencil for hire.”

Today, Dave works as a Senior Illustrator and Character Builder for Watermark Creative, and you can follow his art on Instagram @davefollettdraws.

What Skills Does an Illustrator Need?

If your child dreams of being a cartoonist, animator, or illustrator, here are some of the essential skills and attitudes Dave recommends:

Artistic and Technical Skills

• Understanding the client’s message and the right visual style to match it

• Knowing your target audience

• Flexibility in illustration style and tone

• Strong grasp of visual communication, symbols, and anatomy

• Character design, expressions, and “camera angles” for layout

• Ongoing digital art skills and mastery of drawing software

Personal Qualities and Professionalism

• Be easy and reliable to work with

• Help solve problems visually

• Communicate well and deliver on time

• Be friendly, responsible, and respectful—clients remember that

Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like Drawing for Clients

Here’s how a typical job unfolds for a freelance illustrator like Dave:

1. Pencil sketch stage – gets initial feedback and direction

2. Revisions – refine the illustration before final approval

3. Final artwork – all digital now; ideally, most changes are done before this stage

4. Delivery – complete the project on time with professional polish

Sometimes, illustrators are brought in early to contribute ideas and collaborate on the entire project—not just execute someone else's vision.

Challenges of a Creative Career

One of the biggest hurdles? Learning how to charge what you’re worth. While industry standard rates exist, every project is different. Knowing your value and feeling confident in your pricing takes practice.

Career Highlights from David Follett

• Winning a high school drawing competition (Skin Cancer awareness) and earning a trip to Singapore

• Receiving a Bill Mitchell Award from the Australian Cartoonists Association

• Publishing a graphic novel with Dark Horse Comics (USA)

• Storyboarding kids’ cartoons, teaching at CDW Studios, and recently—storyboarding for a major motion picture

But his proudest achievement? Being able to support his family through his talent.

Explore Different Illustration Careers

There are many fields illustrators can work in—some you may not expect.

Advertising Illustration

Creating art for campaigns or slogans (e.g. "Don’t get fleeced", “Return of Waffles”)

Packaging Illustration

Character designs for branding, like:

• Cadbury Furry Friends

• Peters Ice-Cream – Snot and Guts

• Coles lunchbox characters and in-store mascots

These jobs are fast-paced and often highly art-directed, but they pay well.

Editorial Illustration

Found in magazines and newspapers—offers more creative freedom.

Publishing Illustration

Books, especially children’s books. Often seen as the dream job, but usually lower paying unless it’s a bestseller.

Educational Apps

Dave worked on an app that started as a dog food ad and evolved into a child safety education tool.

Fun Activity for Kids Who Love Drawing

Invite your kids to explore the illustration links shared in this blog. How many characters or products do they recognise? Could they create their own character for a favourite food or brand?

To explore even more, check out Illustrators Australia for real artist portfolios and examples of illustration careers.

Inspired by Dave?

Thanks to Dave for sharing his story—proof that creativity and drawing can absolutely lead to a rewarding and sustainable career. If your child loves cartooning, storytelling, or character creation, they might just follow in his footsteps.

— Erica Shadiac, Educator in Primary Schools for Over 40 Years

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