How to endear yourself to an art director – pt. 1

I. BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT:

DO take a class, attend workshops or otherwise educate yourself on becoming a professional children’s book illustrator. (Know the difference between, an artist and illustrator.)

DO create a portfolio indicating your range and interests.

DO include in your portfolio a variety of: ages, expressions, ethnicities, activities, styles (realistic/fantasy, cartoon, human/animal etc.), and media.

DO prepare your bio (long and short, “flap copy” versions) and resume’.

DO establish convenient communication (phone/fax/messaging, scanner, webpage,
e-mail with large file transfer capability i.e., Adobe, etc.)

DO study the market (recent books, awards, publishers’ wants/needs).

DO familiarize yourself with general contract terms publisher offers.

DO send appropriate samples (ones they can keep on file) to the proper person.

DO make it easy for publisher to contact you by including phone # and e-mail address.

DO send return SASP (self-addressed, stamped postcard) for confirmation of receipt or SASE if you want your sample returned.

DON’T use publisher’s information for return address on SASE’s.

DON’T send originals, slides, electronic submissions or CD’s unless specifically asked.

DON’T visit publisher in person without an appointment.

DON’T send elaborate presentation material or use certified mail.

DON’T expect publisher to track your unsolicited submission.

DON’T nag or give publisher the third degree–like demanding why they don’t like your art when all your relatives do. (Art directors and editors have surprisingly l-o-n-g memories and are known to move from house to house.)