(5 Minute Quiz) Illustrator vs. Designer: Which One Should You Be? | Episode 80

If you're on the fence about whether you should be a designer or an illustrator, take this quick quiz to find out which one might suit you best. We start off with a quick, 5 minute quiz with 10 questions, and then go deeper into what each answer might mean.
I realize I have a boogie in my nose the whole video! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Do you want to cross over from illustration to design, or from design to illustration?
1:17 - Video Intro and Welcome
2:09 - The Quiz: Should you be a designer or an illustrator?
3:02 - Question 1
3:26 - Question 2
3:42 - Question 3
3:52 - Question 4
4:22 - Question 5
4:40 - Question 6
4:58 - Question 7
5:11 - Question 8
5:31 - Question 9
5:50 - Question 10
6:05 - Quiz Conclusion
6:17 - What do your quiz results mean?
7:05 - Difference 1: Systems vs. Details
8:06 - Difference 2: Project Duration
9:03 - Difference 3: Working Together vs. Working Alone
10:10 - Difference 4: Stability vs. Freedom
12:23 - Difference 5: Blending In vs. Being on Centre Stage
13:57 - Difference 6: Making Useful Things vs. Making Beautiful Things
15:05 - Difference 7: Speaking on Behalf of Others vs. Expressing Yourself
16:42 - Difference 8: Open Brief vs. Brand Guidelines
18:15 - Difference 9: Flexible vs. Consistent Style
19:17 - Difference 10: Big Ideas vs. Aesthetic Details
20:45 - Conclusion and Outro
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[@marinafinn]

I’ve been a designer for 10 years and something was always bothering me, I was never satisfied. I tried working with fashion, product design and marketing, but none of them felt right. I was always dreaming of making a living as an illustrator but was never sure to make the leap. Recently, I was fired and decided that if I don’t try it now, I’ll never try it again. Self-doubt always lurks in, but this video made me reflect that I’m in the right path because, to my surprise, I scored 10Bs! Tom, you are an amazing teacher, I wish that I’ll be just like you when I grow up! Haha

[@TomFroese]

Aw thanks, Nina! :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep going!

[@renata.mcelvany]

Thank you so much Tom. I got 4 A's and 6 B's almost 50/50. I think this quiz was highly accurate for me. I'm a designer by day which tends to be very logical/idea driven/less personal because I'm more focused on the client. By night, I'm creating my personal illustrative/artsy type of work. I do want 100% credit for my art and care about the aesthetic/expression. I feel like my experience with design makes me a stronger artist. However, I feel like I want to get more comfortable drawing different things. Anyway, you're content is top notch and always find it super helpful. Thank you for all that you do!

[@MaBlackk]

Love iiiiiit !!!! I’m def an illustrator!!! 😃😃😃😃

[@brennic1897]

got a 50/50 split it makes sense to me because i always feel alittle lost about what i want to do with my career. i found myself leaning twards illustration because of the emotions attached to it when working with clients.

[@TomFroese]

Thank you! Hope the quiz gave you some clues to what's next for you!

[@raphael8199]

Thanks this quiz has really helped me know me better and the direction I want to go in.

[@susanaengel6483]

Great content. Thanks!

[@TomFroese]

Thanks!

[@MelanieManning-cl4gs]

So this question came to mind today. I took your test, result more B's relating to Illustrator. I knew deep down lol . thanks

[@TomFroese]

Welcome to the club ;)

[@gregorbalatoni1867]

Thank you very much for that video, it was exactly what I needed to make a decision!

[@TomFroese]

Happy to help!

[@jmp11-u6m]

@tomfroese Thank you for this video! I scored 6As and 4Bs (though on some I could have leaned towards B). What is befuddling me right now is that the area of Design I am in, UX Design/Tech World, is becoming very standardized and the work gets divided up into tiny pieces to fit in with Engineering that some of the joy and creativity of "design" is lost... I'm not sure this means I should completely switch over to being an Illustrator altogether...but I find myself wanting to be more creative/visual/artistic.

[@TomFroese]

Hi Jilly, that is a very interesting observation - that design is becoming standardized. I have observed that myself, seeing how what used to be a highly creative, "wild west" (web design), has for better or worse become standardized and, as you say, divided up. I wonder what new wild wests there can be for designers. I think there must be something else without having to switch over to illustration. Thank you for your comment.

