Illustration portfolio tips / The biggest portfolio mistake illustrators make all the time!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Do you struggle with lack of focus? Do you have trouble choosing between different styles, media or markets because many different things interest you? Tell me all about it in the comments!

[@MarcelTrindade]

Yes, girl. That's me. I feel that.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You're not alone Marcel, we all feel that way at some point! You can take it slow and start replacing your pieces one by one with things more focused to your goal market, and I promise you will get there :)

[@pinkcooky]

It made me feel SO MUCH BETTER when you said my portfolio only needs around 10-12 focused pieces. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I thought I needed up to 30!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm glad it made you feel better! You can build up to more pieces later, but 24 is still pretty much the max and you can take your time to get there! It is supposed to be a very curated view of just your best work, and you can start querying art directors with as little as 10 :) Best of luck!!

[@littleravendesigns5587]

I want you to know that you taught me more in a few minutes of how to do an art portfolio then what I did in four years of our college.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's so kind hun! Really happy that it helped!

[@Thoughtbird]

It is a phase that almost everyone goes through when starting out. I wish I had learned this at the beginning of my career :-). You are really good at explaining why, love the video.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Absolutely, we all struggle with this initially! I think it may be from a lack of confidence at first (which is very normal to feel with no experience). We try to do everything at once because we fear failing in one or more of these areas. That's what I felt like!

[@Mariposa-rgb]

Lol I am laughing so much when you start adding all the random styles to the “bad” portfolio! Because that is totally me right now! I am currently trying to put my portfolio and I am having so hard time focusing on only one style, because I love drawing all kind of things ... I am watching all your videos and so far they have been sooo helpful! ❤️

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I had the exact same problem haha... And you can still draw all of the things if you wish! The focusing thing is just important for your portfolio. Nothing prevents you from making all the art you want in your own time :)

[@anaissferrazza1944]

Yes girl, that's me, I feel that !

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Recognizing it is the first step to improving your portfolio, so you’re well on your way!

[@nunyabusiness164]

Yeah, that's me, I need to make a more cohesive portfolio!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Knowing what you have to do next is powerful! You got this Ruby!

[@cakebakerb1846]

Totally ME. I have to revise my portfolio pieces ASAP! Thanks for the advice.😁

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Best of luck, you can do this!!

[@graceartsgifts]

Makes me feel better about having a niche! I wasnt sure if i was well rounded enough but it makes me feel better!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

If you already have a niche, you are on the right track!! You already have found your special sauce!! 😍

[@jamiedetwiler7261]

yep, I feel this. I have finally landed on concept environmental design as my area and want to start focusing on this

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Ohhh that's awesome! Congrats on making your choice, that's a great step!

[@lotusalchemist]

I am definetely the perfect example of discursiveness. I f i could go back in time i would say to my youg self to just do what makes you excited and do it, and do it, and do it. But now i feel it's too late. So i whish all the youngs to sink into what you love and do it. Everything else fades, good things, bad things, lovers, family, friends, seasons come and go...only constant is change, and the knowledge you have.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I agree with everything you've said except: it's never too late!! I know so many illustrators who started in their 40s or 50s as a second career, or even just got into it after they retired!

[@joemps]

I've been trying to find an internship (as assigned by my school) for months without any luck, now i see why! Thank you for your helpful tips :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm glad it was helpful, thanks for stopping by!

[@babiealexandrapulga2686]

I'm really glad I found your portfolio guide! And this vid is really making me realize my mistakes on making a portfolio. Now time to work on it! XD

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad my guide helped, hun! Best of luck 😊

[@aqdassyed6572]

Yes girl, that's me , I seriously feel that!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Knowing is already a great step!

