An illustrator is a person who creates visual artwork, typically in the form of drawings or paintings, to accompany text or to serve as a decoration. They work closely with authors and publishers to bring their written words to life through images, often creating book covers, chapter headings, and other graphic elements for books, magazines, and other printed materials. Illustrators may also create artwork for advertisements, posters, greeting cards, and other forms of visual communication. The goal of an illustrator is to convey a message or tell a story through their images, making them an essential part of the creative process in many industries.