FAQ For Illustration Students

How did you establish yourself as an illustrator?

Right out of school I initially established myself by sending out tons of cards to art directors and taking my book out to show any ADs that would give me the time of day. Getting the first few jobs was key. Establishing yourself is a long road of taking one job at a time and doing your best so that someone else will give you another job based on how well you handled the previous work. Entering the annual contests in Communication Arts, American Illustratioin, Society Of Illustrators, etc… is also a helpful way to get your name out there and your work seen.

How did you put together your portfolio and did you select your work based on the markets, subject matter or style?

I really put my first portfolio together based on the best overall conceptual pieces that I had to offer coupled with the illustration style that I had initially developed as a senior in college. I believe that I may have included a range of different subject matters as well as looking at a wide range of different magazines to get a better understanding of what type of work was being used at that time in the marketplace. I still believe that the best way to put together a portfolio is based on strong concepts which any good art director will respond strongly to.

Who are your influences?

Too many to name. However, here is a list of illustrators that I would recommend, to young (and old) artists, seeking out works simply based on the strength of their concepts and styles: Brian Cronin, James Steinberg, Jason Holley, Harry Campbell, Brian Rea, David Plunkert & Joyce Hesselberth, Paul Blow, Chris Buzelli and Dan Page.

What were the most difficult aspects of illustration in school, after graduation at the start of your career and now?

No matter what the time period, ideas are always the most difficult aspect of illustration for me. Coming up with good concepts that are somehow new and fresh is always a challenge. To further my difficulties, I always try to come up a with a completely new image that I haven't tried before for each new assignment. I don't always succeed to my satisfaction in that regard. Pushing to create new ideas and imagery is always the most difficult and greatest challenge for me.

What do you think of the current trends in illustration and where do you think this field is heading to?

I try not to pay very close attention to trends. However, I do try and assess from time to time what is new and modern in the field of artwork being created. That is to say, I don't just look at the illustration world but the art world as a whole. I pay as much attention to what is being done in the gallery world as the illustration world. These days, I think one informs the other and vise versa. The overall quality of the work being done today is vastly superior to when I was just starting out. I can't say for sure where the field is heading to, I don't think anyone can, but the talent pool is fantastic and all the more reason why students need to be prepared and work as hard as they can if they're hoping to succeed in this business…

Describe your process from getting contacted by a client to finishing the project.

Once I'm contacted by a client and agree to take the job, and we've agreed on a budget, they usually send me a manuscript (if it's complete at the time of the assignment) or sometimes just a short paragraph or two summarizing the article. Usually the client gives me specific due dates for both sketches and final art. I then go to work on the sketch stage of the assignment. I usually start by highlighting key words in the text and really trying to reduce the article down to a single one word concept or idea. Or maybe a series of ideas. Then I usually try to work out a number of different thumbnails. The best of the thumbnails are later worked up into more finalized sketch ideas. Sometimes I'll rework the sketch ideas or even throw them out completely in favor of other ideas that occur to me during the sketch process. Many ideas need to be worked out just to be tossed away later for much better ideas. Once sketches are complete I send them to the client. They either approve one or have me go back to the drawing board to do revisions. Once a final sketch is chosen I begin work on the actual illustration. I start by painting the background. Next I trace the sketch onto tracing paper and transfer it to the painted background. I then paint or collage each of the various elements of the piece until completion of the illustration. Then I scan the image, color correct it in Photoshop, clean it up a bit, and send it to the client.

What do you think the best tools are to promoting yourself as an illustrator? Are book portfolios still in demand?

I still send out printed promotional material to art directors. However, you should also have a website, Facebook page, Twitter, etc.. Be as active on the internet as possible in getting your work seen. I know that many illustrators and artist reps in New York City still send books around to magazines and advertising firms but I no longer keep a physical book myself. Perhaps I should. I would still advise young illustrators to do so and see if you can get a meeting to see art directors. Or attend a portfolio day showing in NYC. But being creative is always key. There are many new, strange, and unique ways to get your work seen these days. It's a brave new world!

What advice would you give to an illustration student?

Work hard on creating and crafting ideas. Keep a regular sketchbook always. Jot down any ideas that come to you whether through writing or quick thumbnail sketches. Don't worry if the ideas are bad when you look back at them later. Bad ideas can lead to good ideas or ideas that you had not previously considered. Also work on some form of image making every week if not every day. However you go about making images be sure to practice that craft regularly. Hone your skills and look at the work of other well respected artists. Copy from the masters. Read anything and everything that you can get your hands on.

How do you come up with ideas?

Quite often I'll just grab a piece of paper and start doodling. On occasion I'll Google key words from the text I've been asked to illustrate just to see what comes up and if it sparks any ideas. Sometimes I look at old sketches and sketchbooks that I've kept over the years. And sometimes I'll also look through old books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.. from my book collection. I also sometimes read the newspaper. The more ideas you can fill your head with the better for coming up with ideas.

What is the most difficult part of being an illustrator and what is the most rewarding?

There are many difficult parts of being an illustrator. Projects and concepts can be challenging. And dealing with difficult clients is always a drag. Time restraints and all-nighters to finish projects is also tough. However, I usually forget all of that if I manage to succeed in creating a great final illustration. That's really the most rewarding thing and the reason why I continue to create images. It can also be a great boost to the ego. Especially on tough projects.

When illustrating, do you sometimes get blocked for ideas? If so, how do you overcome that?

Yes. When I get blocked for ideas on a project I often read through a dictionary and look up words from the text pertaining to the article that I'm being asked to illustrate by a client. This often helps to free up my thought process and allows me to make new connections between different words and concepts.

Do you have any advice for aspiring illustrators?

Just to make sure that you love what you do and then work hard at it everyday. Also, promote yourself as an artist in some way every week once you begin working professionally. That's the best advice I can give.