Which job is better? graphic designer or illustrator?

i really like art, and i think these two career choices is very interesting, its hard to decide which one to choose, and i really need help on making a decision, i want to know which one is better? thanksWhich job is better? graphic designer or illustrator?
Graphic Designer is going to sound better in the job market. Illustrator sounds too much like ';starving artist'; to a lot of people. Really, though you can use both skill sets, depending on what job you get into. I always managed to work illustration skills into the design area when I just had to have a particular look. If you have the talent and the time, the two skills will come together once in a while.





But for education and job-hunting purposes, I would focus on thinking of myself and calling myself ';Graphic Designer'; even if I know I'm an illustrator at heart. :)Which job is better? graphic designer or illustrator?
Um Neither, just become a graphic illustrator and forget about it.
Illustrators create, draw, render images.


Graphic Designers handle the whole process (they may also illustrate) from the mark-ups, thumb-nails, to managing getting the camera ready art to the printer and then to the client on deadline.
Define what ';better'; means to you.





I do it all, but, then, I have to, as a freelancer.





Being a good illustrator enhances my profitability as a designer, because I don't have to go out an hire an illustrator when I need one. If I have to create graphics from scratch, I charge my clients, accordingly, and that just adds to my potential bottom line.





I have come in contact with many excellent designers who can't draw much beyond stick figures, but are deep conceptual artists and can visually communicate very complex ideas.





This brings me back to my first question to you. What do you mean by ';better?';
';better'; is a matter of opinion and circumstance. I can tell you that is easier to find a career in graphic design than it is in illustration, but the work is far less creative. If you truly have a passion for illustration then follow that dream, but if you do not, then graphic design offers a carrer that still allows you a creative outlet while not solely relying on your illustrative talent. You can be both, by the way. Some of the best graphic design has illustrative qualities to it and hand drawn, unique elements will often look better than something created on the computer.
Graphic design is a job that provides many more avenues in the market. The problem is that you might end up being a photoshop or illustrator monkey. (The softwares.) Illustration is an uphill battle and many end up as freelancers.





If you have your heart on illustration the go for it! Just don't be lazy. Continue to work on your portfolio replacing work so it doesn't become a massive body of work to send art directors into a visual vertigo. (6-10 pieces is decent but it always varies.) Illustration can be very stressful as well if you are freelancing. It's good to work for a company your first venture out there cause a company rarely will bounce a check or sue you.. let alone it's regular income. Also be open as a illustrator. Work with familiar mediums but on contact.. be ready to paint/draw a flower one day and a baseball player the next. (Reflect diversity in a portfolio aswell.)





Both are great skills/jobs and who says you can't do both. If you make the time and are dedicated you could easily find yourself in both fields or merging back and forth between the two. Just keep your skills honed and keep a good portfolio always on hand. (Er.. or in your room with your fresh and best work.)





Creativity: Either is good.





Like both have said before, the best graphic designers have very illustrative styles or use illustration skills in design. But you aren't going to do what you like to do often. Sometimes you'll get projects that you like but many times they hire you to make thier boring product interesting. You're the one that takes the 'boring' edge of things.