Hi guys, Apologies if this sort of thing has been asked before, I've just joined and hoping I can get some advice on this. I'm starting out as an illustrator as it's something I've always felt I should be doing, but without a degree or similar in the subject Im self taught so haven't had those few years to build up a portfolio and develop a strong style. I know it's important to have a style in order to be called on for work and to be recognisable, and I'm beginning to find my feet, but I'm finding I'm developing 2 styles that I both enjoy. One style is sort of observational, humorous and simple. Quick sketches that I scan in and work in to a small amount on photoshop etc. It's a little like David Shrigley (who obviously has done very well but more as an artist than illustrator). The problem I have with this is I'm just not sure whether this style is going to get me any paid work, it doesn't come across particularly skillful and I can't see it being used for much rather than my own self expression. I know I can't predict what people might be after when looking for illustrators but it's just a feeling I have. The second style I'm developing is a lot more intricate, montage style detailed illustration that really shows my drawing ability. This style I could see (hopefully) being hired for and is something I also enjoy doing. It's not like this second style is forced, but I feel like I've needed to develop something that also shows my skill otherwise I'd be wasting my talent. The question is whether it's too much to have 2 quite different styles. I already produce a weekly a cartoon that fits in with the first style, and if I'm honest the first style feels like what I SHOULD be doing. But, the second style I do enjoy and without wanting to pander to the wants and needs of art directors it just seems like I'd get more work with that style. Problem is obviously I don't want my website to look like I'm torn between the 2 styles but I want to showcase both if I choose to develop both. Thoughts and opinions? Should I sack off the second style and go with my gut feeling and hope that it's still going to get me work? Run 2 different websites under different names? Have both on one site and have 2 different sections? I know this is a long post so thanks for reading, I look forward to the replies.
Your own style Hey ed , Nice to meet you I'm also new to this forum and starting my career and business as a freelance illustrator. Despite the fact you said you hadn't gone for a degree in illustration to come out with a prepared portfolio this isnt always something to overly worry about as Ive just finished a 3 year degree in business/entrepreneurship in illustration and completely found my style at the very end with little body of it to make a portfolio. So I've set myself the challenge of spending the next 5-6 months building up my portfolio anew, when it comes down to your own style I think you need to do something that you feel is really connective to how you like to portray your ideas and visual illustrations. More importantly also in a commericial way that makes it easy for clients to look at you and make connections as to how your talent can be used in there business / fit their needs. Also theres nothing wrong to having two sorts of styles though many illustrators like johanna basford are known specifically for one style I suppose you could easily illustrate both styles in seperate gallery pages on your website. If anything it will show your versatility in style and techniques so theres nowt wrong with having two styles . kate x
your own style Hey ed , Nice to meet you I'm also new to this forum and starting my career and business as a freelance illustrator. Despite the fact you said you hadn't gone for a degree in illustration to come out with a prepared portfolio this isnt always something to overly worry about as Ive just finished a 3 year degree in business/entrepreneurship in illustration and completely found my style at the very end with little body of it to make a portfolio. So I've set myself the challenge of spending the next 5-6 months building up my portfolio anew, when it comes down to your own style I think you need to do something that you feel is really connective to how you like to portray your ideas and visual illustrations. More importantly also in a commericial way that makes it easy for clients to look at you and make connections as to how your talent can be used in there business / fit their needs. Also theres nothing wrong to having two sorts of styles though many illustrators like johanna basford are known specifically for one style I suppose you could easily illustrate both styles in seperate gallery pages on your website. If anything it will show your versatility in style and techniques so theres nowt wrong with having two styles . kate x
