Appreciate these videos. Illustration can be a bit of a black box, demystifying it is really helpful for those of us wanting to make a career of it. Maybe you’ve covered it but I’d love to hear your thoughts on being super focused on a niche. There is a big difference between editorial vs packaging for instance. Is it better to really hone in on one, when looking to get traction?
I have a video coming up about finding a niche, but it's really more about style than the different kinds of clients. I think a well defined, unique style that can be applied to editorial, advertising, publishing and packaging is a good goal to aim for. If you only aim at one part of the industry, you're missing out on a lot of opportunities. If you tell people you're an editorial illustrator, and you only show that kind of work, that's all you'll ever be hired for.
The information in your videos are so simple and yet powerfully informative! They are just basic, common sense things that we all can understand, refer to and do. Thank you for posting this information! It takes away some of the fear and intimidation I'm sure a lot of illustrators and artists feel. It give us, at least me, a starting point.
New subscriber here! I can't believe I only found your channel now, I'm currently binge-watching all of your videos!!!!!! I have a question. Do you think agents would take a chance on freelance illustrators still in uni? Or would that be a problem?
I am a paper artist illustrator and I want your advice on presenting my work. I don't know what's right resolution images I have a present and digital scan and web resolution. It would be so kind of you if you explain a little more about it.😊 I have sold many of my physical art. And now I want to step into the commercial world. Category in which I want to work is editorial and advertising.
Hello, I've been watching your videos and they are very helpful! I have a question: As someone who has been posting fanart on the internet for some years, is it better to create a pseudonym specifically for professional illustrations?
Good question! Personally I like to know an illustrators real name. I understand the desire to make yourself into a 'brand', but a real name means a personal connection. If I'm considering working with a freelancer, I like to know a bit about the person. It's not just about the work, it's about the relationship. Can I get along with this person? Is this person similar to me? Do we have shared interests? Those things aren't essential for a working relationship, but they are desirable. It's a lot harder to make a connection with a pseudonym. (an obvious pseudonym anyway). I'm a big believer in removing barriers between yourself and potential clients. Could a pseudonym be just another barrier?
Hi James. I'm glad I found your channel, and I'll spend some time watching more of your videos :) I know this is an old video, but I have two question I've been thinking about lately regarding agents. The thing is, I've been looking for an agent and have submitted to my favorites. 1. My English is really bad, and I'm super nervous if they want to talk to me for an interview. I obviously have to, but my question is if the normal practice is that the Illustrator have to talk to the clients as well, is that normal? I mean speak like on the phone, or on video chat or whatever? Writing is all fine (not perfect at all, but I can be understood) but I'm afraid if the clients want to chat and I have to explain my ideas and whatnot on the phone, instead of communicating by email, I'm not able to communicate very well. It stresses me out. 2. I've been working a lot finding my styeI over the years, and I feel I know what my style is now. But in my personal portfolio section, I feel everything is in the same style (more or less) but most of it is just illustrations (random ideas), and not specific for an article or a specific audience. It's just meant for showcasing my style. Is it important that I think about where my illustrations would be used? I have that too, like packaging design and book covers and such, but mostly just my own ideas. I've heard someone say that if a potential client or agent don't know where it's meant to be used, it's kind of useless. Do you think that as well? I'm sorry for writing so much ...
Hey there, sorry for the slow reply. Your written English looks pretty good to me. Sometimes you may be asked to talk with a client, but it is avoidable if necessary. I work with artists in Eastern Asia and even in European countries that prefer not to speak to clients directly and it's possible. As long as you can use a translator for emails, it's all good. For your second question, I do think it is important to think about how your illustrations can be used. You don't need to show it all the time. Art directors can use their imagination, but when you are making them, it's important to have a use in your mind. The illustration should always be solving a problem or have a specific purpose
@@TheIllustratorsGuide Hi, thank you so much for getting back to me answering my questions. I'm glad to hear it's hope for me too, even tho my English is not the best. I'll also start thinking about where my illustrations can be used, more than I do. I guess I should take a look in my portfolio taking away some pieces, and adding new ones with that in mind. Thanks again, I'm looking forward to see more of your videos :)
Hello James! Your guidance really helped me! So glad to come across your channel! I applied to some agencies regarding representation. And I got a response from 1 agency. Well, it's good they like my work and want to work with me but they said To get back in touch in say 2 months and if the new site is up and running, we would love to take you. I got what they say but what is the meaning of the new site being up and running? It might silly question but I just want to clarify.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thank you! Yes, I think the same! Well, I thank them to see my work. I appreciate their time. And they responded again they appreciate my work very much! Told that your work is unique😊 Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Hello James! I have seen many of your videos and very helpful! I have learned many things before applying for representation but I have question 1) How much time an agency took to answer the illustrators for example if they like work I have applied to some agencies so I don't how much time it will take. ( I know some agencies share their time of answers like 2 weeks but I know they are busy with so many other submissions too so) Should I have to wait for 1 month or 2-3?
