Illustration Portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How do I make a good Illustration Portfolio?
   I want to start illustration for books/magazines. Is there any help I can get in creating a good portfolio to send to illustration companies? I know nothing at this point, so any help would be a great start!

   Thanks in advance.

   • ANSWER:

2. QUESTION:
   What would you pay monthly for an illustration portfolio site?
   Hi. I am starting an illustration portfolio site where illustrators can upload their images, work info, and bio. What would be a reasonable amount on a monthly basis?

   Also, do you think illustrators would use it?

   Thanks for you info. It will help out a lot. : )

   • ANSWER:
     There are so many sites that offer this for free that you would need to offer some sort of incentive to sign up. Perhaps the promise of a monthly mail shot to leading agencies included in the price or the possibility of a feature in an annual publication that is sent to agencies (although honestly a lot of these go in the bin if you aren't reputable).

     I have seen prices range from £30 to £1500 per year. With regards to use, it really depends on what you are offering, the contacts you have, your knowledge as an art-director and your understanding of the field. I think there are plenty of illustrators out there that would use a service like this, but you need to be individual; perhaps operate in a single field.

     Cheers, Brett
     www.onesidezero.co.uk

3. QUESTION:
   How to submit an illustration portfolio?
   I am trying to submit my portfolio to various places, but have noticed that some of the big publishers state that they do not accept art submissions. Obviously they are viewing artists' work somehow, and are commissioning covers, as is evident from simply going to a book store. What am I missing? If I just send some printed samples anyway, is it just a waste of postage, or is there a chance they could be viewed?

   • ANSWER:
     It is possible to get your work infront of publishing houses and their art directors but it is not simply a case of posting your work to them.

     You need to have examples of previous covers you have done or any similar work in this category, leading publishers won't jump in blindly and need to see what you can do. In order to do this you need a representative who has the right channels to get your work to the right people. If the work comes from an representation agency such as Synergy, NB Illustration, Folio...etc then the directors will know that in order for it to get to them it must have been deemed worthy by another director so they will browse the work.

     Agencies generally send tear-sheets and/or books to publishing houses alongside other people and then await response or chase up. A publisher may alternatively approach an agency to look for someone specific and if you are listed then you stand a much better chance than if you were a solo artist without representation. It is one of the main areas where having a rep can really help.

     You are correct in thinking you are wasting your time by posting something as your mail just joins a huge pile. The only exception to this is if you specifically have envelopes custom designed with detailing...etc and then a very well designed booklet or promotional mailer inside. It's difficult to ignore quality so this is usually another great way of getting attention but can be costly due to the processes. Good luck!

4. QUESTION:
   What kind of prints do you use in an illustration portfolio?
   What is the standard of prints in an illustrator's portfolio and where should I have my prints made? (I.E. Giclee? Professional-digital?)

   • ANSWER:
     It really just depends on your budget. In terms of quality, Giclée prints are probably the highest quality, which many illustrators opt for when creating a portfolio. They probably will be the most accurate digital print reproduction you can get. I've seen many people just use good prints from their home printers, and the results are just as good.

5. QUESTION:
   Where should I send my Illustration Portfolio?
   I'm looking more to do Book and Magazine Publications, not so much Graphic Design or Commercial work. What type of people or companies should I contact to give my portfolio to? Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

   Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     Publishers. Check the back of books or staff listing page in magazines to find the publisher's name and address. Try to do some searching online to see who acts as head of their art department and a name for HR. Send to both. Good luck!

6. QUESTION:
   Illustration portfolio question for those in art school preferably those in art center?
   I really have no idea what type of work i should submit to them and i need help or suggestion and if possible a few examples of work you might have submitted.

   • ANSWER:
     However you arrange it, your portfolio should only include the BEST of your best work. If you are considering any marginal work, even if it is, for some reason, one of your favorites, DON'T include it.

     The age of the piece matters little, nor does it matter if it is a student project, professional job, or done for fun. It MUST be only the best work. DO not include a piece only because it shows how much you have improved over the years. The school does not care how far you've come. What matters is where your are, now, and what your potential might be.

