How To Make An Amazing Illustration Portfolio

[@lumelostudios]

Man your video has helped me so much I want to become a freelance artists but I had no idea where to begin with the portfolio - thank you!

[@margarytawinkler]

The part I struggle with the most when trying to organize my portfolio is choosing my best work. I'm rarely 100% happy with what I create, but that's normal, I guess. The problem is that the pieces I consider to be my strongest and the pieces other people consider to be my strongest are rarely the same, so I'm never sure which to include.

[@IrisMG]

This is just what I need. Makes me sad to have to pick a style and go with it, but I understand the reasoning for it.

[@tingfangchen]

Learned a lot from this video, thank you so much!

[@oliviawa1000]

I know I'm a bit late on this video but I recently graduated with an art degree and have been feeling pretty lost about what to do next. I just found your channel and your videos have really helped me to figure out a direction and to understand what becoming a full time artist might actually look like! Thank you for uploading them!

[@nelsonfeliciano4525]

Thank you! Well detailed advice.👍

[@mandaloouise]

This was 100% better than any University lectures I had on the subject of Portfolio Building. Thank you Holly

[@KieraJo]

Glad you mentioned your website and social media handles--I can't believe I wasn't already following your instagram! I love your illustration style. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on portfolios, too. I mostly do art for fun as a creative outlet, but I love to illustrate things and have been hired a few times for portrait commissions. Your professional experience is very helpful!

[@JaneBeata]

Thank you for all the tips, this is really helpful. I often time underestimate the importance to have a website functioning and only upload new works to Instagram and DeviantArt. I appreciate you finding time to film this :)

[@shawanalulu]

Hi Holly, excellent video! Even though I'm an abstract artist and have only dabbled in illustration, I found this spot on advice, especially about not really needing a physical portfolio. I was pleased that I'm on the ball with a stand alone website and will definitely add my best work there rather than just showing pieces in a gallery. Many thanks for your inspiring and motivating me!😉👌🏽

[@monbaum]

Rewatching this as I need to desperately need to update my portfolio before May. Thanks for all your tips!

[@professorpedropontes4402]

Thanks for the advice.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Great video Holly, I’ve been looking forward to this one. Working on my portfolio is one of my goals at the moment. This is really helpful, thank you 🙏

[@ClareWillcocks]

Thank you Holly, very interesting and lots to think about. It’s making me consider looking at my website again which I’ve neglected for a long time!

[@HollyDunnDesign]

This thumbnail is perfect! You're like a Disney princess 😆

[@elsagrace3893]

Holly Dunn Design her looks are that of a Disney princess. The soft extended eyeliner enhance the effect and her thick hair. I wish I had her family support.

[@polymathfreelancers1869]

Every single one of your videos that I've watched are so helpful and on point. Thanks so much and more power to your channel!

[@hollyexley]

I'm so glad you're finding my channel useful! Thank you 😊

[@polymathfreelancers1869]

@@hollyexley ❤️

[@rachelbowen12]

Thanks for the advice Holly. I'm just about to set up my website to showcase my artwork so this came at the right time. I've been putting it off for too long. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to send my artwork from where I live as there is no such thing as a postal service but where there's a will there's a way. Thank you for your authenticity and for being such an inspiration.

[@NazliErden]

I think you are the only youtuber I watch for inspiration! Thank you love them

[@thechannelofpatry]

Thank you dear Holly!

[@SophieMelissa]

I think it was drilled into me from university as we showed our physical portfolios to art directors in NY in final year, but since then I’ve used it lots as I’ve done some shows and people like flicking through it! I also call art directors up and quite a few agree to meetings and reviews and I’ve managed to get some of my best commissions that way, as they like to put a face to the name :) I agree they’re not a necessity and online presence is more important - but I don’t think they’re useless if you plan to meet in person or do shows x

[@SophieMelissa]

^on another note I’m really loving your videos lately 💛

[@NeedlessPower]

I've been wanting to make a Website for so so so long. But i think what's holding me back is that i'm scared i won't get any clients. Like, right now i get commissioned from time to time but it's always coming from Friends and Family and Contacts that i get through them. I'm scared that if i do make a webside and actually try to clients i will just fail miserably so i just tell myself i'm not ready to make one yet even tho i have been asked many times if i have one. I know it takes time and effort and a lot of patience but i'm just holding myself back from even trying. Your Video was super helpful tho. Takes the fear back a little. Epsecially because i really trust your opinion and your view and i look up to you a lot so Thank You for this !!!

[@joannaosborne4547]

You should make it for yourself first. Just so you have it there and if your out and about and someone asks then you direct them to it. I draw for myself and recently I have been approached for commission work and I am now planning a portfolio website. If you don't try your already failing. So by trying you have given yourself the opportunity to succeed!

[@Botandarun]

You may not get clients if you make a website, it's always a possibility. But if you don't make one, you'll definitely not get any. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose :)

[@jessicawhitten8199]

Thank you!! This video was exactly what I needed right now!😄

[@Lyvit]

This is such precious advice, thank you !

[@skyechrystal2247]

Thank you, thank you! This is so helpful and it's so lovely how happy you are you're glowing! Couldn't help but smile.

[@monyauz6997]

Woooow, Your pictures are real masterpieces!!! I am a beginner. I love drawing funny characters for children. I want to make illustrations for children's books. I have a few questions? Should I concentrate only on drawing or on painting characters and master it or both? Do clients prefer only one specialization in the portfolio? Is Inkscape good for a beginner? What other FREE programs (particularly for painting) can I use as a beginner?...I live abroad. Can I work for clients from different countries? Thank you for your answers in advance...

