Stand Out to Potential Clients: Creating an Illustration Portfolio Piece That Will Get You Hired

In this class you will learn how to create a rockstar piece for your illustration portfolio that will grab the attention of art directors and buyers and get you work as a freelance illustrator!

You will learn what art directors look for in illustration portfolios, and how to effectively plan and prepare a new portfolio piece that will impress potential clients.

What we'll be covering:

• The four major things that art directors look for in a portfolio
• Five of the biggest publishing markets and how to pick your niche
• The five different kinds of illustrations that should be in your portfolio
• How to come up with an idea and use a mood board
• Why vision grids are important in both the planning and critiquing stages
• Creating thumbnails and sketches to ensure success in the completion stage
• Tips for working through roadblocks and disappointment

Your assignment is to take the steps of planning and preparing a portfolio piece, and then to take it to finish!

Please share your completed worksheet and final illustration in the project gallery.

I can't wait to see what you accomplish in this class! Don't forget to tag me @emmagilletteart on Instagram if you end up sharing your work there.

If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t be afraid to reach out in the community section. I can’t wait to see your projects!

Resources:

• Download either the .psd or .png version of the class worksheet to complete and share with your completed project.
• You may also want to download the portfolio checklist from Will Terry's book: "What They Don't Teach in Art School".

Many of the ideas shared in this class can be found in Will Terry’s book, “What They Don’t Teach in Art School”.This is a great resource for any one who is wanting to get into the illustration industry. I read it once every year!

My Favorite Procreate Brushes:

Gouache - Procreate Default Brush

Narinder Pencil - Procreate Default Brush

MaxU Vis Dev Sketch - Retro MaxPack

MaxU Gouache Flow - Retro MaxPack

MaxU Gouache Flow Rough - Retro MaxPack