     Don't overwhelm the portfolio with a large volume. Try to trim it down to a dozen pieces or less. Better a very few excellent pieces than a dozen mediocre works. The will not be assesing your work by the pound or square footage. It is only quality that counts.

7. QUESTION:
   How many drawings/illustrations/paintings etc. should there be in portfolio for illustration course?
   I' am going to submit my portfolio and I have to send it to uni. I was wondering, how many works should it consist and what technique should be the most important one (description necessary)? Also, what is the most appropriate way to send it? What I mean is, should it be a slide show or word or sth else? And, do you need to present your sketches, when submitting portfolio this way?
   Thanks in advance. I know that this is A LOT of questions, so thank you thank you thank you:)

   • ANSWER:
     I heard that it had to be roughly 20 pieces of work, different things, like development work and stuff. It has to be your best bested work too. And has to be resolved things, finished things.

     Universities don't like unfinished work.

8. QUESTION:
   How should I prepare my portfolio for MICA's Illustration Practice or Graphic Design Masters Program?
   I want to get into MICA's Illustration Practice or Graphic Design Masters Program, but I have no idea what to include in my portfolio. What exactly do I need to include in my portfolio?

   • ANSWER:
     You probably have more information on their site as most Unis have an explanation about it. Some want traditional portfolios with just your work in a folder and some want a unique approach. Some sites even offer a video where you can see the portfolios of older students.

     Either way you should put in your best work in it. Try out different techniques, approaches, experiment with and mix the techniques you already know. Work by hand and on the computer and print some of it, maybe even bring a CD with some multimedia files and see if they can play it. You need to convince them that you have good ideas. They will teach you how to perfect the usage of different techniques, your portfolio is just there to show them that you are creative and willing to learn and develop. They usually like to see that you have some energy about you, that you think outside the box. It's also probably a good idea to have drawings and paintings of still life, a model, quick sketches,etc...and not only illustrations and works in graphic design.

     Good luck :]

9. QUESTION:
   Where should I send my Illustration/Painting Portfolio?
   I'm looking more to do Book and Magazine Publications, not so much Graphic Design or Commercial work. What type of people or companies should I contact to give my portfolio to? Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.

   Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     Any book or Magazine Publisher.

10. QUESTION:
    Is it better to show your artwork on a portfolio site with for example just illustration?
    Is it better to show your artwork on a portfolio site with for example just illustration, or would it be better to show it on a portfolio site with photography, fine art, and digital art as well. Quality and quantity or quality over quantity? Thanks! 8^ )

    • ANSWER:

11. QUESTION:
    what things to put in a portfolio for ILLUSTRATION couse at university interview?

    i wanna go UCA Maidstone.

    • ANSWER:
      For Illustration Course? You need illustrations that show your skill in drawing figures, still-lifes, perspective, and creativity. Doing them in different mediums is essential also because the interviewer would know that youre not limited to so many art mediums.

      If there's anything I missed, it might be on their website and/or on the portfolio requirements list when you apply,

12. QUESTION:
    what kind of stuff to put in a portfolio for an ILLUSTRATION course (BA Hons)?
    im thinknig of going to maidstone university (UCA) doing a BA HONS Illustration course, in september, what do i need for the portfolio?

    • ANSWER:
      umm

13. QUESTION:
    what to put in an ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO for uni?

    • ANSWER:
      I think it's important to show a diverse range of work that you can do, even if it doesn't DIRECTLY relate to illustration, for example photography and some graphic works. It will give you brownie points to have a range of illustrations just to prove you can actually draw!

      make sure you lay out the portfolio so your best work is at the front, middle and end. All other work inbetween these pages but make sure it still flows logically from page to page.

      They want to see a creative person who can deliver more than just drawings and create new ideas.

      hope this helps!

14. QUESTION:
    i would like to put my illustration portfolio on a view master for promotion what would the procedure be?

