Self-Promotion

I'm at the beginning of my illustration career so I haven't really started heavily self-promoting. You know, I want to wait until I'm "ready" and everything's "perfect." Fact is, I'll need to do it before either of those things happens, or I'll never get started! Here are just a few of the many methods of self-promotion that I've discovered. (And yes, some are repeats of Johanna's recommendations.)

1.Research and gain access to as many kinds of resources in the field as possible. Joining something like the SCBWI is just one example of a resource that provides information in the form of booklets, newsletters, listserves and conferences to its members. It also provides you with the chance to network with others in your field, leading to career opportunities and/or wonderful friendships!

2. Become friends with your mailperson. It's been acknowledged that promotional postcards can be a lot of work, but it's still one of the best ways to go about getting that AD's attention. Don't create a piece just to put on a postcard. Go through your portfolio and pick the best piece. Then create a mailing list from that fantastic resource: CWIM.

3. Getting yourself a website is probably the most obvious method of self-promotion. Remember: a website is not a static tool! You must update it at least seasonally to make sure the art you're showing reflects the most present you. Also, put some work into making your site easy to find. Where on google do you want your name falling when someone types in "illustrator?"

4. The one method of self-promotion that I didn't consider until recently was a link exchange. Either on your blog or on your professional website, have a page of links dedicated to other artists. They don't necessarily have to have your same style, although that might be something to consider. You might have an AD or other interested party be directed to your website through a link on another artist's page and vice versa. This reciprocal relationship costs nothing and benefits everyone.

Obviously there's a lot one can do to break into the field. After deciding to pursue illustration, and having spent some time researching all I need to do, I've realized that nothing just comes to anyone. No one is "discovered." Every successful artist put themselves out there in some way or another. We all just need to work at getting ourselves to the right place so that when the right time comes along, we're ready.