Illustration Tutorial: How to Promote Your Artwork

Learn how to approach art directors and get your work published, with The New Yorker’s creative director Nicholas Blechman

You’ve spent years honing your craft - and yet, getting your work published is for many freelancers the trickiest part of being an illustrator.

New York-based art director, illustrator and designer Nicholas Blechman (@nicholas_blechman) receives dozens of emails from illustrators everyday. Currently holding the esteemed position of creative director of The New Yorker, Nicholas has also been the Art Director of The New York Times Book Review, and had his own illustrations published in GQ, Wired, and The New York Times - among many others.

In this tutorial, Nicholas will give you valuable tips on how to stand out from the crowd. Watch the video to find out what they are.

How to promote your artwork

1. Promote yourself on social media

Make sure to promote yourself as much as possible. That means updating your social media with your artwork regularly. But no need to worry about how many likes you get - art directors are looking for talented artists, not influencers.

2. Showcase your published work

If you have already had some of your work published, highlight this on your profile or your website. Published work goes a long way in bumping up your credibility as an artist.

3. Reach out to art directors

Email art directors with a very succinct introduction and include examples of your work. Nicholas Blechman also advises that it’s a good idea to email more than once - although be careful not to pester too much.

4. Create your own projects

Art directors want to see that illustrators live and breathe their art. A good way to demonstrate this in your portfolio, is to create your own projects. This shows you have passion, initiative, and drive.

Did you enjoy this tutorial? If you want to turn your artistic skill into a viable profession, check out Nicholas Blechman's course, Editorial Illustration: Sharpen Your Conceptual Skills.

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