If you love to draw and paint and have always dreamt of having your artwork published in children’s books, then a career as a children’s illustrator might be the perfect path for you! As a children’s illustrator, you would get to use your creativity to design pictures for books, magazines, and other publications. Plus, you would get to work with various people, including authors, editors, and art directors. You can join an illustration company in NYC like Astound to start getting more work.
But where do you start? This blog post will give tips on getting your career as a children’s illustrator started off on the right foot.
Get Educated
The first step to becoming a children’s illustrator is to get educated. You don’t necessarily need a degree in art, but taking some art classes will definitely help you to hone your skills. There are many great online tutorials and resources available if you can’t commit to taking traditional classes. The important thing is that you are constantly trying to improve your skills and techniques.
Find Your Niche
There are many different genres of children’s books, so it’s important to find the one that suits your strengths and interests the best. Do you love creating whimsical characters? Illustrated non-fiction? Funny stories? Once you know what kind of illustrations you want to create, you can start tailoring your portfolio accordingly.
Build Your Portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential for any artist, but it’s especially important when trying to break into the world of children’s book illustration. When putting together your portfolio, be sure to include a variety of styles and techniques so that editors and publishers can see the full range of your abilities. And don’t forget to include some examples of finished illustrations as well as sketches and concept art. You can create an online portfolio or carry physical copies with you to meetings when you’re trying to land a job.
Network, Network, Network!
In any creative field, networking is key. Attend industry events, meet-ups, and conferences whenever possible. Get involved with online communities related to children’s book illustrations. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to reach out to other illustrators whose work you admire—most people in this business are happy to help out fellow artists whenever they can.
Join Professional Organizations
There are many professional organizations for illustrators, such as the American Society of Illustrators (ASI) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC). Joining these organizations will help you network with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on industry news and events.
Market Yourself
Once you have created your portfolio, start marketing yourself to potential clients and employers. Attend industry events, send out promotional materials, or create an online presence through social media or your own website. The more people that see your work, the better your chances of landing gigs!
Get Published
One of the best ways to get your foot in the door as a children’s illustrator is to get your work published. This can be done in a number of ways, such as by submitting to magazines or entering illustration contests. Getting your work published will not only help you to gain exposure, but it will also give you some great examples to add to your portfolio.
So there you have it—a few tips to help you get started on your career as a children’s illustrator. Just remember to be creative, stay focused, and network like crazy! With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams in this industry.
