DU Illustrators - I need some advice

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

What would be the best way to find some work in NYC? Should I have a prtfolio that is catered to a genre or more well rounded? Should I put my work in some trade books?

Its been 5 years since school - I gotta get this party started!

[eyesroll]

1. Does your former school have a career center?

Most do, and are perfectly willing to help not-so-recent grads find work.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

2. That was my first thought. Thinking of joining the Alumni Society

I went to a very good art school in the city. But I still need portfolio advice.

[Lerkfish]

3. things I would do:

This is the electronic age. You should be able to reproduce your work on quality photo paper....so assuming that, here's what I suggest:

1. create several portfolios, each with a differing emphasis tailored to a specific type of job....for example, package design for an ad agency that specializes in that. By emphasis, I mean, of your 16-24 pieces (NO MORE), have 2/3 to 3/4 be well-rounded examples, and the remaining 1/3 and 1/4 targeted to the job you're seeking. Put the targeted examples in the front. That way, they'll FIRST find out you can do the job, and the follow up with the rest to show your versatility.
If you do not have targeted pieces now, start.
2. Make disposable copies of your portfolio that can be left behind, or mailed. You can go to a print shop and have several good copies made on photo Kodak level stock.
3. remember, they don't care much for what is YOUR favorite piece, they want to see pieces that show you can do the job.
4. Make this part of the process as routine as possible, so you can mass produce targeted portfolios with little effort and quickly. In other words, take the time at the beginning to craft them well, and then you don't have to rush putting something together. Packaging is EVERYTHING. Make sure all the pieces are same size, whatever size you use.

5. ALWAYS LOOK AND ACT PROFESSIONAL. this includes you as well as your work. Use this jedi mind trick: act as if you already have the job or the assignment. By that, I don't mean be arrogant, I mean come to them as if you had to get the job done or start that day working. Think of questions you'd have to ask in that situation. this will help you to focus past the portfolio/interview stage and look to being a good worker/freelancer. This will score you big points if you ask professional questions like : what format does your company prefer illustrations? this gets to nuts and bolts and shows you're job-oriented.

6. NEVER TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. If it helps, act as if in your mind you are an agent representing a client that just happens to be you. If your job was to present them in the best light, how would you do that? Keep it all professional.


ok, that should help get you started.

Trade books can help, as well as direct mailings...it depends on the market. You can always pick one place as your "experiment". When you are there or applying, ask what formats or venues THEY prefer to find out about illustrators. For example, some places have a stable of freelancers they go to, and keep postcard examples on a corkboard.

always adapt and always be curious and inquisitive to learn the best way to deliver your work.

gotta go to a meeting...later

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

4. Thank you - I'm printing this out and am going to start right away

I owe you my fealty!

:thumbsup: