Top 10 Tips to Get an Illustration Job at an Agency
Illustration is an activity that involves the creation of original images for a wide range of products depending on a client’s needs. As an illustrator, you may find yourself working with advertising, publishing, editorial teams, fashion magazines, or multimedia. However, landing a job, especially for the first time can be challenging. Luckily, Tony Guo, an experienced digital marketer from Runrex is ready to share some of the top tips that will land you a job as an illustrator.
Be Creative
This is perhaps the most basic skill that you need to become a successful illustrator. The client will come to you with an idea in mind and expect you to deliver authentic illustrations that communicate the right message to the right audience. The types of illustrations you will be required to do will vary in size and characteristics, and it is your job to gather a comprehensive list of the client’s expectations, before delivering final work.
Improve Your Experience
Is your friend publishing a book? Try making an illustration for them. Does your neighbour need a cover page for their poetry? Provide your illustration services. Your chances of getting hired will improve if you have more experiences. Practising and growing your skills can be done without permanent employment through interning, and volunteering. If you can create a blog page that showcases all your original works, and advertise them on Instagram, or Pinterest, please do so. Impress the employer as soon as they decide to look into you.
Have A Healthy Online Profile
Online presence is beneficial when applying for a job because it helps you showcase your skills, express your style of art, and also include projects you have worked on. Having an updated LinkedIn profile, with a bio that expresses your passion, and has several endorsements could be the key to your next job.
Adaptability
As an illustrator, you may be required to work for different clients every few weeks. Each client will have unique needs, and you have to understand them and change your style to suit those needs. Whether a drawing, painting or digital illustration is required, ensure you capture the client’s ideas with your work, and if possible, present several illustrations for them to choose from.
Update your Resume or CV
Always send the most recent CV or resume when applying for a job. It is also important to update your CV depending on the agency you are applying to. For example, if you have skills in advertising, but are applying for a fashion magazine illustrator position, adjust your skills and experiences to match those required by the agency. Always include keywords, and include skills that the agency has mentioned in their advertisement to make your CV stand out.
Know the Agency
Carry out research and get to know the agency you wish to work for. Understand what their needs are, and figure out how you fit into their plan. Know their clients, mission, objectives, strengths, and even weaknesses. During the interview, you might be faced with questions about the agency, and you should have enough information to respond. More importantly, you should understand your value to the agency, and show them how your skills will be beneficial.
Be Confident
Confidence during and after an interview is important. Engage your interviewers, answer their questions as best as you can, maintain good eye contact, and stay calm. Practice how to walk, talk, and sit confidently. If faced with a test, do it with the style you know best, and ensure it meets the employer’s needs.
Improve Your Communication Skills
Communication is essential when working as an illustrator. Whether you are having a face-to-face conversation or sending an email, your message should always be clear. Ask relevant and necessary questions to ensure that your illustration captures the desired mood, and sends the right message to a particular audience. Good communication skills are also vital during an interview and could be the determining factor between getting employed or being dismissed.
Improve Your Negotiation Skills
As an illustrator, you may be required to negotiate pricing and timing with a client. Negotiating prices is important because you have to agree on a price that gives you profits, but also one the client can afford. Present an array of services and styles you can provide if specific illustrations are too costly for the client. Above all, make sure the client understands the value of your work. After agreeing on a price, agree on a schedule that is suitable for you to present several illustrations, and have the client choose one before moving on to the next step.
Have Sources of Inspiration
Creativity is essential in making illustrations, and you should, therefore, have sources of inspiration. Sometimes, you might run out of ideas, and you need to have a place, person or book that you use to refresh your brain and spark new ideas. You can also try drawing illustrations from objects you interact with, and conversations you have. Whichever the case, remember that you have to be a spring of illustrations that clients can drink from.