- 1). Visit artschools.com to locate a list of art schools in your area. Choose one and set up an appointment with the academic advisor to help you find the program that matches your illustration education goals, whether your focus is in comic book illustration, children illustration or fashion illustration. While not always required, a degree can provide advanced skills that could be instrumental landing a job as a book illustrator.
- 2). Create your own signature style to stand out among other illustrators. Your work should be distinctive, so avoid copying the styles of others' work. Some ways to create your own style include using certain brush stroke designs or color blends that are uniquely yours. For example, famed children's author Maurice Sendak's illustrations have his signature cross-hatching style in which he applies tone and texture in rows of parallel lines.
- 3). Develop industry knowledge. Know who your competitors are and what they are offering clients. Develop illustration languages such as sketching, frontmatter, endpapers, gutter, etc. through your interactions with networks or member organizations. This will help you to clearly communicate your skills and abilities to prospective employers and clients.
- 4). Get an agent who can help you find the right opportunities. He should have industry knowledge regarding authors and publishing companies who need illustrators. If you can afford an agent, he can use his business relationships to help move your career as an illustrator forward. Visit eBookcrossroads for a list of illustrator agents or consult with illustrator organizations such as the Association of Illustrators.
- 5). Post a website portfolio to give your work more exposure by reaching a wider, global audience. To ensure you create the most impressive portfolio, you should hire a professional who is skilled in creating website portfolios. Posting samples of your most impressive work is a great marketing tool to promote the quality of your work. The portfolio displays your style so clients can see what you are capable of and determine if they wish to use your services.
- 6). Solicit and search for clients. Create a professional letter that you can send to potential clients. Be sure to include your resume and sample illustrations. Attend art functions to develop networks that can be good sources for name recognition and job leads. Search job sites specifically for illustrators, then set up daily or weekly alerts to get the latest information on the exact jobs you want.
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