‘I don’t really know where I’m going but that’s never stopped me before’ - Pursuing a career as an illustrator within a competitive creative industry requires resilience and dedication. The myriad niches within the industry contribute to this challenge of how freelance illustrators can establish themselves.

To support freelance illustrators in making their way in the industry, we asked our PR and growth experts to share their advice. With their insights, you won’t have to wonder where to start as we’ll walk you through the seven key steps to breaking into the illustration world.

1. Identify Yourself as an Illustrator by Finding Your Voice and Mastering Your Style.

To identify yourself as an illustrator, the first step you should do is asking yourself ‘What Type of Illustrator do I want to be?’ ‘What Impact do I want to Share with the World with My Skills?’

The illustration industry spans various fields, including editorial, book publishing, children's books, graphic novels, comics, design, advertising, and more. Once you identify your niche, Sameer Gupta, SEO Executive at BOTSHOT, recommends you must…

"a. Embrace your identity as a professional illustrator by creating high-quality, consistent illustrations that reflect your style and align with the literary market.

b. Analyse current trends and identify gaps in the market. Incorporate your unique perspective into your work – whether through stylistic choices or themes that resonate personally.

c. Develop a distinctive, polished style that becomes your signature. The journey of refining your approach might be challenging, but it’s vital to stand out in a competitive market."

2. Build a Strong Portfolio

Gupta further recommends: "Your portfolio should highlight versatility while showcasing your niche expertise. Include personal projects that reflect the kind of work you want to be hired for – clients often reference these."

Hiren Shah, technologist, and entrepreneur specialising in online advertising and growth strategies and founder of Anstrex, recommends: "When it comes to publishers and authors, they want to see how comprehensive and detailed your skills are. As with any online portfolio, it should be well put together and simple to browse while also showcasing the projects done in the area of literature in which you want to illustrate. Be selective and only showcase your best works that invoke feelings or enhance storytelling."

3. Create a Professional Online Presence

Sammer Gupta lists your steps to a professional online presence:

a. Website
"A dedicated website is your primary showcase. Include your portfolio, a bio, and contact information."

Deepak Shukla, CEO of Pearl Lemon Group, adds: "‘A professional website is non-negotiable. Think of it as your digital storefront. Optimise it with keywords like "book illustration services" and include a blog to discuss your creative process."

b. Social media
"Use platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to display your work and network with industry professionals."

c. Newsletter
"Establish a direct line of communication with fans and clients by sharing your latest projects and updates."

4. Utilize Traditional and Social Media for Networking

a. Traditional
Hiren Shah says: "Traditional marketing techniques are often ignored. In the case of illustrators, they should enter illustration competitions, attend trade fairs, and other industry events like book fairs or publishing conferences. These events provide excellent networking opportunities with relevant industry stakeholders."

Deepak Shukla adds: "For traditional media, research publishers and literary agents who specialise in genres that align with your style. Directly pitch your portfolio to them with a personalised cover letter. Simultaneously, enter competitions or contribute to small indie publications to build credibility."

b. Social Media
"Instagram and Behance are ideal social media channels for those who favor visual storytelling. Post scripts you have worked on on a regular schedule, interact and connect with other creatives (Instagram and Behance) and include relevant tags like #IllustratorForHire and #ChildrensBookIllustrator. You can also connect with authors, publishers, and agents on LinkedIn," says Shah.

Shukla adds: "Pay attention to social media sites where images dominate, such as Instagram and Pinterest. To keep your audience interested, share time-lapse videos, behind-the-scenes photos, or even surveys.

Social media collaborations with authors or self-publishers are another effective way to expand your network. Making the proper connections can be made easier with platforms such as Dribbble and Behance."

5. Gain Experience through Internships and Part-Time Roles

Sammer Gupta recommends to "Consider internships or part-time roles at publishing companies. These opportunities help you build connections and gain valuable industry insights."

6. Leverage Freelance Platforms and Communities

Gupta recommends to

a. Publish your work on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and ArtStation.

b. Join illustrator communities to share experiences, get feedback, and find job leads.

7. Stay Consistent and Persistent

As a final piece of advice, Gupta says, "Breaking into literary publishing takes time. Focus on creating meaningful relationships, honing your craft, and consistently showcasing your expertise."

Now that you have a clear starting point and direction, staying committed to these seven steps will open doors to new opportunities. As artist and writer K. Tolnoe once said, ‘Don’t rush your growth; it's a natural process.’ So, enjoy the journey of becoming. Keep the faith and keep going! – one day, you’ll see your work bloom :)

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