070: How to start an editorial portfolio as a children’s illustrator

Notes for myself.

My portfolio is completely geared towards children’s books and this is the intent.

I had a chance to talk to an editorial agent today who represents some of the top editorial illustrators, I’m synthesising that conversation into a few directives. So I can act on them at a later date.

1. Have a separate Tab.

2. Curate/Create 6 pieces to represent the kind of editorial work you want to get. Add to it only if it’s good.

3. Know what papers and magazines you want to be commissioned for.

4. The illustrations need to have a ‘seriousness’ to them

5. Characters need to have a contemporary everyday look about them

6. Lean in to familiar subjects, for me this might be; tech start ups, gaming, food, books, kids content.

7. Find relevant commissioning art directors for the work and send them a link to that page.

1-6 are table stakes

7 is the real work.