How to get started as a professional Illustrator

Many aspiring illustrators often ask me how to go about getting started in this industry. Here are a few pointers that I hope will help you out.Firstly, it is very important is to understand the difference between doing “art” for yourself and doing “art” that is “commissioned.” Once you understand that, you are half way there.It is really important in my opinion to develop a unique style. Often when I am showed student’s portfolios and there are several styles of work in the same book. This is often required in schools that teach illustration and want to have you explore various styles. That’s great for school but I would stay away from doing that in “the real world”. First, it makes it hard to recognize your particular style and second it does not give a recognizable look or signature to your work. Art directors are always looking for a certain style at any one time and tend to associate one particular style with one particular illustrator. Even thought you might be great at a few styles, I still stress the importance of choosing just one to focus on.