Industry Structure

As an Illustrator in training, part of that training requires that I learn and understand the industry I am preparing to enter. This week we looked at the different branches and types of companies that operate in a growing world of commercial illustration.

Design Houses

These are creative companies who operate to a specific 'style'. Each house can be recognized by its style and any who come to work for them must adhere to this type of creative process.

External clients often approach these houses, attracted by the style. Employees of the house then follow the brief set out by the client and produce the work.

Each employee is delegated by a Creative Director, who ensures the house style is followed and the work done to a satisfactory standard for the client.

Examples of Design Houses

• I love Dust
• Adams Morioka

Freelance

Working Freelance basically means that you work for yourself. It has one major upside - that being you are essentially your own boss. But this requires a level of commitment you might not have if you were working for a company, under guidance and instruction.

It is up to you to push yourself to get up and out there looking for the work yourself. To make this easier, a network of friends and contacts within the industry is a must. You really have to get your product and style out there into the public eye. This might prove very difficult in the early days as you will find yourself not only competing with Design Houses and large businesses, but other Freelancers.

Understanding and working to a legal structure is also important as pricing and other legal factors can be a tricky work around. 

Examples of Freelancers

• Emily Forgot
• Michael Gibbs

Networks and Collaboration

Building a Network is important to every one in the design industry as in a lot of situations 'it's not what you know, it's who you know'. You never can tell where the next opportunity can arise. It could even come from a university class mate further down the road, so it pays to be nice!

Collaborating with other artists can be another way to open doors previously thought to be closed as, when complete, your name will be alongside the collaborators when they showcase the work to people you may not have otherwise be exposed too.

Stay in touch, keep growing and marketing yourself to as many people as possible and grab those opportunities when presented, you never know what they will lead too.


Exhibitions

These are self initiated events where the artist has a chance to sell original and limited edition artwork. These can include anything from paintings, to installations. They are site specific, meaning you will reach a limited amount of people with in the area, but if advertised well and if you have made an effort to reach out and generate interest, these could be huge events in a career.

While selling original art work ultimately means you will never see it again, it is important then to document these pieces to retain a record for your portfolio. A good way to do this is with a photographer friend and if they are willing, you can pay them with art!


Competitions

These are a great way to generate awareness of your work, more so if you manage to win. There are many competitions held worldwide and each one can open up possibilities for you, even if you're not lucky enough to win, there's still a chance the right person will see your work as all work is exhibited and published.

Examples of some Competitions

• D&AD
• Computer Arts Award
• Penguin Books

There are also fairs and conventions that you can visit and display, possibly sell your work and are good ways to generate interest in your work and expand your network of contacts and possible clientele.

• Pick Me Up (Graphic Fair)
• London Illustration Fair
• Comic Conventions