[@bertsdad]

5 and 5! I knew this wasn't going to be easy!

[@TomFroese]

You are not alone! Thanks for taking the quiz!

[@white_purple_cactus]

9 x B quite clear I guess...

[@dummybear6772]

Fun quiz. I got almost all B, with one A. And when I think about it, it makes sense because even when rationalizing my choices, I was imagining projects like books and magazines. I'm a new subscriber, brought on board by your video about illustration style. Thanks for all the great content!

[@TomFroese]

Thanks for taking the quiz! Thank you so much for subscribing! :)

[@kimah008]

For some of these 8 felt like I could go for both A and B. So I ended up with 5 As a 9Bs. But realistically speaking, it's much easier for me to practice making illustrations that it is for me to practice making designs.

[@lizzy_864]

Thanks Tom 😊. So I got 7b’s and 3a’s which is interesting. I’ve been a designer for a few years but would love to do more illustration.

[@TomFroese]

Nice! The results from this quiz show your temperament more than anything. If design is your jam you can just approach it in a way that more suits your illustrator’s temperament!

[@strategoprous2646]

Love the vid. Thanks!

[@TomFroese]

Thank you!

[@nadiam926]

9 Bs and 1A! Lol I’m not surprised. Thanks for this video. I’m starting out as an illustrator and I’ve been learning so much. ☺️

[@TomFroese]

Nice. Looks like you might enjoy being an illustrator!

[@PawneeGoddess243]

Same here. I got 9Bs. Can someone like me who has ZERO skills in fine arts become an illustrator? I am having so much self-doubt on this. Where do I start becoming an illustrator?

[@wyldwyrdwytch]

Same! It's rare for me to NOT be split 50/50 in some pointless internal war. Clarity, sweet clarity!! 🤩

[@ToniGajadhar]

Tom thanks so much for all the hard work you put in to making your content! This video was great and couldn't come a better time for me. Currently a graphic designer but really struggling to stay with it. Got 9 B'ss and 1A 😂 needed that confirmation. Much love all the way from Trinidad and Tobago!

[@TomFroese]

Thanks Toni! Glad this gave you some insight about where to head next!

[@dipikagosai6136]

Thanks Tom, really needed this… just been feeling like if you don’t have a stable job you labelled a wanderer… with no direction. I was interior designer, my results tally 6 =As but after you discussed it further I realised I’m more of illustrator and I think I need to embrace it, and explore the unpredictability. 😉

[@TomFroese]

Thanks Dipika. Enjoy the journey!

[@evantabickman]

awesome. just awesome.

[@TomFroese]

Thanks a lot!

[@ilsegomez8087]

I got all Bs and so in high school 😂 However I am definitely going to persue my way as an illustrator. You have become my KZbin mentor and I am grateful for your videos. I'll study them like a bible

[@TomFroese]

Looks like you’ve got a big head start on most of us! Thanks for watching the channel, Ilse!

[@stephjoy6229]

HAha I got 8 Bs for sure...maybe 10 because the only As were a little uncertain!

[@mcpicklebreath]

i got 4 a's snd 4 b's and two i couldn't pick, i prefer illustration in the whole but i much prefer the structure of being a designer, because i don't believe i could be comfortable in a freelance situation of having to constantly look for my own work and to find a way to actually make a stable income because i dont really have the energy, and i get anxious under too little restrictions that i wont make what they want, and im not the kind if artist that can pump out drawings every day so longer projects are more comfortable. But my art itself is much more on the illustration side, ive been stuck trying to figure out what to do because ive been focused on art my whole life but i dont think i can survive being an internet artist because i hate having to advertise myself though social media but i dont have money for art school or any other artist starting point. i dont know what to do. sorry this is really long, you dont need to fix my problems or anything ive just never been able to rant about this before.

[@TomFroese]

No worries. I hear you. Structure is so good. It’s good for you to know that’s what you need also. Freelancers all have to hustle with self promo though. Otherwise you might be happier employed!

[@marcialaboo3996]

I got all Bs and I kind of thought i would be better as an illustrator. I've always been the artist of the family and my current work situation is leaving me super unfulfilled doing paperwork. Its time for a change..i just hope I'm not too old.

[@TomFroese]

Thanks, Marcia! You're probably not too old, and you're definitely never too old to try!

