I found a nice quote that says it all...
"We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. "
Angelina Jolie
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Love this word....
I found a nice quote that says it all...
"We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. "
Angelina Jolie
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
It's so fun to be inspired by a word...
Another little illustration for IF's word of the week 'soaked'. Of course this is before they inevitably become quite soaked on their little ocean adventure!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A bicycle ride...
Illustration Friday's topic this week was 'bicycle' and this little sketch appeared in my mind...
Monday, April 4, 2011
Creating Your Professional Portfolio.
From '90 Ways to Market Your Children's Illustration Career'...by Kerrie Lent
1. Create your professional portfolio.
The key word here is definitely ‘professional’. Your portfolio is going to represent who you are, the quality of work you do and the subject matter and style in which you work. Not only is the content of your portfolio very important but the way in which you display it is equally as important.
Let’s talk about the content first. Only display your best work! Take your time and really go through your artwork carefully and listen to your instincts. Don’t be tempted to include an image that you don’t feel 100% confident about.
Consider the following points when selecting your portfolio images…
- Which pieces feel like they represent you the very best?
- Which ones are perfectly executed?
- Which images do you know without a doubt should be included?
- Do these images represent the type of work you’d like to be doing?
- Is the quality of the reproduction professional?
Consider asking a colleague, teacher or instructor to review and critique your portfolio. Ask them what they think and stay objective about their answers.
Your portfolio should always be about quality, not quantity. While you are considering some of the points above be sure to limit the number of pieces in your portfolio. For a physical portfolio the traditional number of images to include have been from 10-20 pieces. Always be sure to start and finish with your strongest pieces. For a digital or online portfolio you may wish to include more images but again be sure that you’re including strong pieces. It’s quick and easy to upload images for an online portfolio so remember to take a minute to consider each piece carefully. Continue the theme of professionalism and quality throughout your portfolio. If you don’t have one, invest in a nice portfolio case. Be sure each image is scanned, printed and displayed cleanly and professionally in your portfolio. The way you present yourself and your work will reflect to a potential art buyer how you work as an illustrator and what they can (or cannot) expect from you. For your online portfolio maintain the same eye to professionalism and quality. Be sure your images maintain their integrity, considering the resolution and color likeness of your original images. Ensure that they are displayed professionally online and appear as you expect them to.
The age old debate exists as to whether or not you should show diversity in style and ability in your portfolio or represent yourself with one specific style. I think this is dependent on what your goals are, where you are in your career, what you feel comfortable with and who you’re marketing or showing your portfolio to. Knowing what your goals are within the industry will help you to cater your portfolio to that specific part of the industry. Listen to feedback and change or update your portfolio when appropriate. If your portfolio is diverse, order it so that it flows nicely and makes sense, or connects through a common theme whether it be style, subject matter, medium etc. Consider having more than one professional portfolio if you work within different industries. In this instance you may be showcasing a couple of different styles to different art buyers, they will appreciate that you have a clear understanding of what you offer and to whom.
In summary, the most important thing to consider when creating or updating your portfolio is to portray yourself professionally while displaying quality work.
All the best,
Kerrie
The next point I’ll be expanding on from '90 Ways to Market Your Children's Illustration Career' is – 2. Write up your biography, client list, bibliography, resume or c.v.
Copyright 2011 Kerrie Lent. Please contact me for reproduction inquiries.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
My everything...
A quick sketch for Illustration Friday's topic of the week 'toy'.
Ah, the heartbreak of poor pink cat as he discovers the truth...
"I am but just one of your toys?" ...how can that be pink cat wonders as his heart sinks with despair.
"My sweet love" she says softly with a quiet reassurance in her voice, "although you are not a real cat my heart loves you all the same...you are my everything."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
90 Ways to Market Your Children's Illustration Portfolio!
The how and why…
The 90 ways...
