Ask an illustrator…about The creative process.
The following questions were asked by student Lauren, and though I don’t often answer student emails (sorry, but I just get too many and I don’t get paid for time spent replying) I’d spoken to Lauren on instagram and knew she was a good sort. So when I had some free time I went through her questions, and thought I’d share them here in case they help someone else.
Please could you describe/outline your creative process. What are the major steps you take when completing a design or project?
If I’m working on a client brief via my agent, I read it through carefully and note down anything that comes into my head immediately. Then ideally (depending on how much time I’ve got) I’ll spend a couple of days letting ideas brew in my subconscious and doing a bit of casual research.
When I start work ‘properly’ I start with rough pencil sketches, and gradually refine the idea. I might switch to using my iPad to speed things up and make editing easier.
When I’ve got a clear(ish) idea of what the final artwork needs to be (often following a few back-and-forths with the client) I’ll sketch it out ready to paint. If there’s any details that need to be accurate, I’ll refer back to visual research/references as I go to make sure I’m getting them right. I paint using gouache, and often add details with a variety of pencils and when I’m satisfied (or I’ve run out of time) I scan the finished illustration and open it up in Photoshop on my laptop. There I’ll do any necessary editing and corrections before saving it and sending to the client.
If you were entering this career again today, would you change your preparation/approach in any way to facilitate entry/success?
This is a boring answer, but I’d probably be a bit smarter about my finances. If I knew when I was younger that I wanted to be an illustrator I’d try first to get into a career that could give me a steady income and some transferable skills whilst illustrating on the side. I’d seek to reduce my hours gradually and go fully freelance only when the time was right. I don’t think many people are really equipped to go freelance straight away, those skills take time to build, and being self employed immediately puts so much pressure on you which isn’t conducive to being creative. There’s no time limit on success, and there’s no shame in having another job for as long as you need it.
How do you approach/go about securing clients/work and expanding your client base?
Unless you’re one of the few lucky exceptions, it takes a long time to build up clients, but social media is your friend. I use Instagram and Twitter the most, where I post work but also chat and generally engage in industry discussions. I think sometimes people forget that it’s called SOCIAL media for a reason, it’s not just about selling yourself, it’s about making genuine connections. However most jobs I’ve had have come as a result of being seen on social media, so it definitely works as a place to attract work too. It’s also essential to have a portfolio website, every art director will expect you to have one, it’s not enough to just have instagram. Of course jobs also come through my agency, Plum Pudding, and sometimes through word of mouth. I cast my net wide and hope for the best!
What courses, if any, would you recommend for someone starting their career, in order to further their knowledge and chances of employment within the illustration industry?
University/art school is great but I actually don’t think it’s *essential* to do any formal courses to become a professional illustrator. If you’ve got the motivation to learn, I always think the best way is through lots of experimenting - that way you come up with your own method of doing things which helps you develop a unique voice. Having said that, there’s loads of online courses in illustration and children’s books, and I think they can be great if they’re within your means but they’re not a magic solution or shortcut to hard work. I think business skills are also REALLY important to learn and not always taught at uni.
Lastly, do you offer internships/work experience placements at all or would you consider doing so?
I currently work alone in a tiny bedroom so I don’t think I’m ideally placed to offer any kind of internship! Maybe one day if I become super famous or establish an Etsy empire I’ll be able to have an assistant, but I wouldn’t want to take on free labour, I’d have to be able to afford to pay someone.
I hope to do some kind of teaching in the future, but that would have to be paid, professional artists rarely have time to offer wisdom for free, we’re too busy trying to pay our bills! I do try to be helpful on social media but I have to look after myself first, but I try to help where I can