How to Get Into Editorial Illustration
When it comes to getting into editorial illustration, you have a few choices. Whether you are interested in the creative side of print or you want to work with social media, there are a lot of different options. The key is finding one that fits your needs.
Education
In order to get into editorial illustration, you need to have a good portfolio. You also need to learn about the editorial industry.
Editorial illustrators are hired by different publications to create visual content. They are responsible for capturing the mood of the article’s content. To do this, they use digital and traditional techniques. Usually, editorial illustrations are used in print and online media. These include newspapers, magazines, books, and blogs.
If you are a freelancer, you can approach art directors directly. Alternatively, you can send your portfolio to illustration agencies. However, it is more effective to build a mailing list of clients. This way, you can tailor your emails to specific publications.
Another resource you can use to get into editorial illustration is the Editorial Directory. It is an updated database of companies that commission editorial illustrations.
You should have a portfolio that includes at least 10 high quality pieces in your style. Ideally, you should also include work with commercial appeal and creative work. Your portfolio should showcase your skills in layout principles, graphic design, and illustration.
Behance is an enormous community of professional designers. It is a great place to showcase your work and make new contacts. Some editors start their day by browsing the best works on Behance.
Lilla Rogers is a former editorial illustrator who now runs an art agency. She is an expert on how to get into editorial illustration. Her course teaches students how to make money with illustration. The first course is called Editorial LIVE: Illustrating for Magazines and More.
The next step is to send your portfolio to publishing houses. Art directors will look at your work when you meet them at events like ICON.
Experience
Creating images for print publications can be an exciting challenge. Editorial illustration is an art form that complements and supports a narrative message. The illustration may illustrate a scene, a moment, or a concept in the text.
An editorial illustrator creates visual content for books, magazines, and online media. They use software such as Adobe Illustrator to make images that accompany written texts. Some illustrators create photomontages, while others use typography and collage techniques.
When pursuing editorial illustration, you’ll need to learn how to conceptualize and display your skills in illustration. This means creating a portfolio with a variety of pieces. It’s also important to be flexible and open to working on collaborative projects.
You’ll also need to know how to pitch your work to potential editors. Many publications have standardised contracts that allow you to sign over rights to your work. If you are not happy with these terms, push back.
To get started, you can visit LinkedIn and Upwork to view available editorial illustration jobs. Once you have a good idea of what kinds of projects are available, you’ll want to tailor your email to each publication.
Another option is to work on personal projects that demonstrate your creative vision and professional credibility. These can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. However, a single piece isn’t enough to land editorial work. Here are some tips to build a successful editorial illustration portfolio.
Create a library of reference material. Besides your own portfolio, you’ll also need a library of references for potential clients. Whether you prefer to collect images from a variety of sources, or you prefer to rely on a specific style, you’ll need to create a diverse set of reference materials.
Social media
If you’re thinking about getting into editorial illustration, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you should create a portfolio. This is where you can show off your skills in both illustration and graphic design.
Secondly, you should also create an environment where you can share your artwork. Social media is a great way to do this. You can use hashtags to attract attention, and you can post regularly to keep people interested.
Another important thing you should do is to send your portfolio to illustration agencies or publishers. You can also contact art directors directly. They may be able to recommend you for a particular publication.
It is a good idea to have a mailing list of clients, and you should always follow up on any new inquiries. Be sure to include lovely visuals of recent commissions in your newsletter.
One of the most important tips for getting into editorial illustration is to have an Instagram account. Instagram is the best social network for artists, and it’s a fun place to see and interact with other artists.
In addition to your Instagram account, you should send your portfolio to a publishing house, and you should make a mailing list. The newsletter is a good way to keep the client in the loop, and it’s a good idea to have a monthly newsletter that features the most interesting work you’ve done recently.
For more information on editorial illustration, check out these articles: How to Get into Editorial Illustration, and Tips on Building a Portfolio for Editorial Illustration. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful career.
Portfolios
An illustration portfolio is a great way to showcase your work and communicate your talents. The most effective way to do this is to create a cohesive portfolio. It should include a variety of works that demonstrate your style. You can either create a website, or use a portfolio application such as Adobe Portfolio or Squarespace.
Your portfolio should feature high-quality artwork that is in your style. It should also have some work that shows you have a knack for concept art. This type of work includes ideas that enhance characters and settings.
A well-designed portfolio should include a header menu. This allows you to access other pages easily and makes it easier for the viewer to browse your site. Also, consider arranging the best work on the first page. That way, it draws the reader into your site and keeps the bounce rate low.
Having a strong presence on social media is a good idea. Consider using Instagram or Twitter to get your name out there. These are two networks where you can find a wide variety of viewers, and it’s easy to post regularly. In addition, don’t forget to use hashtags so that your images are more easily spotted.
It’s also a good idea to send your portfolio to real people. Even if you don’t have a lot of contacts in the editorial industry, it’s a good idea to start building your list. Sending your portfolio to publishing houses or illustration agencies is a good option, as they can send you work directly.
You can also use the internet to find editorial illustration jobs. Check out the AOI Editorial Directory for a listing of publications. Or you can visit Behance, which is a large network of professional designers.
Face to face meetings
Face to face meetings are crucial in building trust and creating a culture in a business. In addition to this, they are a great way to get to know a new client.
To get the most out of a face to face meeting, be prepared. Create an agenda that outlines the topics that you will be discussing. Send the agenda to each person involved at least 24 hours before the meeting. This will make sure everyone is able to participate.
Pre-work will also help participants prepare for the meeting. This can include asking questions, expressing interest, and speaking on a specific topic. Asking participants to write down their thoughts is also helpful.
Face to face meetings are important because businesses are based on relationships. A good relationship will help your career in the long run. Whether you are an illustrator or a CEO, face to face meetings can be important for your business.
Besides meeting potential clients in person, you can also create an online portfolio and present your work. These are great ways to advertise your availability, highlight your skills, and show your journey. Behance and Instagram are two popular platforms for illustrators.
If you are a freelance editorial illustrator, you can use the Internet to reach out to publishing houses and art directors. You can also create your own mailing list to share your work. Some art directors start their day by looking at the best works on these websites.
After you have sent a post or email, be sure to follow up. By doing so, you will leave a memorable impression on your prospective client. Your future work will have a stronger chance of landing a commission.
