In preparation for life after university, I thought it would be useful to explore the different societies which are available to freelance illustrators. I briefly explored
some of these organisations last year, however I wanted to expand my research further.
This information will definitely be of great use to me next year.
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators:
The SCBWI is a worldwide organisation committed to supporting children's authors and illustrators. They provide a wide range of services including annual workshops, local community events, award ceremonies and portfolio reviews. Their aim is to create a social platform and active voice for aspiring artists and writers. My favourite feature about this organisation, is how they promote their services to students like myself, who want to find a way to break into the field, but don't know how. To join this organisation you have to become a member. Their student discount, makes it £75 per month. For all the yearly benefits you receive, I don't think this is a bad price to pay. When calculating these costs, the membership certainly works out as value for money. Whilst I'm still a student it may be worth investing in this.
The most important of these membership benefits is having access to their client list. In addition, the society also provides 'critique groups' enabling artists and writers to gain constructive feedback. After researching online, I discovered that some of these events had been organised in my local area. Due to COVID-19, most of these were cancelled or moved online. Once things get back to normal, it may be interesting to research into the future meetings. I could definitely see myself enjoying and benefitting from this organisation. As designers, we sometimes need a second pair of eyes to look over our portfolio's. They can spot the mistakes which we don't see.
Children'sillustrators:
Interestingly enough, I first heard about this website through my lecturer. At first I didn't think too much about it, however I recently came across an instagram advertisement promoting the organisation.
As designers we should always be thinking about new ways to showcase our work. Portfolio sites such as children'sIllustrators provide a great way to display your content to a wider audience. Through this website, illustrators can post unlimited examples of their work, where clients can directly make contact via your personal profile.
The membership fee for this website is slightly pricey, costing up to £300 per year. Although there's a large cost involved, the reviews and comments are all extremely positive. My understanding of this website is that it's the first place clients will visit when trying to find an illustrator.
Once I'm happy with my portfolio and believe I have enough substantial pieces to showcase, I'd definitely like to join.
The children's book writers and artists yearbook:
Another excellent resource which I recently came across was the children's book writers and illustrators yearbook. This was another recommended purchase by my lecturer. Inside the book follows a list of contact information on publishing companies, illustration agents and advice from industry professionals. It holds everything you need to know about becoming a children's illustrator. Over the next few weeks, I'd like to start contacting some of these publishing companies with my portfolio. I think this would provide another way to help get my work seen. You never know what I might get out of it.
My copy of the children' s writers and artists yearbook 2020
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