    • ANSWER:
      contact fisher-price

15. QUESTION:
    Hello.........i'm trying to find out the best way to put together an illustration portfolio?
    i'st mostly collections of characters/book illustrations...........anyone with experience?

    all advice greatly appreciated..thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      library

16. QUESTION:
    I need to do a portfolio to get on the Illustration course at uni is it best to print my work in A3 or A4?

    • ANSWER:

17. QUESTION:
    When do I show my portfolio for CalSate Long Beach's Illustration program?

    • ANSWER:
      Why don't you ask someone in the department at CSULB? Hint: the department secretaries know everything.

18. QUESTION:
    I'd like to know What is the best way to get illustration freelance job.?
    I am an Independent artist & Illustrator base in Malaysia. Illustration job in Malaysia is difficult to get and they don't appreciate it. What is the best way to get freelance illustration job ?
    My portfolio site:
    www.coroflot.com/wonderkitten

    • ANSWER:
      1) Be good at what you do.
      2) Be sure they know where you are and who you are.
      3) Publish or perish.

19. QUESTION:
    What is the best colored pencils to use for realistic illustration?
    I want them to be able to blend really well together and a mix a bit, i want to make realistic like illustrations and crayola portfolio series colored pencils deosn't really cut, also prisma colors are pricey and they break every time you sharpen them grrr. any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      Almost without exception, books on art techniques suggest Prismacolor pencils, for their pigment content and workability.

      If you buy Prismacolor pencils, then the names of the colors will match the names of the colors used in the demos / tutorials in those books.

      Prismacolor pencils cost about each, but if you live in an area with a Michael's or similar art store, use one of their occassionally available 50% off coupons to save a bundle. The coupons come in newspaper ads or flyers, or via email if you sign up for their mailing lists. Some art stores accept competitors' coupons if there is a competing art store near by. In my area, Michaels, AC Moore, Joanne Fabrics, and Utrecht all accept each other's coupons.

      If you are serious about colored pencils, invest in the largest set that you can afford -- at least a 48-color set (0 or if you have a 50% coupon). For portraiture, the 120-color set has more of the colors that you will need (0 or 0 if you have a 50% coupon). You can also buy the specific colors that you need as individual pencils from open stock.

      In addition to the colored pencils set, you may find it helpful to also have a clear, blending pencil.

      Tortillions or stubs are short, pencil-shaped sticks made of tightly rolled paper, which can also be useful for blending.

      One of the responders to your question suggested sharpening with a razor blade. In addition, you can use a sanding block to shape the point. The sanding block is a pad of small pieces of sandpaper on a wooden paddle, and is available at all art stores. I have found that I can sharpen without breaking the pencil points, using just a pocket, hand-twist sharpener. The secret is to make sure that it has a sharp razor blade in it. When it starts tearing the wood or breaking the points, throw it away and buy a new one. If a pencil has been dropped on the floor, then it may be broken inside, and then the points will pull out as you sharpen it.

      Two excellent authors of books on colored pencils techniques are Ann Kullberg and Kristy Kutch (You can read user reviews of them on amazon.com).

      Please note that, when people refer to “colored pencils”, they are generally referring to wax based pencils. This answer pertains to wax based pencils. For specialty pencils, such as oil based, watercolor based or pastel based pencils, the answer may be entirely different.

20. QUESTION:
    Best way to put up a portfolio? Flash... Rollover... Thumbnail...?
    I am putting up my graphic design and illustration portfolio. What format do people like to look at? Any good examples out there?

    • ANSWER:
      I'd definitely say thumbnail. It's simple and easier to look at, making it more accessible to the most amount of people. over complicating things isn't always good. A *short* flash intro giving way to a menu to different parts of your portfolio is pretty nifty way to spiff it up without going over the top. rollovers just turn me off of a portfolio for some reason. Plus not everyone computer has flash or is fast enough to be able to view that type of thing. You ultimately want the focus to be on the pieces in your portfolio anyway, not on the portfolio "holding" the work. That's my feeling anyway.
      this guy's portfolio is pretty sweet: http://www.okaydave.com/
      it's got the short flash intro and the easy to navigate menu plus little movie clips about some individual more in-depth projects he's done.
      hope it helps!

