half-time musings

400 portfolios reviewed, woohoo! Out of these, I have discovered a new artist who I didn't know before and who will be the guest illustrator of our next edition and around 40 others who we will commission in the future. And it's not done yet! 

As we are at the half way point, I thought I would share some random-but-maybe-useful thoughts. 

  • A portfolio has to be focused and targeted. We don't need to see ALL your work, just the work that fits better with our world, visually. 
  • If you have not done work specifically for children, it is no bother. We are after the right style rather than the proven track record. 
  • Portfolios often only include a series of single images. Consider showing how you might develop a story, complete with sketches. It could be something as simple as taking an old tale and bringing it to life by illustrating it. 
  • It's easier for us ADs to understand your style if your social channels, your PDF-portfolio and your site are consistent. If you have different styles, showcase them on all your channels. 
  • When showing your work on Instagram, I only want to see your work. I don't need to see your holiday snaps nor reels of you talking to camera.
  • Long emails aren't necessary. You do not need to do a (AI'ed or not) sales pitch. Your art is all that matters and all that interests us.
  • At the risk of sounding patronising, please kindly ensure your links work.
  • Gimmicky sites, where the cursor turns into a star or whatever else? Not needed.
  • A big NO is speculative work. Even worst is speculative work that is posted on socials, using our logo and with an ambiguous "cover for @anorakmag". It's not fair to the artists we work with that some un-commissioned work gets any kind of exposure. On a practical level, it's confusing for readers who might come across it and wonder why they have not received that issue. 
  • And ... AI is also a big NO for us. We are proudly made by humans for humans. 
  • Finally, in doubt, keep your portfolio simple: full bleed images and credits when applicable is we all need to see. 
  • Oh and finally-finally, we can no longer accept any submissions at this stage. 

Thank you and more thoughts coming soon!

Cathy x

PS - shameless plug: we are fully self-funded. we don't have generational wealth nor have we got rich friends. So, if you'd like to support us, you can become a patron here. thank you x

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