1. Create your professional portfolio.
2. Write up your biography, client list, bibliography, resume or c.v.
3. Create a website with an online portfolio.
4. Create a blog.
5. Create a Facebook page.
6. Create a Twitter account.
7. Join or like other Facebook groups within the industry.
8. Create a post card.
9. Prepare or create a tear sheet of your work.
10. Prepare a marketing package include, tear sheets, illustration samples, post card, cover letter, resume/biography.
11. Blog and add updates to your website often.
12. Join industry associations.
13. Attend association meetings.
14. Join industry directories.
15. Join social art groups locally or online.
16. Buy or take out from the library the book ‘Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market’.
17. Research picture books you like and find publishers that publish your style of work.
18. Research possible publishers carefully reviewing their submission guidelines.
19. Research agents, carefully reviewing their submission guidelines.
20. Research educational publishers reviewing their submission guidelines.
21. Research magazines reviewing their submission guidelines.
22. Research contests you can enter your art in.
23. Research awards and grants you can apply for.
24. Record dates and enter contests, apply for awards and grants.
25. Enter local art shows to exhibit your work.
26. Hold an art show yourself to showcase your work.
27. Enter any other industry art shows.
28. Donate a piece of your artwork for charity.
29. Write a press release and send it out locally and within the industry.
30. Write helpful articles such as advice on tools, tips, and your experiences.
31. Answer some typical interview questions about yourself and post them on your website or blog.
32. Take some courses. Don’t forget to network.
33. Do a drawing a day to keep your skills and energy up.
34. Create more illustrations for your portfolio.
35. Enter online art participatory events.
36. Send your marketing package to your researched publishers, agents, magazine and educational publishers.
37. Create an online store to sell and market your prints, cards etc.
38. Tell your family and friends what your goals are. Go big.
39. Create business cards.
40. Pass out your business cards to everyone you know. Give them each two or three, one to keep and a couple to give away on your behalf.
41. Make your studio or art space comfortable and inspiring.
42. Organize your office or business space.
43. Advertise yourself locally.
44. Ask for referrals and testimonials. Follow them up.
45. Research newspapers for editorial work.
46. Research advertising agencies.
47. Research greeting card companies.
48. Research manufacturers for licensing.
49. Contact the newspapers, ad agencies, greeting card and manufacturers you researched.
50. Take part in, or review industry forums.
51. Search for art jobs online.
52. Look in major newspapers for art jobs.
53. Create a newsletter.
54. Contact design studios.
55. Go to industry trade shows. Take your business cards.
56. Attend an industry awards event. Take your business cards.
57. Write a story and illustrate it.
58. Try adding some adverting to your vehicle.
59. Network.
60. Attend a workshop.
61. Teach a course.
62. Teach a workshop.
63. Do school visits.
64. Do book signings.
65. Create a profile on LinkedIn.
66. Know the market, study current trends, styles etc.
67. See if other artists will post a link to you on their blog or website.
68. Call people! If there is a phone number, give it a try. Be professional and polite.
69. Create a book or nicely designed print version of your portfolio.
70. Find some inspiration, watch a movie, go to an art gallery, exhibition or museum.
71. Read some good marketing books. Remember you are a business.
72. Compile a contact list. Include everyone you know, have worked with and want to work with. Include your family and friends.
73. Create a reply card to go with your marketing package and SASE.
74. Find a mentor in the business. Someone you can talk to, ask questions etc.
75. Create your own letterhead.
76. Tell people you will follow up and follow up.
77. Email or call clients you have done work for in the past.
78. Print a calendar and send it to your best clients and prospects.
79. Consider advertising in a creative annual print catalog.
80. Read some success stories/interviews about illustrators you admire to re-fuel.
81. Take care of yourself… eat well, get enough sleep, be positive.
82. Create specific goals. Write them down and keep them visible.
83. Create a ‘to do’ list and check it daily.
84. Write down any special deadlines for contests, submissions etc.
85. Create a digital portfolio and keep it available for distribution through email or on a CD.
86. Promote your stock illustrations specifically.
87. Send out holiday greetings to your contact list.
88. Announce any awards you receive or special achievements.
89. Try a new computer program, technique or something fun!
90. Do it all over again!
Good Luck! Keep checking back as I expand on each point!
