Print Graphic Designer and Illustrator : The Advantage of a Dual Skillset
- AH
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
Combining graphic design and illustration is far more than just an asset — it’s true added value for any project. For over 15 years, I have worked in both fields in parallel, convinced of how complementary they are, as you can see from my experience as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer.
Whether you’re a client looking for a versatile professional or an illustrator wanting to broaden your skills, here’s why mastering print graphic design is essential.
Print Graphic Design : A Natural Skill to Develop
When I launched my business in 2007, my first commissions were mainly for illustration work. Very quickly, my clients asked me to go further: to lay out my own creations. It made sense to them — they preferred working with a single freelancer rather than multiplying the number of contributors.
This request turned out to be just as relevant for me. Who better than the illustrator to showcase their own work in a printed format? I learned to organize my visuals, harmonize colors, and structure layouts. Nothing is worse than a beautiful illustration lost in a clumsy design.
Year after year, I refined my expertise and created a wide variety of materials: business cards, posters, flyers, banners, roll-ups, books (softcover, hardcover, with flaps), board games, stickers, exhibition panels… You can see some of these creations on my website's homepage. Today, whether it’s communication, publishing, or educational projects, I can manage the entire graphic process.
Businesses, Publishers, Individuals: Why Choose a Graphic Designer-Illustrator for Your Projects?
Print design cannot be improvised. A professional result requires mastery of many parameters: color management, margins, bleed and cut lines, resolution, image quality, readability, knowledge of materials and printing techniques...
Not all illustrators are trained in these technical requirements, which sometimes forces clients to hire a graphic designer to finalize files before printing. By entrusting your project directly to an illustrator who also masters graphic design, you avoid wasting time, incurring extra costs, and making technical errors. You’re guaranteed a perfectly optimized file, ready to print with no unpleasant surprises. This is also true if you’re an individual. Even if the overall service requires a certain budget, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your project is handled professionally from A to Z. I also explain here why hiring an illustrator as an individual can be a real advantage.
Illustrators: Why Develop Your Graphic Design Skills?
Mastering print graphic design expands your opportunities. Today, clients look for efficient professionals who can manage an entire project. If they have to deal with multiple people to finalize a visual, they’ll naturally prefer the one who makes their life easier.
Learning about layout, typography, or print-ready file preparation allows you to offer a more complete service and stand out in the market. Beyond graphic design, exploring other fields such as animation, video editing, or publishing can also enrich your business and open new professional perspectives. If you’d like to explore the freelance illustrator profession further, I also recommend reading this article: IIllustrators: Get Yourself known.
Your Project
Need a print graphic designer or a graphic designer-illustrator who understands the demands of both illustration and printing? I can support you in creating professional materials optimized for print. Contact me for an efficient collaboration with no nasty surprises at printing time!
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