[@willsun6312]

Hello~Holly would mind I ask you your hair styling product :) lol what brand it is ?which looks like so nice. Sorry allowed me pay attention on your details expect your excellent works!!

[@JurgisJ]

Hello Holly, thanks for sharing your knowledge, insights and tips on this video. It was really concise.

[@emanuelamarchetti5559]

Very interesting, regarding focusing on specific style, what would you recommend to do when people work with different subjects and techniques like watercolor and digital art?

[@elettraflorenzi4078]

Thanks a lot!!!

[@alice-qc7ei]

i’ve been waiting for this video since saturday!! i’m currently 17 trying to figure out the best stuff for my portfolio since i want to pursue illustration so this was rlly helpful thank u!

[@kallypea]

Hey, if you're looking to apply for university her tips don't precisely apply for that, it's geared towards people looking for clients. If that's what you want to do, it's okay but university look for different things in a portfolio, just so you know.

[@alice-qc7ei]

Kally P hi thanks, yeah i was aware the majority were based to what clients might be looking for (such as the stick to one style) and unis will probably want to see a range of work but the basis of the video was helpful in terms of trying to figure out the kind of work i might want to include! thank u though

[@melanieg8139]

I love this jacket... it fits so great into your branding colours 😍 Thx for this video.

[@elsagrace3893]

Melanie G the colors certainly flatter her.💛💙💛💙

[@Maree-clurr]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve been looking into this for a while now and this is the best video I’ve come across 💕

[@karolsartoasis4815]

That was another great video. Some really good sound advice. I really like your advice on illustration its always sound advice. Thanks Holly.

[@ThePattiw]

Great tips Holly, thank you. I love your website and will take some tips to update mine.

[@phantom.dreamer]

Super helpful, thank you! ☺️

[@alicjamasiukiewicz7919]

Hey Holly! Nice to be so early to say how much I appreciate your videos and how much I love your art!

[@hollyexley]

Alicja Masiukiewicz thank you, that’s so sweet! 💙

[@spinogeno8206]

As usual, lovely, Thank you.

[@bellajenkins5669]

I’ve always been told to include developmental work and sketches to show how you ended up with one of your final pieces. Some art directors really care about the process and I don’t think showing only finished work is needed,, especially if it’s an art studio you’ll be working for

[@IrisMG]

Whatever works for you, then

[@diarts4458]

Great video, thanks Holly, for all your great tips, very helpful :)

[@grayfoxtrots]

I've watched this a couple of times. I am beginning (hopefully) as a part time student into illustration and the long term earn a master in fine arts. : ). Currently full time for a tech degree. Does writing or other forms of work be included in the same portfolio or should it be more specific?

[@Sophia-ly7wm]

The thumbnail is so pretty Holly 😍 💚🌱🍃

[@finitaboada2089]

Hey Holly! Awesome tips :) I have one question, do you have illustration agencies to recommend that work with artist worldwide? I am an argentinian who's been struggling to find illus agencies around here. Thanks for your videos!

[@azzuparis]

Very interesting vlog! Thanks 😊

[@pippakane8410]

Really enjoying the typeface you've been using recently. Thanks for all of the tips, it's a reminder to take things in steps and before you know it you are doing all the things :---)

[@esmaes.art.]

Hi, one day could you make a video on the process of applying to university to do an art based subject? What are the interviews like and what should be included in a portfolio? 🧡🧡

[@Arovarel]

Love this!!

[@suzertroll]

Sooo excited!

[@holliequinn1101]

Thank you for the video, I was literally just researching into this when your video popped up so it's been really helpful :)

[@ChrissieNicely]

Thank you, Holly! :-)

[@piasteiner90ef]

How many piezes/projects should I include in portfolio minimum?

[@monique6075]

Nice adivice 🙂

[@andobreslin8735]

Could you please do a tutorial for the Cargo website? I've created a website, but how do I finalise it with a domain?! All a bit of a pickle for me :/

[@yosselinatoti3962]

Quisiera entender de qué hablas, pero no hablo inglés y me cuesta mucho aprenderlo😥 y todas las ilustradoras que me gustan hablan solo en inglés, que vida injusta!

[@catherineraper]

Hi Holly! I’m a beginner illustrator, can I start with something like Instagram for my work until my skills get better?

[@danielursulean2835]

Jeezz, you should drop design and become an actress :))

[@blue2day013]

How do you get found in terms of SEO since you are only uploading images? How are clients discovering you, is it KZbin or other social media sites?

[@hollyexley]

blue2day013 it’s definitely not KZbin! Mostly they find me through google via my website or blog - or through other people sharing my work 🙂

[@stephaniepetrova3130]

Does anyone know anything about (book)illustration critique platforms or websites.I really crave someone to see my process and ideas and tell me the pros and cons of my work and what I could improve on and what not, and I really wish if I could send it to someone like an expert or a fellow illustrator. I've been looking around on the internet but I wondered if any of you guys know anything about it, something that does not need to be necessarily posted directly on the social media or shown to a big big public space.. any tips i'll greatly appreciate:)))

[@elsagrace3893]

You are so pretty.

[@stevo728822]

For someone who's a raging socialist, you're damn good at thinking like a capitalist.