Copyright 2011 Kerrie Lent. Please contact me for reproduction inquiries.
Good Luck! Keep checking back as I expand on each point!
Copyright 2011 Kerrie Lent. Please contact me for reproduction inquiries.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Cultivating a little love...
So I did a little painting for IF's topic of the week 'cultivate'...just can't wait for spring!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse...
This is an older illustration that just seemed to fit perfectly for this week's word of inspiration from Illustration Friday.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Little Heidi all bundled in her many layers of dresses taking a moment to enjoy a friend...
Done as an entry for the Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award, SCBWI.
The challenge was to do an illustration from Johanna Spyri’s great book Heidi. Any size, any medium.
"From the pleasant town of Maienfeld a footpath leads up through shady green pastures to the foot of the high peaks that gaze down solemnly and majestically on the valley below. Anyone who sets out in the path will soon catch the keen fragrance of low mountain herbs and grasses, for the footpath rises straight and steep to the Alps.
One bright, sunny June morning, a tall, sturdy-looking young woman, evidently a native of the mountains, was climbing this narrow path. She led by the hand a little girl, whose cheeks glowed as if there were a ruddy flame under deep-tanned skin. And what wonder? In spite of the hot June sun, the child was bundled up as if she were to confront the sharpest frost. She could not have been five years old, but it was impossible to tell anything about her natural figure, for she wore two or three dresses, one over the other, and a big red cotton scarf around her neck; her feet were lost in heavy hobnailed shoes, and the little girl looked quite shapeless as she made her hot and laborious way up the mountain."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Marketing Your Children's Illustration Career!
90 Ways to Market Your Illustration Career.
The how and why….
So, I thought I would give myself a challenge. I had been thinking about all of the ways I should be marketing myself and thought that I should make more of a commitment to follow through. I knew I had to give myself a deadline or I’d be working on it for weeks instead of marketing myself. Surely there must be many more ways to market myself than I really think! So the challenge became to come up with 90 ways in under 90 minutes. I did it…90 ways in 90 minutes! Well, I did go slightly over the 90 minutes but not by much and surprisingly I came up with 105 points. Some were slight repeats so after some editing I have 90 good ways to market my illustration career. The list is comprised of the very obvious, to different ideas I’ve tried, hear of or been told in the past, plus a few of my own.
I have to re-organize the list, check for spelling mistakes and then I'll post it!....
O.k. Here is the list-they are not really in a specific order and if you have something to add please feel free...
The 90 ways...
I have to re-organize the list, check for spelling mistakes and then I'll post it!....
O.k. Here is the list-they are not really in a specific order and if you have something to add please feel free...
The 90 ways...