21. QUESTION:
    Should I bring my portfolio with me to a job interview?
    I have a job interview next tuesday for a junior graphic designer job, my portfolio is more illustration than graphics. i dont know weather it is a good idea to bring my portfolio?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, always be prepared. You may never need the portfolio, but you will demonstrate that you are a proactive individual.

22. QUESTION:
    Portfolio interview for illustration program (freshmen transfer)?
    what kind of questions do they ask???

    what kind of answers do they expect???

    how long should it take???

    more advise ???

    tips???
    anything please

    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      when you say they you did not specify who "they" are.... suffice it so say " RELAX" every time I interviewed a possible art student transfer or otherwise I asked different questions never the same because people are different and I reacted to that difference. The best thing to do is just get your portfolio down to the very best that it can be and only the best fewer good things are far better than lots of regular things. One of the best ways to slide into the interview is to admit first off to the interviewer that you are nervous because it means a lot to you, if it really does, then just do your best to relax and don't forget to ask your questions ... they need students or else they would not be interviewing you just go for it, put you self at ease as much as you can and have some faith in your worth wear something relaxed and don't try to dress "arty" and no Coffee or tea to amp your system before the interview remember the person across the desk from you did this once before themselves and they are not trying to make you feel small, untalented or nervous and if they do avoid the school as they have no respect for their students and would most likely treat you like a cash cow if they would allow an interviewer to rattle you on purpose good luck

23. QUESTION:
    Which part of the Illustration industry helps an aspiring artist build a great portfolio?
    I'm currently in one of my final years of my art program, and very soon, co-operative placement is just around the corner. I am told to think of areas of the Illustration industry in which I should consider as my co-op placement. I'm thinking a place that helps create my professional portfolio by the time I graduate. I heard making children books are one, and so are editorials... but I'm just not sure. Does any one here (who's a professional) know of a strategy, or a recommendation as to how I go about all this? All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      I know two freelancers who got their portfolios filled by doing spot illustrations for magazines, and magazine covers. There's a LOT of work out there for the independents--you can find tons of places to submit to by getting hold of the Artist Market 2008 book.

24. QUESTION:
    Can i post artwork I have done for companies on my Portfolio website?
    I am making a Portfolio website with illustrations I have created. I have produced work for companies, such as mascots and diagrams and greetings cards.

    Am I allowed to post these images on my site in my portfolio, or do I need their permission?

    • ANSWER:
      Probably not without permission! Unless you specifically stated in a contract that you were to retain all rights, the work is not yours. If you signed a "standard form" when you received payment, without reading it, do so now to find out if you retained any rights
      What you have done is called 'Work for Hire' and is their property. They will probably sue you for infringement.
      Check here; http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Copyright+violation

25. QUESTION:
    What should you include in a portfolio for a design based degree?
    The course in particular is called 'Visual Communication' and specialises in Graphic Design, Photography and Illustration.

    What exactly would I have to include in a portfolio for application? How specialised does it have to be?

    Any tips/advice would be amazing, thanks

    • ANSWER:
      If you have not done any design work before then pick work that shows your creativity. Obviously, if you have done any design, photography or illustration include it.

      Also, don't put stuff you aren't happy with in the portfolio just to pad it out. Only include your best work.

      Your portfolio should show a range of different skills/styles.

      Be prepared to talk about your work to, always try and be positive when referring to your own work.

26. QUESTION:
    Should I keep my illustration websites together or apart?
    I'm a aspiring artist and my work mostly consists of low brow, pop surrealism type work, and I mostly show my work at galleries. However I want to start doing children's book illustration as well and currently working on a portfolio for that. But I'm wondering would it be best to keep all my work on one website or create a separate website or a separate area on my site for my children's illustrations? Children are the main subjects in all of my work, only the work I do for galleries tends to be on the darker side.

    • ANSWER:
      I think you should keep one portfolio website, so that people have access to all of your work, but keep your childrens illustrations in a separate section.

27. QUESTION:
    Is it okay to add fanart to your portfolio?
    If I was to put a portfolio together made up of my digital illustration work, would it be okay to use fan work in it too? Or is it frowned upon when you're trying to get accepted into an university/looking for a job?

    • ANSWER:
      I know of several RISD portfolios from the seventies which featured Fred Flintstone and Batman. The people got in. I would be careful including such things however. While they can show off your design skills very well, a lot of the work done in, say, Manga/Anime style, isn't. Japanese cartooning draws on eastern traditions which emphasize the use of line and shape rather than shading to suggest form, and you can be delivering a decent drawing which shows you don't know what you were looking at when you made it.

      My default for an art school portfolio is yes -- you want to provide a variety of work because they are looking for people not for skills.. I would just be very picky about which fanart I included. My default for a job portfolio would be no. They want skills which they can apply to the tasks at hand without the use of imagination. I've done portfolios which I was told were lovely but not right -- and I realized it was because they don't WANT to use imagination when hiring.

28. QUESTION:
    What is best to have in an art portfolio?
    I'm looking for any tips or advice on building up an art portfolio to get into a good art school. Majoring in either: illustration, animation, graphic design or creative writing. What are art schools looking for and what don't they won't to see?

    • ANSWER:
      An art portfolio can be in two forms, usually the one that you will send to a collage will have:
      1. Slides (20) of your recent work projects (if you are in high school the ones from your art classes will be fine) in a slide sheet labeled on the slide which side is up and the # of the slide with sharpie.
      OR
      20 jpegs on a cd
      2. Slide list- make a list of those slides, number 1-20 and write, medium, year, title and maybe a sentence about it.
      3. An artist statement- wow them with one paragraph about why you like art, what you think about while you do art, and where you see yourself in the future
      4. If you have been in the local paper or gotten any awards for your art photocopy those and put them in there

      Take all this stuff and put them in a nice folder! You are ready to apply to schools or in the future galleries, too!

      Different schools want different things, most schools want diversity in your portfolio. They do not care how well you can replicate life in drawings, they want to know that you are a creative person.

29. QUESTION:
    How do I switch from science to illustration career?
    I graduated with a BS in biochemistry and am wanting to switch over to illustration or graphic design. Been working in the sciences for three years but I think I would like to switch. Don't have a portfolio, but I have worked on small projects such as advertising posters and flyesr here and there for my friends or church during my spare time. What's the best way to go about this change? Is school an option? More training? Or do I just try to go into the field with experience?

    • ANSWER:
      Since bachelor's degree in graphic design is usually required and Job seekers are expected to face keen competition.

      You might want to consider getting a master in graphics design, rather than getting a bachelor's since you already have a bachelors. You should consider taking some art classes and start creating a portfolio with about 15 pieces of your best work. To get into a program they usually consider your artistic ability first.

      According to the source below,
      "A individuals with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities."

30. QUESTION:
    What should be in a portfolio for someone who wants to go into comics?
    When I was in art school I majored in animation/film and I was told people want to see a sketchook in which you draw from life, and samples of your other work.

    What should be in your portfolio if you want to get a job as a comic book artist or as a cartoonist/illustrator.

    I should know this, but illustration/cartooning wasn't my major and I've been out of school for a little over 10 years. Please let me know. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      A lot of life drawing is good. Try to show a wide range of people and body types. Also, they like to see what mediums you're typically using for color. Gouache and watercolor are best but just show whatever you can I've been told many times that whatever you think is best should be first in your portfolio and whatever you think is second best should be last in your portfolio. Start strong and end strong with whatever you think they would want to see to have faith in you as a comic book artist. Also, if you're starting your own comic, try to show a particular style that you would be utilizing. Good luck, friend

31. QUESTION:
    Art schools that do not require a portfolio?
    As a junior student in a medical science academy, I am seriously lacking in any art background. I have started to take private lessons in a studio, but I do not think I'll be able to make something worth including in a portfolio for a while. What schools are open for students with no background in the arts, but with a good academic foundation? My main interest is Illustration.

