6 Tips for Starting Out as an Illustrator
Discover the essential tips for getting your illustration career off the ground
Over the course of her career as an illustrator, Carla Berrocal from Üstudio Mol+Carla has faced all sorts of challenges. For her, the biggest one has been starting out as an illustrator. Carla knows all too well how difficult it can be to take that giant leap and so, as an act of solidarity, she has decided to share her essential tips for getting your illustration career off the ground.
“This information needs to be shared and that responsibility falls on the generations who now have a more or less stable career. This is why I have decided to write this small guide to help those starting out to find their way.
Because… who hasn’t been in a similar situation? That day always comes… the day when your degree or your class or your course comes to an end… And your stomach churns at the thought of 'What does the future hold?' or 'Where do I start?'
We’ve all been there.
Nobody knows who to ask for advice or where to turn… there’s such a huge demand for work. All of this is a problem…. And on top of it all, there is a lack of information at school and people are afraid because they have no idea how to take their first steps… many of those starting out quickly lose hope or get frustrated.
So, we’re going to start at the beginning. Let’s stop, breathe, and evaluate the following tips. Maybe lots of you will find them useful. Or, maybe not. "
1. Portfolio
Create an online portfolio. The internet is our go-to medium. It’s where you will get a lot of work. This is why it’s essential that you make yourself present on the web. Create a portfolio online that shows off your work. I recommend Squarespace, Carbonmade, Cargo, and Wix. You also have many other options, ones that are free and or ask for a fee. Each allows you to easily upload your work to the web. Make a selection of your best work or the work that best shows off what you can do. 15 images should be more than enough. Keep it up to date!
2. Get on social media
Social media allows you to make contacts, get interesting information, and promote your work. For illustrators, I recommend Facebook, Behance, and Instagram. All three are great platforms for showing off your work and interacting with potential clients.
3. Get some cards made
Make some contact cards. Get used to taking them with you all the time and give them out when you meet someone who might be able to offer you work. Don’t be shy! Remember that the more people you approach, the more likely it is that someone will think of you for a project. Most opportunities reach people via word of mouth, so pay attention and get yourself some contact cards made.
4. Participate in meet-ups
Professional meet-ups, launches, comic and book fairs, and other events are great opportunities for networking. At large publishing events, you’ll find editors and interesting professionals who you can ask about any doubts you have and to whom you can pass on your contact card.
If you have some budget to travel abroad and show off your portfolio, some of the events worth visiting are Angoulême International Comics Festival, Bologna Children's Book Fair, ELCAF in London, ComicCon in New York… There are many professional meet-ups at these events and there is nearly always a zone for portfolio reviews.
You can also go to social gatherings in your city to familiarise yourself with the reality of working in the industry. I recommend checking out different organizations for illustrators such as the AOI.
5. Learn to put a price on your work
Regarding your fees, consult a guide or, if you’re unsure, speak to a friend who has more experience than you and can help you work out what you’re worth. Don’t set a rate without being sure that what you’re earning is fair.
If you feel uncomfortable asking a friend, you can also turn to Facebook: there are lots of groups of illustrators where you can share any doubts you have. You will be very welcome!
6. Don’t let embarrassment get the better of you
It’s important to make progress. You need to keep moving forward, sell your work, be sociable. Be open to criticism and listen to professionals, you are sure to learn from them. In this job that requires you to work alone and autonomously, it’s important to keep moving, keep reaching to people you don’t know. All of this will help you to make contacts. Feeling embarrassed isn’t going to pay the bills or help you advance. You have nothing to lose, so just try. Believe in yourself and sell yourself; show off your portfolio; speak to people. There are exciting things out there beyond your desk.
Now that you’ve reached the end of Carla’s wise guide, we recommend that you try out her Domestika course.
You may also be interested in:
- 4 Tips on How to Choose the Perfect Profile Picture for Your Portfolio
- Feng Shui for Your Workspace
- Freelance Tutorial: 6 Tips to Find Clients
- How to present yourself
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