1. Create your professional portfolio.
2. Write up your biography, client list, bibliography, resume or c.v.
3. Create a website with an online portfolio.
4. Create a blog.
5. Create a Facebook page.
6. Create a Twitter account.
7. Join or like other Facebook groups within the industry.
8. Create a post card.
9. Prepare or create a tear sheet of your work.
10. Prepare a marketing package include, tear sheets, illustration samples, post card, cover letter, resume/biography.
11. Blog and add updates to your website often.
12. Join industry associations.
13. Attend association meetings.
14. Join industry directories.
15. Join social art groups locally or online.
16. Buy or take out from the library the book ‘Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market’.
17. Research picture books you like and find publishers that publish your style of work.
18. Research possible publishers carefully reviewing their submission guidelines.
19. Research agents, carefully reviewing their submission guidelines. Book and licensing agents.
20. Research educational publishers reviewing their submission guidelines.
21. Research magazines reviewing their submission guidelines.
22. Research contests you can enter your art in.
23. Research awards and grants you can apply for.
24. Record dates and enter contests, apply for awards and grants.
25. Enter local art shows to exhibit your work.
26. Hold an art show yourself to showcase your work.
27. Enter any other industry art shows.
28. Donate a piece of your artwork for charity.
29. Write a press release and send it out locally and within the industry.
30. Write helpful articles such as advice on tools, tips, and your experiences.
31. Answer some typical interview questions about yourself and post them on your website or blog.
32. Take some courses. Don’t forget to network.
33. Do a drawing a day to keep your skills and energy up.
34. Create more illustrations for your portfolio.
35. Enter online art participatory events.
36. Send your marketing package to your researched publishers, agents, magazine and educational publishers.
37. Create an online store to sell and market your prints, cards etc.
38. Tell your family and friends what your goals are. Go big.
39. Create business cards.
40. Pass out your business cards to everyone you know. Give them each two or three, one to keep and a couple to give away on your behalf.
41. Make your studio or art space comfortable and inspiring.
42. Organize your office or business space.
43. Advertise yourself locally.
44. Ask for referrals and testimonials. Follow them up..
45. Research newspapers for editorial work.
46. Research advertising agencies.
47. Research greeting card companies.
48. Research manufacturers for licensing.
49. Contact the newspapers, ad agencies, greeting card and manufacturers you researched.
50. Take part in, or review industry forums.
51. Search for art jobs online.
52. Look in major newspapers for art jobs.
53. Create a newsletter.
54. Contact design studios.
55. Go to industry trade shows. Take your business cards.
56. Attend an industry awards event. Take your business cards.
57. Write a story and illustrate it.
58. Try adding some adverting to your vehicle.
59. Network.
60. Attend a workshop.
61. Teach a course.
62. Teach a workshop.
63. Do school visits.
64. Do book signings.
65. Create a profile on LinkedIn.
66. Know the market, study current trends, styles etc.
67. See if other artists will post a link to you on their blog or website.
68. Call people! If there is a phone number, give it a try. Be professional and polite.
69. Create a book or nicely designed print version of your portfolio.
70. Find some inspiration, watch a movie, go to an art gallery, exhibition or museum.
71. Read some good marketing books. Remember you are a business.
72. Compile a contact list. Include everyone you know, have worked with and want to work with. Include your family and friends.
73. Create a reply card to go with your marketing package and SASE.
74. Find a mentor in the business. Someone you can talk to, ask questions etc.
75. Create your own letterhead.
76. Tell people you will follow up and follow up.
77. Email or call clients you have done work for in the past.
78. Print a calendar and send it to your best clients and prospects.
79. Consider advertising in a creative annual print catalogue.
80. Read some success stories/interviews about illustrators you admire to re-fuel.
81. Take care of yourself… eat well, get enough sleep, be positive J
82. Create specific goals. Write them down and keep them visible.
83. Create a ‘to do’ list and check it daily.
84. Write down any special deadlines for contests, submissions etc.
85. Create a digital portfolio and keep it available for distribution through email or on a CD.
86. Promote your stock illustrations specifically.
87. Send out holiday greetings to your contact list.
88. Announce any awards you receive or special achievements.
89. Try a new computer program, technique or something fun!
90. Do it all over again!
My favorite little cookie...
The master of reverse psychology....the little gingerbread man with his incessant taunting..."you can't catch me"!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Illustration Friday - Deja-vu
Friday, December 24, 2010
Illustration Friday - Winter
As white winter wolf runs through the cold night air, like a magical trail behind her, she stirs up the first soft snowfall of winter....
Friday, December 17, 2010
Illustration Friday - Mail
So I just finished editing this cute little holiday card to put in the mail!
My best answer yet to those questioning little eyes of small children who sense that we as adults have a big secret that we're not sharing this time of year is...."Well, it's all about believing in the magic of Christmas".
I've just opened a greeting card shop at http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/kerriescardstore
Friday, December 10, 2010
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