Good questions. Impossible to answer! My advice is: Don't wait, just apply and get on with your work. Make new things, improve your skills and if you haven't heard anything back, just apply again in a few months.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thank you James for your guidance! Pleasure to talking with you. Would you like to answer from which agency you are working if you don't mind😅
I use images on my website and pictures I clicked from my phone so is it not suitable to present and if not then which camera do I have to use to get the right resolution images?
I just took a look at your instagram, I think the presentation looks great. The images are well lit and thoughtfully presented. Nothing to complain about there!
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thanks for your time! So glad you had saw my work's images. But I still doubt the image resolutions. My images are pixelated and submitting my work to an agency is it my work is good with a resolution to present to them?
Ok, so I looked at your website. The low resolution is a little more obvious there, that's true. There's always room for improvement, but I don't think it's so bad that you should feel self conscious about it. If you expect to send work like this to a client that hires you, they will need a perfect resolution for printing. So you will need to find a good solution. Do you know a photographer that could help you to take photos of your work with a better camera? If you could photograph all your images perfectly in a couple of hours, it would be an improvement.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide yes I have a camera and I could make clear and photograph all the images. It's obvious that I need to change the images of my website to the perfect resolution so that while submitting my portfolio looks good!
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
Appreciate these videos. Illustration can be a bit of a black box, demystifying it is really helpful for those of us wanting to make a career of it. Maybe you’ve covered it but I’d love to hear your thoughts on being super focused on a niche. There is a big difference between editorial vs packaging for instance. Is it better to really hone in on one, when looking to get traction?
I have a video coming up about finding a niche, but it's really more about style than the different kinds of clients. I think a well defined, unique style that can be applied to editorial, advertising, publishing and packaging is a good goal to aim for. If you only aim at one part of the industry, you're missing out on a lot of opportunities. If you tell people you're an editorial illustrator, and you only show that kind of work, that's all you'll ever be hired for.
Omg, I really needed to hear that about honesty today. Thank you!
Super helpful! Crystal clear suggestions! Thank you!
Thanks a lot for all this information! I'm practically binging on your videos!
Glad you like them!
Amazing videos, thank you. Your approach is to the point and no BS
I appreciate that!
Thank you James 🙏
great info! thanks!
Thank you for sharing really great content!
IT HAS SUBTITLES! Thank you so much :D
I will do my best to subtitle all of them as i go. Only English though, sorry! 🙈
This was FAB and super helpful thank you!
Very insightful, thank you! If an agent offers you a project that you don’t want to do, is it alright to decline it?
Yeah, of course! If it's not a good fit for you, you don't have to do it.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide Ok thx!
The information in your videos are so simple and yet powerfully informative! They are just basic, common sense things that we all can understand, refer to and do. Thank you for posting this information! It takes away some of the fear and intimidation I'm sure a lot of illustrators and artists feel. It give us, at least me, a starting point.
That is great feedback, I really appreciate it.
Haha, my favorite Tipp is "Be nice". So important. So true :D
You got that right! 👍🏼
Wonderfully concise, like the calm manner, very good information for beginners and professionals. Thank you!
New subscriber here! I can't believe I only found your channel now, I'm currently binge-watching all of your videos!!!!!!
I have a question. Do you think agents would take a chance on freelance illustrators still in uni? Or would that be a problem?
Hey, good to have you here! No I don't think they would. Watch this: th-cam.com/video/ElAs3yW4fA0/w-d-xo.html
Thankyou :) my goal for 2024 Is to be signed to an agent!
I am a paper artist illustrator and I want your advice on presenting my work.
I don't know what's right resolution images I have a present and digital scan and web resolution.
It would be so kind of you if you explain a little more about it.😊
I have sold many of my physical art.
And now I want to step into the commercial world.
Category in which I want to work is editorial and advertising.
Hello, I've been watching your videos and they are very helpful!
I have a question: As someone who has been posting fanart on the internet for some years, is it better to create a pseudonym specifically for professional illustrations?
Good question! Personally I like to know an illustrators real name. I understand the desire to make yourself into a 'brand', but a real name means a personal connection. If I'm considering working with a freelancer, I like to know a bit about the person. It's not just about the work, it's about the relationship. Can I get along with this person? Is this person similar to me? Do we have shared interests? Those things aren't essential for a working relationship, but they are desirable. It's a lot harder to make a connection with a pseudonym. (an obvious pseudonym anyway). I'm a big believer in removing barriers between yourself and potential clients. Could a pseudonym be just another barrier?
