How to Stand Out and Be Noticed
(Illustration by Frank Hansen)
Do you sometimes feel like you’re creating beautiful artwork that nobody is seeing?
One important thing to remember is that there are a lot of Illustrators out there competing for the attention of Art Directors and other potential clients. This is compounded by the fact that there may be a good number of artists who work in a style and market that is similar to yours. For this reason, it’s especially important to be “unique”.
No matter how impressive your work is, it won’t do you any good if no one is paying attention. That’s why it’s so important to think beyond your art when promoting yourself.
So, how do you stand out from the crowd?
There are many ways to be remarkable. Some approaches are commonly used, and some are less so. For the sake of encouraging you to think outside your portfolio, here’s a list of ideas that might help you to figure out how to distinguish yourself from the rest:
Develop a unique style.
Be innovative.
Be bold.
Be consistent.
Make a splash.
Make connections.
Comment on blogs.
Be a resource.
Be a character.
Make news.
Enter competitions.
Start a community.
Start a podcast.
Publish your own book or comic.
Create art in public.
Be controversial.
Make people laugh.
Help people learn.
You get the idea. Some of these approaches can be directly tied in with your art, and some simply involve reaching out and making waves in the larger Illustration community. Are there some things in this list that might work for you? I encourage you to visualize what you’d like to achieve and try to come up with some creative ways to meet these goals.
What’s your experience? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Related Posts:
- 10 Rules of Self-Promotion
- How to Find Your Own Style
- The Importance of Personal Projects
- How to Be Attractive to an Art Rep
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Many times, I’ve had art directors/buyers reply that they normally delete email solicitations, but made an exception because mine was either a. polite b. funny or c. emanating from Portland.
In addition to taking the time write a thoughtful body to give them a sense of what they’re getting beyond the images, I usually put a funny quote by my signature; something that gives them an idea of my sense of humor and hopefully make somebody’s day.
Thanks for your comment, Jason. Humor is definitely an effective way to touch someone on a deeper level and get their attention.
I am really pleased with all these groups such as EFII and other LinkedIn, Facebook groups. It allows us illustrators the opportunity to “Get out of the office” without necessarily having to “leave” our workspace and get our illustrations/projects done.
I have found other artists such a resource in learning new styles/methods of working that allow me to create my own flow of work. I have saved so much time in my art by emailing artists who I admire and saying hi or asking a question. Everyone has been so nice to reply and give me advice or to approach something another way. Also, I agree that by commenting on topics you are interested in and keeping the dialogue going, we can meet new artists and their work….and not feel so alone in the studio.
I try to make part of my day exploring other artist’s blogs, new posts, etc. to feel connected and learn too.
If anyone also wants to contact me to just say hi, get connected, or ask questions, please feel free. We are all artists trying to survive and grow in our own styles. I am enjoying seeing a lot of familiar faces (and icons..hahah) around all the blogs/sites, etc.
Have a good day!
http://www.koreyscottillustration.blogspot.com
http://www.koreyscott.com
http://www.facebook.com/koreyscottillustration
Thanks Korey. It’s so nice that most Illustrators are generous with their time and genuinely want to connect with each other. We all have so much in common while still being unique in our styles, personalities, etc. This industry is unique in this way, I believe. Thanks for introducing yourself!
You know what would be a fun idea? If you designed a little print out with all these tips, so artists could pin it up in their workspace.
Thanks Jose. I’ll give that some thought.
I said this before, and I say it again… and this article is the latest proof! I think you are reading my developing artist mind/persona. At least 70% of the article topics on EFII seem to talk to me directly (at least that’s my impression at the moment). Awesome! Riding the wave!
Oh.. and… I guess its easy for me to “think outside (my) portfolio…” – I don’t have one!
Thanks Thomas… you are like a beacon that shines where I try to look!
Hey Gonzalexx! How are you? Get a portfolio site! You have great work…I remember the bat you did a couple months ago. Nice to see you here again.
Thanks Korey! That’s very encouraging of you to say that.
I still have little volume when it comes to good finished pieces.
My goal is too have more real paintings (digital and otherwise).
I feel I have a lot to learn and produce before putting together an actual portfolio.
I’m really enjoying getting to that point, and look forward to that day.
For now its discover, learn, and create.
I’m very lucky to have all of you folks to follow and emulate.
Believe me, I’m making strides at my own speed (which doesn’t compare to the great majority of the artists here, and elsewhere online). I really look up to all of you.
Thanks so much for thinking that… it surely is great fuel!
Hey Jason, i really like what you have just point out…let them know something beyond the images!
I used to put some hand-made stuff on m blog and i can see that people are more interested and
appreciate with these stuff rather than my works. May be my illustrations are not impressive at all, but letting people know a bit more apart from your illustration and design, somehow it does help catching attention.
“Be consistent” is the fourth rule?
I’ve been in the illustration, animation, graphic design, mural, sign painting business for 10 years and my portfolio is anything but consistent.
http://nosepilot.com
Many mediums. Many ways of handling the subject.
I realize the norm is for an illustrator to pick a medium and stick with it.
I never understood why.
Wether my lack of consistency works against me, I don’t know.
Thanks for your comment, Alex. I agree that consistency of style isn’t the only way to find success, but if you’ve been working as an artist for years there is undoubtedly something about you that could be called consistent. An artist like Stefan Bucher wears many hats, but his clients know what to expect from him when it comes to his creative approach. It sounds like you have also taken advantage of a different way of being consistent, which can be difficult to do.
Wow… 10 years being in multiple mediums! As a beginner, I’m all about exploring, and I just started dipping my feet in different mediums, little by little. It’s nice to see someone that has not settled to refine, and at the same time, hit great strides in parallel. That by itself is a great feat.
Art is what you make of it, and style is how you do it. Awesome and inspiring.
Thanks for sharing.
Jose.
Great post, Thomas, you’re absolutely right: Freelancers are always looking for that next job, and who are art directors gonna call? The ones who stand out, the ones who come to mind. You provided some excellent suggestions for getting noticed– many thanks!
I have to say, I only came across this brill website this evening, and I am so happy that I did.
I was not really aware of the amazing community spirit in the illustration industry.
Im not naive enough to think everyone everywhere is supported like this, but for someone like me that is just getting started it is great to see.
Thanks everyone, you have made my day!