A colorist is an artist who uses color to enhance various types of artwork. Cartoons, motion pictures, and comic books are the most common types of colorist jobs. To become a colorist, you must usually either attend an accredited art school or learn how to use the necessary software programs to do the job well. The actual requirements for entering this field vary depending on where you live and who you work for.
Colorists used to work with hand-drawn cartoons on sheets of paper and special coloring pens to color items. This method has largely been replaced the use of computer software, which makes it easier for the colorist to make changes and enter new colors. Because the software used is frequently complex, becoming a colorist necessitates learning how to use these programs correctly. Attending a formal art school or purchasing the software and practicing on your own are both options.
While a formal college education is not always required to work as a colorist, you should be aware that self-teaching may limit your job opportunities. Some companies will only hire people who have graduated from a reputable school, while others will base their hiring decisions on your body of work samples. If you’re willing to take the risk, you can start your career purchasing the necessary software, as well as manuals and books on the subject.
If you do decide to attend an art school or university, make sure you visit several schools before deciding where you will receive your education. You can find a good school asking industry professionals where they received their education. Former students can also provide useful information about a school’s programs. Inquire of anyone you speak with about how difficult the coursework was, and whether or not he or she was able to find work as a colorist after graduation.
Once you’ve graduated or mastered your craft, you can look for work in your area looking through the classified ads or calling local employers who hire colorists. Find out what it takes to get hired, whether you need to submit work samples in a portfolio, and how many samples are required. To gain experience, draw your own pictures using appropriate software or do pro bono work for companies or publications to create samples for your book.
Make sure your portfolio is presented in a professional manner. Because your sample book will be the first thing most employers notice about you, it’s critical that you give it your all. Choose your best work and put it first in the book. If you have enough samples without them, skip the early artwork. You should also purchase a professional art portfolio to display your work from an art supply store.