Successful, forward-thinking illustrators no longer operate the way many did and still do, as merely colouring-in technicians, receiving briefs that are heavily directed and prescribed regarding content and overall visual concept. Nowadays, illustrators need to be educated, socially and culturally aware communicators, having knowledge, understanding and insight regarding the context within which they are working, the subject matter that they are engaged with, and to be able professionals working within the parameters and needs of the market place and target audiences.