[@ashuj4854]

Hello Tom, I love watching your videos. Watching your videos is like meeting long distance mentor. I got some really helpful information to identify my strengths. I am a career switcher from IT world and yet unaware of the creative world. I have a question here : Is it possible from beginning to know that if one is a designer or an illustrator. Or the route has to be taken from designing to illustration? Sorry if my question doesn't make sense.

[@TomFroese]

Hi Ashu, there is no set path toward illustration. I started in a career in IT myself. Design was a natural (and much desired) career to switch into for me. And then from there I found illustration. If you are uncertain where exactly you should go next, don't make any rash decisions. Maybe you can stay in IT as your "base camp" while you explore and build up your creative side. Hope that helps.

[@estefanialopezescobar1671]

I got 5 and 5...so...is it posible to be both and make work that combines these two? How can we expand our expertise when you have half and half? Could that affect the possibility to find my style as an illustrator or even my artistic voice as a creative? Always so grateful for all the knowledge and passion you share!

[@TomFroese]

Thanks Estefania! Yes it’s possible to be both for sure. Take this quiz and your results with a grain of salt. Let it give you more insights about you either way. You can still choose to focus on one or the other even if you feel like you’re in the middle too. What do you think this is telling you?

[@orfiarts]

7 Bs and 3 As!

[@tayladebeer]

Lovely little quizz! Speaking on working alone, do you have anybody to bounce ideas off of as a freelance illustrator? I always wondered if a person's agents are possible people you could get any initial feedback from?🤔

[@TomFroese]

Thanks, Tayla! I usually really am on my own. But in a pinch, I can always bring my wife in. She is a designer and I always trust her taste and opinions. I actually relied on her much more early on. My agents never weigh in on ideas or collaborate in this way. Not sure if that's the same for all agents though.

[@tayladebeer]

@@TomFroese it's always so nice to have someone around for an opinion. My husband is an engineer so I take his advice with a pinch of salt haha 😄

[@noelia2971]

Great video Tom! Thank you! Well I'm not an illustrator nor a designer but I'm really interested on illustration even though the quiz says I'm more suited for a designer. But I have a question, in my country there is no Illustration as a career so I guess I should just study design? Will this help me to try illustration in the future?

[@TomFroese]

Thanks Noelia! Illustration exists globally, so there is a chance that you could illustrate for clients outside your country, at least I would think. Of course, design is a close cousin of illustration, so if you feel you’d like to be in a creative career but can’t do illustration, then design is a good alternative. Personally I think you’re better off as an illustrator if you have experience as a designer. Hope that helps!

[@noelia2971]

@@TomFroese Thank you! I think I will do as you say but I'm still following you because my quiz was a little so-so (I got 6 As and 4 Bs). I hope I could decide about it better with time.

[@LatinaBunny21]

Oh, this quiz was really informative! I have enjoyed drawing as a child and still sometimes draw cards for family members or classroom students or co-workers, so I always felt I may be leaning towards illustration, but wasn’t sure if I was leaning towards designer as well. I took the the quiz without thinking, and I ended up almost all B’s, with only 1 or 2 A’s (the only indecisive points). So even the quiz seems to be agreeing with me, hehe. The major thing that I feel a bit uncertain about is the lack of a stable income. But it’s still good to see where I do lean towards, for the most part. 🙂👍 Edited to add: I also love teaching, and I have a degree in teaching, so I’m still wanting to stay in teaching. However, I would be interested in doing art as a side job someday.

[@TomFroese]

Hi Yaitza, thanks for your comment. you can do both art and teaching at the same time - for me I've built a career on this combo! :)

[@LatinaBunny21]

@@TomFroese Thanks, Tom! Good to see another teacher-artist! I did worksheets and flashcards and other educational materials in the past, so my art/creative skills can sometimes be used there to convey certain learning concepts, or decorate the classroom, etc. My students sometimes did art projects (to help with learning the subject matter), so it is another source of artistic fun. :) In a way, teaching allowed me to do some creative stuff! ^_^

[@simeongoa1411]

Because you started in design and then transitioned into illustration, do you have any tips / resources for those who are doing / considering the same.

[@TomFroese]

I said this to another commenter today: "As a designer, you will have many opportunities to include illustration in your designs, or where illustration is needed, to volunteer for the position yourself. Then, be sure to show as much of your work on your portfolio in a way that showcases your illustration side as much as possible." But this might be a great subject for an entire video. Thanks again, Simeon.

[@simeongoa1411]

@@TomFroese That's what I am doing, awesome thanks again!

[@nesadva]

5/5

[@nicksethhemenway479]

Thanks for this video! I got 4 A's and 6 B's. I want to do both, haha!

[@TomFroese]

Go for it!

[@pravinmedia8inproduction406]

Thanks Tom, I got 8 Bs and 2 As. I am thankfully cleared about what I want. I also want to know that though I like sketching , I can't draw by myself. I need reference. Is it fine ? Or there is something wrong with me ?

[@TomFroese]

Hi Pravin, thanks for sharing your results! Regarding drawing from references but not from imagination, you are not alone. Most people need references to draw most things! There is NOTHING wrong with you!

[@daveking3494]

Fröse, is how we pronounce it here in Germany as you surely know🙂

[@TomFroese]

Yes, we add a nice Canadian-mennonite accent to it over here!

[@JacqueArmijo]

I knew before even clicking on the video that I'd be an illustrator, and your quiz certainly confirmed it :) 9 B's and 1 A I notice that some of my dream projects skirt the line between graphic design and illustration, like cover art or posters for example. I feel like as an illustrator, I could definitely stand to learn more from design practices and conceptual thinking. I'm still trying to break out of the "draw what you see" mode from when I was just learning how to draw.

[@TomFroese]

Same! I feel like my favourite illustration is in the middle of design and illustration. Thanks Jacque!

[@simeongoa1411]

Very helpful Tom! Thanks for the post. 8 Bs 2 As :)

[@TomFroese]

Thanks, Simeon! Which A's did you get?

[@simeongoa1411]

@@TomFroese I have been a designer (inserting my illustrations into projects when I can) for the better part of a decade. I am very idea driven, and like to have it rooted in something meaningful to others, as much as me, so both 10 and 8 were places where I was more of a "designer" and less of an "artist". That being said I have increasingly become interested in aesthetic details of my illustration work, and my own voice taking on projects that have no real direction from the client and trusting what I have to say about it over something predefined by a client.

[@simeongoa1411]

@@TomFroese Thanks for the reply Tom!

[@TomFroese]

@@simeongoa1411 Thanks Simeon. I'm very similar.

[@strategoprous2646]

Tom, I don't know if your going to read this, but need help. I'm naturally an illustrator, but I went designer caused it seemed most practical at the time. I just illustrated a book cover for a client. How can I land more jobs of this nature?

[@TomFroese]

Read it! 🙂 As a designer, you will have many opportunities to include illustration in your designs, or where illustration is needed, to volunteer for the position yourself. Then, be sure to show as much of your work on your portfolio in a way that showcases your illustration side as much as possible. This is just one part of a strategy that has worked for me.

[@unknownbakimono2733]

Which one makes more money?

[@TomFroese]

Question is, who has more fun?!

[@user-dm5xi8nk2q]

Good test,but unfortunately I have approximately 50/50 result 😅I hope this one was decisive, and I am more designer

[@TomFroese]

There is no wrong ratio of A's to B's, Ekaterina (doing my best to read Cyrillic here-hopefully got your name in English right)! What do you think your test results tell you?

[@willifreiberg6002]

definitely a B-Student!

[@drawitout]

2 As, 8 Bs. I’m tired of people telling me to make ugly shit.

[@TomFroese]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah, if you feel that people are telling you to make stuff, and that you have to do what they tell you, something's not working. Hopefully you find a way to turn that lead into gold. Don't give up!

[@drawitout]

@@TomFroese Thanks, Tom! I think the answer is moving from primarily design to primarily illustration. My complaint is mostly referring to the ad clients I have (had-freshly laid off) to deal with. But I also get this a lot with branding projects. I recently saw a Twitter thread full of designers complaining about how the clients always pick your least-favourite concept (and then change that, too). I also find that often when I aim to do a more abstract concept, they push to make it more representational. It’s really unfortunate. I think developing a strong illustration presence could get me out of this frustrating dynamic.

[@kasiastefanska7006]

5 As and 5 Bs 🤣 who am I? 🤣 But seriously this confirms that I should pursue animation which I think combines work of illustrator and designer the best. Thanks!

[@TomFroese]

You bet, Kasia, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@freedomordust2957]

Can't someone do both?

[@TomFroese]

Of course!