[@TheArtMentor]

Great tips, Ness! We all benefit from a more focused portfolio for our clients

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thanks man! We sure do :)

[@catherine1231]

I have 2 questions: the first one, well, it's that I don't have one thing in particular that I absolutely LOVE to draw... I know that I love illustrating animals&plants, but that's not a very specific niche. And I'm also interested in graphic novels/children's book, 2D animation, environments... there are so many things I want to try out! How were you able to choose one thing you liked to draw and decide that that would be the only thing you would draw forward. 2) Let's say I choose to "specify" myself in animal/plant subjects, but I like to work both traditionally and digitally, would I have to choose one or the other for my portfolio? Because they're kind of different styles! I've always known that it's important to have a focused portfolio, I just don't know how I can give up on all those other things I like to draw if that makes any sense. Your video was super informative btw, I loved it!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Good questions! When I talk about your niche, I'm actually referring to a market and an art style. I'm not really referring to subject matter :) Plants and animals isn't really a niche. My niche for example is children's book illustration, on the younger side (0-6 years old) and my style is vector with hand drawn details. Another niche could be... realistic watercolor illustration in the editorial market. Graphic novels and 2D animation are completely different markets too. It's important to pick, because different markets mean completely different clients, that have different needs and are looking for different things in a portfolio. Trying to appeal to both is so much more difficult than it needs to be LOLLL. I know what you mean that everything appeals to you and you don't want to pick, or don't know how to pick. I'm also interested in so many things outside of children's book illustration! I had to pick something in order to get my career moving, but that doesn't mean I have to stick with it forever. I'm actually in the process of changing my style to incorporate so traditional media into it! Maybe in 5 years I'll try another market! A lot of artists agonize over this decision because they think this will decide the course of the rest of their life, but it doesn't have to be so. You can dance ballet, then salsa, then hip hop if you like. You just can't do all 3 at once, cause that'll be hard to pull off. You know what I mean? Pick a market and style to focus on for the next 2-3 years, then take stock of where you are, if your interests have changed, if there's something else you'd like to do, and go from there :) I hope this helped!

[@catherine1231]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thanks a lot! I'll continue working on that, even tho the struggle is real 😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@catherine1231 That it is!!

[@bkopgamer]

I am somewhat thinking about getting into illustration because I want to illustrate my own stuff. And this video is very helpful and something for me to keep in mind.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm glad you found it helpful, Brian!

[@TaysTings]

Yess girl, that’s me. I feel that 1000%

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's okay Tay, you're certainly in good company! ;) All artists run into this at some point!

[@Kiwicitobaby]

omgggg I'm so glad that I found this video. It makes so much sense.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad you think so, Sara!

[@danieljamiesonillustrates]

some really good tips there. Yes I have fallen into not having enough focus for my portfolio.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank Daniel, I'm glad you found it helpful

[@danieljamiesonillustrates]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Yes welcome

[@ligergamer]

thank u so much, for this video. it's been incredible usefull, how to focus and how to re-arrange my portfolio.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful, dear!

[@KoyukiMoriSesshyGirl]

I'm so happy to find this kind of videos, I'm currently on my first year of my Bachelor degree in Illustration, but I would like to focus on comic books and character designer so I'm not quite sure how to organize my portfolio. I would like to start searching for a job for that career even thought I haven't finish my degree, even is it a entry level. I've been a freelance illustrator for 12 years and I never had a stable client. I've been improving in my art so I can have better oportunities and it hasn't changed. I sometimes feel like I'm giving my work for free is I keep decreasing my prices. Also social media hasn't been a help for me, I have so many accounts and I haven't found an oportunity to work on a project. I just want to quit my daily office job and start working on something that I'm passionate about. Sometimes I feel like my work aren't good enough to show to a company, so I don't know what to do.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I can definitely relate with what you're describing, as I've been through the same! What helped me is: - Stop doing all the things! I focused on sending emails to art directors and decreased time spent posting on multiple social media, being on FIverr and Upwork, etc. It's too much, so we have to focus on what works best and not waste time on things that aren't working - INCREASING my prices instead of decreasing. Higher prices are attractive to art directors who are looking for premium work! And it's easier to make a living doing less projects for more money - Having stable or recurring clients is not always in the cards as a freelance illustrator. as long as you have a strategy in place to find work when you need it, that's all you need to thrive :)

[@NC-ij9rb]

Woohoo! New episode!!!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I hope you enjoy it dear! 😊

[@trishaestiller]

That random style in portfolio hits me hard XD Every word you say is accurate. I was actually getting pretty nervous until I got distracted with that fish behind haha.. Anyways, thank you so much for this. I'm glad saw this video while i'm in the process of making.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Haha yes the infamous fish plushie XD I'm not putting it in the shot anymore because you're not the only one LOLLLL But in all seriousness I'm so glad if this video helped you :)

[@trishaestiller]

Haha that's a relief. I thought I was just hallucinating or something. Though, that thing looks amazing. Thank you again, this vid also made me hyped up to do more research.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@trishaestiller I know right? :o It looks quite realistic especially from a little distance away!

