Becoming a Successful Illustrator

by Davies, Jo; Brazell, Derek

• ISBN13: 9782940411931
• ISBN10: 294041193X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-08-28
• Publisher: Fairchild Books

Summary

Illustration is a diverse and constantly evolving area of art and design and an appealing creative career. But to stand out from the crowd, successful illustrators need to combine creative talent with strong marketing and promotional skills.

Becoming a Successful Illustrator provides practical and inspirational guidance on finding and contacting clients, putting together promotional materials and establishing yourself as a professional illustrator. With case studies, and firsthand tips and hints from practising illustrators at varying stages in their careers, and packed with hundreds of beautiful examples of professional work, this is a must-have guide to the working world of illustration.

This title is part of the Creative Careers series from Fairchild Books, designed to help bridge the gap between academia and a first job in the creative industries. Brimming with helpful tips and facts about the world of work, they offer an essential guide for any emerging creative practitioner.

The cover artwork for Becoming a Successful Illustrator has been shortlisted for an illustration award in the 2013 books category by the prestigious Association of Illustrators.

Author Biography

Derek Brazell has been immersed in the illustration world for many years and closely supports illustrators in all areas of their careers through his Project Manager role at the Association of Illustrators.

As a freelance illustrator, Jo Davies has worked for major clients across the world. Jo’s career as writer and illustrator has long been combined with work in education at all levels and she currently holds the position of Associate Professor in Illustration at Plymouth University, UK.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Illustration and the world of work
What is illustration?
Where do illustrators work?
Evaluating your strengths and weaknesses

Chapter 2: Working for clients
Who are my potential clients?
Understanding the professional world of illustration
Finding potential clients
Looking beyond the obvious

Chapter 3: The art of self-promotion
Getting yourself known
What kind of promotion do I need?
Creating an online presence
Competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs
Gaining experience

Chapter 4: Getting your work seen
How will I get my work seen?
Getting a professional portfolio together
What do agents do?

Chapter 5: Securing work
How will I be commissioned?
What do I need to ask when I get my first brief?
How will I get the brief?
How will I quote and negotiate fees and prices?
What do I need to understand about copyright and illustrators' ethics?

Chapter 6: Finance and legalities
What do I need to know about finance?
What do I need to know about managing my finances?