    • ANSWER:
      AIU-American Intercontinental University They have a campus in FL,one in GA, and Texas. Their kinda costly but check em out anyway. My homegirl attends there and she graduates next year she told me you get your BFA in 3 years.Also check out International Academy of Design. Good luck!

32. QUESTION:
    Is it a good decision to major in illustration/game design?
    I'm going off to college next year, and I'm really nervous about my career choice! I want to do concept art for games, movies, etc. but the degrees in each college are all different. So,would most places take a degree in either illustration or game art design (no coding involved)? And do companies look at your courses, your portfolio, and/or your major in general? Also, I'm trying to get into schools with internships and connections to major studios, but I'm not sure how much this will help me later.

    • ANSWER:
      If you want to do anything w/ the game design industry at all, you ought to check out all of your options.
      http://game-designschools.com/ has a TON of resources about the industry, good colleges, tuition info, and jobs descriptions you can research.

      jobs: http://game-designschools.com/game-design-careers/
      colleges: http://game-designschools.com/top-game-design-colleges/

33. QUESTION:
    I've made a couple of illustrations about one topic. How can I put them together neatly for my portfolio?
    I've made a lot of cat illustrations, little drawings, sketches and all, and I want to put them in my portfolio. How can I arrange them/group them or anything? I thought about a collage, but I'm not sure how to do it, and it would turn out quite big, probably bigger than A3, and I'm not sure if that would do well for a portfolio. Is A3 too big actually?
    Anyway, thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!

    • ANSWER:
      If your doing a digital portfolio make a photo gallery, I suggest the lightbox script, it allows you to make a gallery with very little html knowledge.

      If your doing a flash, director, or other cd portfolio I suggest a photo gallery or slide show.

      If your doing a physical one DO NOT USE YOUR ORIGINALS, scan them yourself or get them scanned. You can manipulate the digital files to either be a collage, or if you can leave them separate and get them printed that way.

      Keep in mind your portfolio should show your BEST of whatever styles you've learned. Not just every sketch you've ever done, it should be a showcase of your best possible work and your versatility.

34. QUESTION:
    Requirements for Ringling College of Art and Design Portfolio?
    On the website, it says that you should NOT include anime in your portfolio. What exactly do they mean? I draw anime all the time, and I think it's one of my strongest points in my art, so should I not include it? I want to major in illustration, so is it a good idea to include it?

    • ANSWER:
      They probably don't want to see all these anime fans that all draw the same type of drawings over and over again. They are most likely looking for your own style of art, not showing that you are the one to copy other styles, but rather, invent your own new one. They want to see originality

      ^_^

      Try using the skills you learned while drawing anime, and try something new

35. QUESTION:
    What would you like a drawing/illustration of?
    I'm thinking of joining a freelance artist site but I only have a couple of my pictures to add to my portfolio, so...what would you like an illustration of?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on what you're gearing your illustrations/portfolio towards -- commercial, adult, children, etc.. Without that information, it's difficult to give you ideas of what to illustrate.

      I'm in the same boat you are right now. I'm creating a new portfolio geared towards children's publishing. So far, I have four new pieces and plan to continue creating till I'm absolutely satisfied with what I am producing and what I'm trying to show with my illustrations.

      I don't have any guidelines that I'm following. I basically go with what's in my head or on my mind. If I'm in the middle of an illustration and think of an idea, I make detailed notes and rough sketches of it and hold off till I've completed the illustration that I'm currently working on.

      My advice is that you gear your work towards what sort of freelance you want to get. I would have a couple of examples that have the same idea, but different concept/design to show that you are versatile. I would also do some pieces that showcase your techniques and designs -- you know, sort of show off your strengths and abilities. In freelance, your illustrations sell themselves. You just have to be able to deliver what you've promised.