Hi James. I'm glad I found your channel, and I'll spend some time watching more of your videos :) I know this is an old video, but I have two question I've been thinking about lately regarding agents. The thing is, I've been looking for an agent and have submitted to my favorites. 1. My English is really bad, and I'm super nervous if they want to talk to me for an interview. I obviously have to, but my question is if the normal practice is that the Illustrator have to talk to the clients as well, is that normal? I mean speak like on the phone, or on video chat or whatever? Writing is all fine (not perfect at all, but I can be understood) but I'm afraid if the clients want to chat and I have to explain my ideas and whatnot on the phone, instead of communicating by email, I'm not able to communicate very well. It stresses me out.
2. I've been working a lot finding my styeI over the years, and I feel I know what my style is now. But in my personal portfolio section, I feel everything is in the same style (more or less) but most of it is just illustrations (random ideas), and not specific for an article or a specific audience. It's just meant for showcasing my style. Is it important that I think about where my illustrations would be used? I have that too, like packaging design and book covers and such, but mostly just my own ideas. I've heard someone say that if a potential client or agent don't know where it's meant to be used, it's kind of useless. Do you think that as well?
I'm sorry for writing so much ...
Hey there, sorry for the slow reply. Your written English looks pretty good to me. Sometimes you may be asked to talk with a client, but it is avoidable if necessary. I work with artists in Eastern Asia and even in European countries that prefer not to speak to clients directly and it's possible. As long as you can use a translator for emails, it's all good. For your second question, I do think it is important to think about how your illustrations can be used. You don't need to show it all the time. Art directors can use their imagination, but when you are making them, it's important to have a use in your mind. The illustration should always be solving a problem or have a specific purpose
@@TheIllustratorsGuide Hi, thank you so much for getting back to me answering my questions. I'm glad to hear it's hope for me too, even tho my English is not the best. I'll also start thinking about where my illustrations can be used, more than I do. I guess I should take a look in my portfolio taking away some pieces, and adding new ones with that in mind. Thanks again, I'm looking forward to see more of your videos :)
Lovey stuff
Hello James!
Your guidance really helped me! So glad to come across your channel!
I applied to some agencies regarding representation. And I got a response from 1 agency. Well, it's good they like my work and want to work with me but they said To get back in touch in say 2 months and if the new site is up and running, we would love to take you. I got what they say but what is the meaning of the new site being up and running? It might silly question but I just want to clarify.
That's great! I don't know what that means, but I guess they are redesigning their website and want to wait until it's finished? 🤷🏻♂️
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thank you! Yes, I think the same! Well, I thank them to see my work. I appreciate their time. And they responded again they appreciate my work very much! Told that your work is unique😊
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
This channel is fantastic and just what I was looking for. Thank you!
Glad to hear it, thanks!
Hello James!
I have seen many of your videos and very helpful! I have learned many things before applying for representation but I have question
1) How much time an agency took to answer the illustrators for example if they like work I have applied to some agencies so I don't how much time it will take.
( I know some agencies share their time of answers like 2 weeks but I know they are busy with so many other submissions too so)
Should I have to wait for 1 month or 2-3?
Good questions. Impossible to answer! My advice is: Don't wait, just apply and get on with your work. Make new things, improve your skills and if you haven't heard anything back, just apply again in a few months.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thank you James for your guidance! Pleasure to talking with you. Would you like to answer from which agency you are working if you don't mind😅
Just recently found your videos and they are fantastic! thank you for sharing all this wealth of information with all of us :D
Glad you found me! :-)
I use images on my website and pictures I clicked from my phone so is it not suitable to present and if not then which camera do I have to use to get the right resolution images?
I just took a look at your instagram, I think the presentation looks great. The images are well lit and thoughtfully presented. Nothing to complain about there!
@@TheIllustratorsGuide thanks for your time! So glad you had saw my work's images.
But I still doubt the image resolutions. My images are pixelated and submitting my work to an agency is it my work is good with a resolution to present to them?
@@TheIllustratorsGuide can I add those pictures to my portfolio? Bcoz you said that the right resolution of the images is important for the portfolio
Ok, so I looked at your website. The low resolution is a little more obvious there, that's true. There's always room for improvement, but I don't think it's so bad that you should feel self conscious about it. If you expect to send work like this to a client that hires you, they will need a perfect resolution for printing. So you will need to find a good solution. Do you know a photographer that could help you to take photos of your work with a better camera? If you could photograph all your images perfectly in a couple of hours, it would be an improvement.
@@TheIllustratorsGuide yes I have a camera and I could make clear and photograph all the images.
It's obvious that I need to change the images of my website to the perfect resolution so that while submitting my portfolio looks good!