How to Become An Illustrator
So you want to be an illustrator? Great! The field of illustration is a fun and rewarding one, and there are plenty of opportunities for talented artists out there. Commercial illustration is a career that many people don't even know exists. Illustrators have a lot of power to create and shape the world. The illustrations in books, magazines, and comic books are often the first impression people get. Here are a few steps for beginners looking to start a career as an illustrator.
Understanding Your Style
There is no one right way to develop your personal illustration style. It may evolve over time and be influenced by many different things, including the artists you admire, the subjects you choose to draw, and your own unique approach to making art. However, there are a few things to keep in mind as you develop your own style.
First, be true to yourself. There is no need to imitate other artists or try to fit into any specific style. Just be yourself and let your own unique personality and approach to art shine through.
Second, experiment and be creative. Try different techniques and media, and be willing to take risks. As you experiment, you will gradually develop your own unique style.
Third, develop your skills. The more you practice and learn about art, the better you will become at expressing yourself through illustration.
Finally, stay open-minded. As you develop your own style, be open to new ideas and influences. Be willing to experiment and explore new directions.
Creating a Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your best work and is an essential tool for any artist or illustrator. It can be used to show potential clients or employers your skills and style, as well as to keep track of your own progress.
When putting together your portfolio, it’s important to choose your work carefully. Make sure to include various pieces, including your best illustrations, sketches, and designs. If you're a new graduate and have any finished pieces that were created for school assignments or projects, be sure to include those, as well as personal projects and mockups of work you would like to do in the future.
Your portfolio should also be well-organized and easy to navigate. Use clear and concise titles for each piece, and make sure to include your contact information.
Don't Forget to Share your Work:
As an illustrator, it's not just important to have a strong portfolio. You also need to share your work with the world.
Social platforms like Instagram, Behance, Pinterest, and TikTok all have individual perks that you can benefit from by sharing your work on them. The most obvious, exposure!
Beyond social, there are other marketing channels you can leverage to gain an audience and get more work. Email is one of them.
Email is a great way to build relationships and stay in communication with your network. Sending a weekly/monthly newsletter, quarterly new work email, or event announcements are a few simple ways to stay atop of your network's mind.
Getting Hired by the Best of the Best:
Now, you may be asking "how do I get hired by the best of the best?"
Here are a few tips:
1. Again, your portfolio should be a representation of your style, abilities, and the types of projects you want to work on.
2. Consider working with an agency or collective. Building a network is half of the battle when it comes to finding work. Having an agency that has already done that for you will automatically put you at an advantage.
3. Stay up to date with the latest trends and news in the illustration world. Know what clients are looking for and be able to adapt your style to fit their needs.
4. Don't be afraid to pitch! Many companies will hire illustrators, animators, or any artistic professionals from RFPs they receive on projects.
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to become an illustrator. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you have a passion for art and illustration, then it can be a very rewarding career. Good luck! Follow us on our social media for quick tips on being an illustrator.