      If you could add just a little more detail to what you're asking, I'm sure there are many people that would gladly help you come up with some ideas.

36. QUESTION:
    Where do I send my illustrations?
    I am putting together an illustration portfolio to send to children's book publishers. I don't have high hopes, but I figure if I don't at least try, I'll always wonder "what if." Anyway, my problem is that I can't figure out where exactly to send my portfolios. I assume it would be to the art director of each publisher, but I can't find any addresses for art directors on the publisher web pages. Does anyone know anything about this? Any online resources or books that I might be able to get this information from? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      I would send your portfolio directly to the publisher, I would also try to phone them first, or email them and let them know your portfolio is on the way out to them.

37. QUESTION:
    Can anyone reccomend a good fashion illustration book?
    Can someone reccomend a good fashion illustration book?
    One they have tried that includes body, form, fabric and portfolio design. I want it to be modern, coloured and entertaining.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Fashion Illustration Next by Laird Borrelli

      it's amazing and only on amazon.

38. QUESTION:
    how do you know if your good enough to take commision/work in illustration?
    well, i really love to draw, anything to do with art/illustration, i want to know how good you have to be to have a chance in the illustration industry. i can do both traditional and digital art, although i prefer digital. im not bad at either, although there's always room for improvement. i have my digital art posted at redboi.deviantart.com and i have a traditional medium portfolio as well,though not posted online. does anyone have any tips to improve, or recommendations to whether or not i should be seriously thinking about this field. i will be turning 18 in half a year and graduating next summer, so i will have to make decisions concerning my future soon.

    • ANSWER:
      The real question is, "when do other people who might hire you know you're ready?".

      You're probably pretty good. You may already have something marketable. It depends on what your audience is looking for. What's great for some, may not be good enough for others. It's what they think, not really what you think, except you need to think positively....

39. QUESTION:
    How do I make my own professional website? I want an online type portfolio to advertise my Art + Illustration?
    I want to make a website to showcase my work:
    Art
    Illustration
    maybe a couple of videos/animations
    Photography

    I want it to look professional and contemporary. But I have little experience of making websites. I'd like some advice on how to actually build a site (what do I need to buy and who should I go to i.e what websites should I buy from? I am based in London.)
    I don't have a big budget as I'm just starting out and don't need a huge amount of space either. So I am going to make it myself (not hiring anyone)... so anyone who can offer me some advice about how to make something good that isn't too hard would be very much appriciated.
    Cheers.

    • ANSWER:
      Professionally it would be graphically designed in photoshop, then imported to dreamweaver to publish online. It is somewhat detailed, and takes some time to learn. If you want to set up a simple site I know there are some other pages that can give you a template, but it won't look as great..

40. QUESTION:
    what kind of school can i get into with a still life/portrait portfolio that got a 5 in AP scores?
    i want to get into a strong animation or illustration art school... but the still lives are of pots and pans or bottles and dishes haha. i can do life drawings too but i dont have any works to put into the portfolio. i was wonder if i should just apply for a traditional art class and then switch into animation or illustration?

    • ANSWER:

41. QUESTION:
    Can I go into graphic design with a degree in illustration?
    My major was illustration and I minored in graphic design. I already graduated with a degree in illustration. I know how to use the Adobe Suites and other software in graphic design. I already put together a portfolio for graphic design interviews.

    I need to know if anyone will hire me as a graphic designer even when my degree is in illustration.

    • ANSWER:
      If you can demonstrate strong design skills in your portfolio you'll be fine. The dirty little secret in this business is that your degree doesn't get you jobs, your portfolio does, so concentrate on that.

42. QUESTION:
    How do i put my portfolio on a cd?
    I'm working on my portfolio for a college and i want to know how do i put my Portfolio on a cd i have photography sketches and illustration's. any suggestions??

    • ANSWER:

43. QUESTION:
    for my graphic design portfolio, should I mix it up? or arrange it by category (web, print, illustration)?

