I’m having a hard time finding my niche, beginning a career in Illustration. I’d love to know what methods I could use to get my career started in the right direction.
To be perfectly honest, the only advice I can give you if you are starting out as an illustration student is this:
Change your major from art/illustration to something that you know will have a high probability of actually getting you a real job.
While there are tons of jobs out there for artists/illustrators, there are about 1,000 times as many artists. Not only is there so much competition, but 75% of all illustration assignments go to veteran artists that are already established in the business. That leaves about 100 assignments open for 100,000 aspiring illustrators who are all good artists.
Unless you are either 1.) Very seriously GREAT at drawing/painting to the point where your work is absolutely professional looking without the slightest doubt… and 2.) You know someone in the industry or have some kind of connections that can help you get work… and/or 3.) You’re SOOOOOO freakin lucky……. you’ll have a VERY hard time after college.
practice practice practice. your not going to be able to slack or fake being a great illustrator. make sure you are always sketching and perfecting your skills. keep a sketchbook and jot down any interesting ideas that might come in handy in the future. your portfolio is incredibly important, work your ass off on some pieces that you feel proud to show potential clients. make sure the pieces not only look finished but also polished and professional. having multiple mediums and subjects will also help show the client your range of skill.
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January 1st, 2010 at 4:49 pm
To be perfectly honest, the only advice I can give you if you are starting out as an illustration student is this:
Change your major from art/illustration to something that you know will have a high probability of actually getting you a real job.
While there are tons of jobs out there for artists/illustrators, there are about 1,000 times as many artists. Not only is there so much competition, but 75% of all illustration assignments go to veteran artists that are already established in the business. That leaves about 100 assignments open for 100,000 aspiring illustrators who are all good artists.
Unless you are either 1.) Very seriously GREAT at drawing/painting to the point where your work is absolutely professional looking without the slightest doubt… and 2.) You know someone in the industry or have some kind of connections that can help you get work… and/or 3.) You’re SOOOOOO freakin lucky……. you’ll have a VERY hard time after college.
January 4th, 2010 at 1:46 am
practice practice practice. your not going to be able to slack or fake being a great illustrator. make sure you are always sketching and perfecting your skills. keep a sketchbook and jot down any interesting ideas that might come in handy in the future. your portfolio is incredibly important, work your ass off on some pieces that you feel proud to show potential clients. make sure the pieces not only look finished but also polished and professional. having multiple mediums and subjects will also help show the client your range of skill.
good luck