I am interested in venturing into book illustration, my ultimate talent has always been art and writing is more something I enjoy and have tired to better myself at. I have made artwork my living and started young, I don’t want to come across big headed but I know how good I am and I specialise best in cartoon design at a very high professional level since it is how I make a successful living.

Since I’ve taken an interest in writing I have entertained the idea of undertaking a new route in my working life and I would love to have a crack at designing illustrations for books, especially children books and so I was wondering if anybody on this site would be able to help point me in the right direction since I keep hitting non-starters and I do not know where to possibly start

Thanks a lot

Scott

Scott, It's a very, and I mean VERY competitive world out there for artists as well as writers. Kids these days all emerge with degrees and still find it hard. I don't know whether you've been through the university system, but one of the things it teaches you is how to go about making contacts and placing your stuff, as well as enabling you to put together a good portfolio of work in the time you're there. I can only suggest that you maybe do an evening course in illustration (this will teach you about presentation, materials etc. as well as how to go about placing work), or alternatively, if you've already been through an art training to get a portfolio together and scan some examples of your work to send to publishers. There are a few who have this facility on their websites, and ask for illustrators to send examples of work - I'll try to look you out some today. Others want good quality printouts, with maybe a letter of inquiry first. The Artists' and Illustrators' Magazine should be helpful for inside info. too.

Scott - here are a couple of useful sites for you. Barefoot books welcomes submissions from illustrators, and there are lots of children's publishers on the other site you can investigate yourself. Hope this helps.


http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/index.php3?page=29

http://www.signaleader.com/childrens-writers/howtopages/authorillustratorsites.html

And Scott - please don't give up writing, we'd miss you.

Thanks a lot for the advice, I didn’t go to uni since I opted out at the last minute to become a licensee (more profit and fun at the time) but I did do my A’ level graphic design (mind that means bugger all if you don’t follow it up at uni lol) but I now work for a sign design company and do professional pictures every day so I am more than knowledgeable in how to present and organise my work, plus I have huge experience with working with people to get the design or pictures they want.

Thanks Nell, you’re a really help