How to Succeed as an Illustrator

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:SucceedIllustrator
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How to Succeed as an Illustrator

Introduction

If you've always dreamed of becoming a professional illustrator, now's the time to make it happen. Cracking the illustration market takes real talent, drive, persistence and professionalism. To succeed as an illustrator you need to build a body of work that represents your personal creative style, and then market yourself. Here's a brief overview of what you need to succeed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You'll Need

  • Portfolio of illustrations
  • Computer
  • Internet access

Steps

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Step One

Build a strong body of work that you can use as a portfolio to show potential clients what you're capable of. Even if you don't yet have any clients to create work for, you can build a portfolio by creating samples of the kind of work you want to do. Your portfolio will be the single most important factor used by art directors and clients in deciding whether to hire you.
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Step Two

Create a website to showcase your illustration samples. If you have experience building websites, you can do it yourself, but it's best to hire a professional. Your online portfolio will be an important key to gaining exposure. Browse successful illustrators' websites to get an idea of what should be included.
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Step Three

Go to a library or bookstore and look for books and magazines that use illustration work like yours, in a similar style. In magazines, you can get the names and contact information of the art director in the masthead. Book publishers' info can be a bit harder to dig up, so use a handbook like the Artist & Graphic Designer's Market.
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Step Four

Make quality color copies of your best pieces and send them to prospective clients along with a short printed cover letter that includes the address of your website. The samples you send should be appropriate for each individual publisher. Follow up the letter with a phone call about ten days later.
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Step Five

Promote yourself with print marketing campaigns. Create slick, well-designed promotional mailers such as postcards featuring your best work. They can really catch the attention of prospective clients. When sending out promo packets, you can include a bio, list of clients, target market for your work, and a sales pitch.
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Step Six

Interact with other artists online, taking every opportunity to get your name and website out there. Participate in forum discussions, join organizations, e-mail lists or critique groups. You'll get invaluable feedback and advice and make important connections.
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Step Seven

Be professional in every aspect of your career. Meet every deadline, dress respectfully at meetings, carefully spell-check all marketing materials, and present yourself with confidence. Clients want to hire artists who exude a professional demeanor.
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Step Eight

Keep going, no matter how many rejection letters you get. Illustration is a tough, competitive field to break into and you have to be persistent.

Tips & Warnings

  • Your portfolio should be 10-20 pieces of your strongest work. Quality is more important than quantity.
  • Get the name of the Art Director or Commissioning Editor and address your portfolio and letter specifically to them. When in doubt, call the company and ask.
  • Don't be discouraged if you don't get many responses from publishers. They receive hundreds of portfolios every month, and it can take a long time for them to look at each one. If you can get an appointment for a personal visit to their office, you'll be far more likely to get a yes or no.
  • Most illustrators are freelance artists, working independently. Be prepared to take responsibility for taxes, bookkeeping, insurance, and periods when work is hard to come by. Many illustrators have to start out part-time, working a second job to pay the bills.
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