    • ANSWER:
      Arranging your work by catagory is a good idea.
      The site design should be easy to navigate. Example: http://www.toggle.uk.com/ - A nice clean site the breaks down each project with a quick description. My advice is to visit sites like www.styleboost.com and http://www.qbn.com and find some inspiration. Who out there has a really good site. Why do you like it? Then with that inspiration build your own site. Keep it simple, clear, error free.
      Best of luck to you.

44. QUESTION:
    Is it OK to have 1 website with 2 very different kinds of art (illustration + oil paintings)?
    I paint realistic oil paintings and do modern, stylized illustrations. I plan to have two separate categories in my portfolio website.

    Will doing this alienate either client-base?

    Will illustration clients feel like I'm not a serious illustrator because I paint, and gallery owners feel I am not a real artist because I illustrate?

    • ANSWER:
      that's very nice! it's a good idea. just try please. people may like the informative thing

45. QUESTION:
    Blog Site for portfolio?
    Can anyone recommend a blog site or other free web host that would be good to display my illustration portfolio?

    • ANSWER:
      Go to www.blogger.com.
      Create your own blog page by logging in with your Gmail ID.
      Post your illustrations. Simple as that.

      If you have your own domain name, you can go to www.000webhost.com (100% free web hosting site) and create your web page to publish your illustrations.

      In both blogger.com and 000webhost.com you can use the templates to make the task easier.

46. QUESTION:
    What should go in a fashion communication portfolio?
    I'm applying for fashion communication/promotion course's at university
    and was wondering what to put in my portfolio?

    So far i have research pages, photography/styling, exhibition review, life drawing and development, illustrations with development to my final piece and Poster mock-ups.

    Any thing else to include?

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      It sounds like you are well prepared for the interview. If you have time you could enrol in a fashion forecasting or marketing evening class to give you an advantage, you wouldn't need to finish it in time for your interview it would just be beneficial to show your serious about the course and would be a great thing to casually bring up during the interview. Or if you create a website to showcase your work is another way to show how serious you are about the course.

      Also any written pieces or digital media would be a great thing to include in your portfolio if you have any. But it's not particularly necessary, in all honesty it sounds like what you have should be enough.

      Best of luck x

47. QUESTION:
    What sort of art should I put into my portfolio?
    I plan on going into Illustration.
    I've heard that technical drawings of horses are good as well as self-portraits.
    What else?

    • ANSWER:

48. QUESTION:
    Hello Im making a graphic design portfolio and need help?
    I want to break it up into 3 different sections. For example,

    fine art, illustration (using illustrator/photoshop), & print

    do you think those are okay?

    • ANSWER:
      I think that sounds very good. I have been a graphic artist for 21 years and I just changed mine around it's not the same as yours. I am constantly updating it.

49. QUESTION:
    I'm trying to build up my design portfolio. Graphic Designer: Do you have any good ideas?
    I want to do a little of everything from typography, photography, illustration, and advertisements.

    • ANSWER:
      With a portfolio, you will want to build up anything you have. The best thing to do is to actually put in your old work and show how you've progressed throughout the years. It's best to show them a few thing from the year before and them WOW them with the recent pieces.

      Another good thing for your portfolio is to show how much you can do, such as the typography and illustration. Advertisements are a good one. Remember than in graphic design typography and use of color means EVERYTHING to many portfolio reviewers. Photography not so much, but I would still put it in there to show you have many talents.

      Though I am not a graphic designer, I am an illustration student at an art college and have many friends in this field. Hope I helped!

50. QUESTION:
    How should I order my design portfolio?
    I am putting together a portfolio of my interior design work for Grad school. Would it be better to put the finished colorful illustrations first and then back it up with the floor plans and sketches, or should I start out with the floor plans and sketches and lead up to the finial piece. Any opinions would be great thank you so much. : )

    • ANSWER:
      If you are present when your portfolio is being looked at I would suggest having the preparatory work first, so you can introduce the project, outlining the brief, describe your interpretation and research, maybe include rejected concepts and build up to the final project.