Being an illustrator nowadays is not that easy. There are high client’s expectations, quite a competition and everybody needs it quickly. Illustrators already know, that if they want to survive, they also need to develop management skills. Another phenomena of our time are globalisation and digitalisation. It has it’s pros and cons. For sure it opens doors and gives a lot of possibilities. On the other hand, these possibilities must be somehow handled.

 

 

Digitalisation brings two things: easier promotion for artists together with higher competition. That is pretty logical. It has been already at least a decade, when art market and artists dealt with digital age. Maybe what we can call “a positive side” is that even introverts can present themselves easily via social media. People love visual content and giving likes and hearts. You have to just love or hate this digital and visual times.

 

 

And yes, it can be hard and stressful for illustrator. What are the key characteristics of a successful illustrator and what influence client’s decision? We asked couple of experienced art buyers about their opinion. We gave them two questions:
1. Based on which criteria do you choose illustrator for a project?
2. What are the key characteristics of a good illustrator?

Andy Sansom from Aeon
Photography and Illustrations Editor
1. Creative quality and it’s presentation, unusual imagination, ease of communication, price.
2. Imagination, technical skill.

Violaine Mouchet from 87seconds
Country Manager
1. Style, motion design compliance & portfolio examples.
2. Work diversity but a recognizable and personal style.

Lucie Červenohlávková from Forbes (Czech edition)
Editor
1. Most important thing is, that illustration is able to underline what we are trying to say. Style must match our preferences. We like mostly clean and simple illustrations, but still should be interesting. It must work at first glance.
2. Willingness to cooperate. It means to listen and talk about it, together think about it, come up with ideas but not stick to them at all casts. Important is also speed, since we work under pressure and deadlines. And of course, ability to capture what we want to present.

And what is advice from Minty team to illustrators? Don’t forget to update your portfolio! You wouldn’t believe, how much people care about your recent work ;-).