Editorial illustration
I would like to get into freelance editorial illustration but I’m not sure where to start, does anyone have any tips or advice to get into this area of design? Thank you!
Replies2
- Jacob gives excellent advice - I would only add that when sending samples only send your very best pieces of work. Your illustrations are very strong and show great draughtsmanship and style, but there are some weaker pieces in the mix. Look in newsagents and online for companies that regularly use a good amount of illustration in their publications because if possible, you want repeat work and to be rewarded for the time you invest in putting a sample pack together/hunting for business. Also, it's good to show a variety of subject matter to prove to a client you can handle a range of editorial themes - if you only show a particular type of person or situation they may think you won't be able to handle their themes. Happy hunting!
- I haven't done much editorial illustration myself, only working on my first few editorial commissions this year, so I don't know how useful my advice will be, but what I'd suggest is to find publications which feature illustration, partiularly ones you'd like to work for and ones where you think your work would be a good fit, and then email the art director of those publications (if their name and contact details can be found in the publication or found on its website) to send your portfolio to let them know about your work - although you won't always get a response as they'll likely recieve lots of emails. I think it's also good to follow the art director's work on social media and become familiar with their practice as well. Also some publications may have specific instructions on how to submit work for consideration, such as a section on their website where you can submit your work or maybe a specific email address you can send work to. I think it's generally good to send out work to people every so often to share new work and updated portfolios, as long as you're not constantly bombarding people with emails or doing anything else inappropriate or invasive. I don't know how useful this advice is but hope it helps a bit!
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