Artist vs. Illustrator — What's the Difference?

An artist is a person engaged in an activity related to creating art, practicing the arts, or demonstrating an art. The common usage in both everyday speech and academic discourse refers to a practitioner in the visual arts only.

An illustrator is an artist who specializes in enhancing writing or elucidating concepts by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. The illustration may be intended to clarify complicated concepts or objects that are difficult to describe textually, which is the reason illustrations are often found in children's books.Illustration is the art of making images that work with something and add to it without needing direct attention and without distracting from what they illustrate.

One, such as a painter, sculptor, or writer, who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the fine arts.

To clarify or explain, as by the use of examples or comparisons

A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or skill

To serve as an example or clarification of

One, such as an actor or singer, who works in the performing arts.

To provide (a text) with explanatory or decorative images

One who is adept at an activity, especially one involving trickery or deceit

(Obsolete) To light up; illuminate.

A person who creates art.

To present a clarification, example, or explanation.

A person who creates art as an occupation.

A person who draws pictures (especially illustrations in books or magazines)

A person who is skilled at some activity.

One who illustrates.

A recording artist.

An artist who makes illustrations (for books or magazines or advertisements etc.)

(archaic) Artistic.

One who practices some mechanic art or craft; an artisan.

One who professes and practices an art in which science and taste preside over the manual execution.

One who shows trained skill or rare taste in any manual art or occupation.

An artful person; a schemer.

A person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination