Weekly Creative Biz Note #5

How Do I Find My "Style"?

I pounded my head against the wall trying to find a style that was unique and that I was passionate about. I scoured illustration source books and spent many late nights online. But in the end, it had always been right in front of me.

I started with a cartoon style that came naturally. It wasn't forced and didn't necessarily look like another artist's style. Don't mimic another style. You certainly can find particular qualities or distinct techniques within an artist's style. For instance, I love Douglas Fraser's illustrations. I discovered that it was the bold lines and shadows that I loved the most. So ask yourself," What it is that you "really" like about a certain artist's style?". And then re-create those distinct elements in your own medium.

If you haven't discovered which medium your prefer, then get started! It'll take time, so be patient and push through that "this looks ugly" barrier. Push!

There was a ton of trial and error...I tried out a few styles. I remember spending an entire day just figuring out one small digital technique that I currently use. I've tossed a lot of artwork that didn't make it through my personal critiquing process. Be tough on yourself. And know what's out there.

Then ask yourself..."What type of market am I hitting?" This is important! Is it editorial, advertising or children's books? Don't spread yourself thin but also don't corner yourself into one market. Put your artwork online and get some feedback from fellow artists.

Now, I currently work in two styles and have a very cool third style coming. It's not that I couldn't make up my mind, I simply have the desire to do them all. Is that a good idea? Yes and no. It takes mega amounts of time to keep them going and promoting them is more difficult. But I receive more calls this way. If you can do it, then I say do it! At first, I was worried that clients may get confused but they don't. I never advertise the styles together--keep them separate.

Don't expect to find a style on the first try--learn from your attempts and let things evolve.

Next Friday--Weekly Creative Biz Note #6---Be Rid of Non-Paying Clients
(Feel free to comment or click a reaction box)

Top Secret Villian!

PixelBoy has been hustling behind the scenes. Our incredible client gave us the "green light" to show-off a few of the characters we've developed for them. This villian (plus five super heroes) will be made into an action figure! There will be a ton of promotional materials too. The project is still under wraps but we'll be posting more as soon as we can!
© 2009 Campbell Fisher Design

Weekly Creative Biz Note #4

The Yin & Yang of Source Books

PixelBoy Studio has been busy and so I haven't had much time to keep up on the blogging. Though I'm squeezing this one in...

This week is concerning illustration resource books--such as WorkBook and Black Book. These books are mailed out to 20,000+ potential clients from ad agencies, design and publishing firms--depending on which book. Most resource books include a portfolio site and you will have access to the site once you sign-up. This type of advertising can give you a ton of exposure.

As I mentioned before, start small with your advertising budget. Which really means--have a budget! At times, you may have a sales person call you up and praise your work. It's good to hear but remember they are sales people. Nothing can stop a sales person quicker than explaining that you have no more room in your budget for additional advertising. How could they disagree with that?

If you're just starting out as an illustrator, then don't even think about trying out the national resource books. Your style may change throughout the next few years. We believe that the process in which art directors are finding artists is changing. The new generation of directors are web savvy and don't have the time to be flipping though a 300 page book--though it can be fun. If I needed a vector cartoonist, then why not use a search engine?

The resource book pricing is high. Not every artist can pull out this kind of money. Some believe it to be ridiculous--a rip-off! They may be right. WorkBook is approx. $3500 for the annual/online and $800 for the online portfolio only. They have statistics on the site--which is great. I used WB four years ago and got very good results. We are still receiving projects from our contact made from that initial ad. I currently have my first ad in Black Book--I got a deal on the price and now I know why--the book was printed four months late! It seems to be lacking. The Directory of Illustration cost is approx. $2500 with web portfolio access. Online (only) is not available. We've used them for two years and, unfortunately, had unhappy results. Though we love our sales rep--she was very helpful! How you represent yourself in the ad...the right images...it all has a major effect on the end result. Overall, you're taking a risk. You need to cover your initial costs of the ad and then some.

I've done my research and used free online software that compares the number of visits for all these resource book sites. It changes--so check it out and compare. Don't take their word for their numbers. Watch your google analytics to see what is working. You may make some mistakes along the way when it comes to your advertising but learn what works for YOU and your STYLE. The real questions is," Do the resource books work?" It must for some. I see the same artists going back to the books year after year. Though I would tend to say most probably lose out. If it's within your budget, then you may want to test the waters. A friendly warning though, the water is murky--it can leave you feeling refreshed or possibly cold and it's full of hungry sharks!

There are other resources for online such as theispot.com, altpick.com and many more.

Thanks for reading!

Next Friday--Weekly Creative Biz Note #5---How Do I Find My "Style"?
(Feel free to comment or click a reaction box)