Directory of Illustration
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- miracola0
Ric,
It's totally the way to go. illustration that is. Get $1,000 to $2,000 to do a painting. I keep the original, many times the copyright, except for certain companies, and I can then sell prints of the work as well. I've made more off prints than the first printing rights fee. For me at least, the downside is that the fantasy art market is a small market. There are only a handful of publishers that pay well and on time. I plan to do a lot more editorial type work so I can move into other periodicals or genres. Your work seems perfectly suited for that editorial type work. I'd think it'd be easier for you.
- ricstultz0
Linkdup has also been a large help to me.
Miracola, you're in Milwaukee?... me too.
- miracola0
Like I said, the market must be crap right now if you aren't making more money from those workbooks Arthur. Or maybe as you said, they are an outdated source for AD's. My guess is that many do find new talent online or through mailings they receive.
- ricstultz0
I think a direct mailing is in my very near future... Seems it spawns concrete results... plus the AD's have a stand alone physical copy of the work.
Its cheap too.
- thepulpbox0
this is free -
- arthur0
I think the illustration market is great right now if you're in the right place at the right time. Last year was my best year ever.
I just think the kind of agencies that refer to these compliations are looking for more traditional illustration. Either that, or my rep doesn't pick up the phone when a new job comes in. I still generate nearly 95% of my income myself.
- ArtDirector0
It's nice to see a thread on illustration as that was my major when I went to CCAD. I'd love to be freelancing where you can work your own hours at home, and not have to deal with the 1 hour commute each way to work.
BTW, I have 2 extra copies of the Illustrator Showcase if anyone wants one.
I'm thinking of switching over to becoming a freelance illustrator but I hear the market isn't so good like it use to be. Many years ago, Illustrators were raking in $300k plus
Computers, stock illustration has changed everything.
- mybrokenshoe0
thought i would add my two pence /cents.
This year i have paid to have my work in the Contact book whichcost £750, and also i entered the AOI images book, which i think was about £350.
Both my agent and the tutors at college reckoned you have to 'spend money to make money' And they swore by these books.
It seem a hell of alot of money but i guess one, advertising job would pay it off, and anything else would just be a bonus. Neither has been published yet so i am just keeping the fingers crossed. will keep you posted on what happens. Contact is released in may i think.
I think it would be just as good to direct mail people, that is what i have been doing recently. It seems to be paying off.
If you get the chance go see the prospective clients / art directors makes them remember you.
- miracola0
Ric,
Yep, sadly I live in Milwaukee. I know of your work. It rocks!!
My day job is at the Journal. At night I'm a superhero. Gotta pay for those tights somehow.
jeff
- mybrokenshoe0
Also entering as many compotitions seems to be a good way of showing your work around.
Or having clever marketing ideas....
...Those folks at http://www.peepshow.org.uk/, are amazing publicists. If you have a look around your website you will see they have a nice balance of illustration and exhibitions and some other stuff... and it works, their work is in alot of stuff here in the uk..... damn
them :)
- ricstultz0
Cool Jeff, I live in Riverwest, we could use your crime fighting powers down here
;)I'll ad a link to your site off mine, always good to know local peeps.
- ricstultz0
oh yeah, forgot to mention, I really dig your work dude.
- miracola0
tanks man. You showing work anywhere local? maybe during gallery night?
j.
- loaf0
my rep has a page with some of my work on it with directory of illustration.. i have not seen anything from it.. The black book ad has done a little better. not sure how sold i am on these directories.. My rep keeps telliing me to give it time.. i would save your money and do some good mailings instead.
here is the link to my page.. not sure if it will work or not.. minie is the guy in the leisure suit..
http://www.directoryofillustrati…
- brooke0
I don't mind the $3000 at all. Should I at least try it for this year?
How do I know what the "right" thing for me is?
- ricstultz0
Nope, no shows lined up in Milwaukee right now... illustration work has been keeping me really busy.
I want to approach Hotcakes if I decide to put a Milwaukee show together. They seem pretty cool.You got anything coming up?
- fusionpixel0
Honestly, I never heard of that site.
Make a search of what the most popular sites your prospect clients look for.
- GreedoLives0
Friend of mine did it, spent $3000, but didn't get a single job from it. Then again, his style was pretty unorthodox. Your style, however, will fit perfectly within that book.
If you can spare the money, go for it. I you have to go in debt to do it, don't. Try http://www.theispot.com/, they're cheaper.
- brooke0
Okay.
Thank you for all your advice!
I've purchased the Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market book. What a great resource!
My decision is to hold off on the Directory for now, or any other publication. I'm getting some promo cards made & will begin mailing them shortly. I just want to see how well I do without spending so much money. I'll try it next year if needbe.
This will be my first attempt (besides my site) at self promotion. Wish me luck!
- brooke0
ArtDirector - who says the market isn't any good? I believe there's always work to be done. You just have to find it... or let it find you!