Something is happening to me. In addition to the quiet evenings spent at home, listening to jazz and sipping on wine, OOHING and AHHING over Martha Stewart cookbooks, I now find myself crafting. I must be getting old.
But look what I made!
That wreath took me far too long to make.
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In addition to my dorky wreath-making, Jake and I have been feverishly working on launching our freelance careers. Jake is already very prepared, and has just finished re-branding himself. He is well-versed in his profession and will have no problem delving back into the market on his own.
I, on the other hand, am still emerging. Part of the reason I have this blog is to share the process of breaking into commercial illustration. There is nothing instant about this process, and I am fortunate enough to have a part-time job that pays the bills and still allows me to spend a great deal of time on the work I love.
I have already established two very important elements of any Illustrator or Designer:
Now it’s time that I turn to my resources and review what’s going on in the market.
Communication Arts magazine is an excellent resource, as they publish a review of the top Illustrators – ze cream of ze crop – annually. While I patiently await the 2010 edition to arrive in the mail, here’s a look at the 2007 issue.
Three years ago successful artist Sam Weber graced the cover. Inside reveals many artists who are still relevant today.
In addition to absorbing current trends in the market, I’ve picked up a copy of 2010′s Artist’s & Graphic Designer’s Market.
This book has already proven to be an invaluable resource. Inside are listings of current magazines, art galleries, book publishers – and more – to which you can submit your work. Each listing includes contact information, what kind of work they are looking for, and even how much they pay. Rates are anywhere from $15 to $4,000.
From this book, I can compile a list of publishers I will submit to. Over the next few months, I will be further developing my portfolio to include works that can translate into the commercial market, and, hopefully, establish myself as a viable artist with potential to hire.
