io organic industrialism on 10/10/2008 at 23:09
I got no useful suggestions, but those are some beautiful works!!!
Printer's Devil on 11/10/2008 at 05:39
I know quite a few professional illustrators, some of them seasoned veterans, but they all comment on the precarious nature of making a reliable income. I've seen giant specimen catalogs that showcase dozens of illustrators by genre and style--there is a vast amount of stuff out there. Digital technology makes it easy to create and store, so the competition is fairly tough. Working multiple jobs, illustrative and otherwise, is commonplace until you get more established. A great deal of the best work gets brokered through agencies and is a very thorough process, so getting representation is a necessity. Naturally, this requires a good relationship with an honest agency, but they do exist and help ensure paychecks get issued. Getting interviews shouldn't be too difficult and may prove informative.
D'Juhn Keep on 11/10/2008 at 10:01
Quote Posted by Ishy
Don't PM me asking to see it, IT WAS A JOKE.
Kin x Tayuya forever
Screw the PM just post it you pervert
Shadow Creepr on 12/10/2008 at 12:15
I can't offer any advice of what she needs to do but I do like her work. :)
Gryzemuis on 12/10/2008 at 14:36
When I was a student, half my friends were studying at the Art Academy or studying philosophy. I was the boring guy, studying Computer Sciences.
20 years later, almost everyone that used to study something fun and interesting, has switched to a real job. I bet over half of them do something with computers. I know two ex-philosophy students who are system admins. I know one who now edits and cuts movies and documentaties. He switched philosophy -> art academy, then made a few very short movies, and then switched to production. I know a girl who made art for 10 years, and now is a veterinarian assistant. I know an ex-philosophy student who sell kitchens. I know an artist who is now a business consultant giving motivational trainings. A friend did the Dutch Design Academy, but she is now a professional dancer.
There are also a few people who did Art Academy who do have a related job. One does design with desktop-publishing. One has her own company designing carpets and curtains. It is art, but very much applied to design. I knew (
http://www.tomclaassen.com/) one guy who is now a very successful "real" artist. He was a very good friend of a very good friend of mine.
My point ?It's not easy to find a job being an artist. Don't give up. Don't despair. But you should realize it's gonna take a while before you will have found the right job.
Ireth Kalt on 13/10/2008 at 00:54
Everyone, thank you for giving such thoughtful and thorough replies. I had no idea Dan was going to do this! Well, thanks Dan too.
This is a lot to digest, I've read every reply so far. As far as what I studied in school, I doubled in music performance and studio art. My concentration in studio art was oil painting. From the get-go I was going into two very different and demanding directions, and though I wanted to take a business/marketing course, there simply was no time. But it's fairly useless to look back and figure out what I should have done. I'm using the "Artist's and Graphic Designers Market" book, and yes, I'd like to get the Illustrator's version asap. Yes, I am definately specializing my illustration portfolio, and am open to advice on presentation, etc.
*Tonamel, I would love to have you commission a work by me. Tell me your budget and what you'd like and I'll tell you what I can do. ^_^
*I will make the necessary changes to my website in regards to commissions. Suggestions on what exactly to say would be helpful :D
*I'll look into Plan B Magazine and Freelance Switch
Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I'm kinda blown away by how you guys responded. I really appreciate it.
jtr7 on 13/10/2008 at 01:44
You deserve more than a chance to see something happen.:angel:
Hewer on 13/10/2008 at 18:00
yeah- good luck.
The main key to it is to be relentless. In school, we had a visiting illustrator doing a workshop for us who said if you've ever seen a bad illustration in a magazine or whatever- I guarentee you that person got the job because they were in the right place at the right time because they were being relentless.
They happened to be in the Art Director's office or something when this last-minute request came in and got it handed to them just because they were there or something. Maybe even just to stop them from being annoying- but now they have a published piece for their portfolio that will look good to other Art Directors and prospective agents.
Also, keep in mind that even Illustrators who are considered successful, at the top of the heap- must keep doing side projects to pay the bills- side things like your cafepress stuff. Take a look at Thomas Kinkade- I can't stand that guy's paintings- so cliche and saccharine, and just sickening- but, boy- he can market himself like nobody's business.