[@HellzSayzDANCE]

“Yes girl, I feel that”. I paused the video to type this haha ready to watch the rest!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Haha love that!! You understood the assignment for sure!!

[@HellzSayzDANCE]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess 😁❤️

[@bellayoung]

Yes girl, I have a lack of focus. I have several categories, with no true niche.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

But you have the power to do something about it 😉

[@C3cpool]

Thank you ! Very useful information

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thanks for stopping by, I'm glad you found the video helpful!

[@davidradecky5399]

I have been freelance illustrating since my college days 2004. I never worked as an in house illustrator somewhere and I always wanted to but had to settle for a mundane day job. Its frustrating because I know I am a very talented artist but focusing my attention on specific styles of illustration can be sometimes hard. However what you said in this video clarifies that idea to the fullest. I guess I am looking at this as a matching game. Have the right style of illustrations in your portfolio for the right client. In other words I am not going to go to a graphic design job interview with an illustration portfolio. Ever since college I have settled with doing small freelance jobs but I still need to land that one job that will bring me to the top. I am 39 and I feel like I am running out of time. I just need to market myself some how and lately I have been getting into painting illustrations on T-Shirts.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It is good to note that it's not necessary to be an in-house illustrator to make a living with your art though. I've been freelancing full-time for over 3 years now and make a living solely from freelance gigs. I'm not employed in-house anywhere. I'm glad you found the portfolio advice helpful and I wish you the best of luck with your career, David!

[@davidradecky5399]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess that’s basically my plan B right now doing freelance illustration and selling it to people in the form of screen printed or painted T-Shirts. The idea of working for myself is such a dream that T- Shirts seem to be the answer. Just need to sell enough to say I can make a living on that instead of dishwasher job at a nursing home. I want my custom illustration on T-Shirt business to be my primary source of income. So at this point in my life my plan as long as I have a job I can concentrate as an illustrator and sell a lot of work and the job is kind of acting like a safety net so to speak. But I really want to do illustration on T-Shirts full time. Until then that’s what I got.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@davidradecky5399 That's great David! Having a goal is half the battle :) Now you can go full force ahead learning the skills and tools you'll need to make that happen :) Good luck!

[@davidradecky5399]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thank you for giving me a confidence boost I appreciate that means a lot. So you do children’s books that’s pretty cool. I did one children’s book a long time ago for a client once. Spent a whole summer working on it. For me so far my work has been a mix bag but this T-Shirt thing is perfect for me. For once I can kind of say I can make a living on this.

[@finnikas6867]

Yup! I do that on my online portfolio (not when I apply for a specific job), mainly because I can't settle on one style or medium and want to learn them all. But at the end of the day, I still don't know what to answer when someone asks me "What kind of art/illustration do you make"? I'm still trying to figure out what my focus should be, or what kind of illustration is the most likely to keep me interested for years to come.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's a very tough choice! Taking time to experiment in like you are in order to decide is a great way to go about it :) However trying to find what kind of illustration is going to keep you interested for "years to come" is a LOT of pressure that is probably more stressful than helpful! Your style and tastes are going to keep evolving during your career and you can absolutely change your mind. I myself am in the process of re-thinking my style because my taste has changed recently and I'd like to lean away from commercial vector look and more towards texture and traditional media, which will open up a slightly older market. So don't sweat it THAT much, you can always pivot later! :)

[@finnikas6867]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thanks for the advice, and you are most probably right saying it's putting too much pressure on myself for ultimately nothing. Better start with any one focus and let it evolve with time, than obsess over which one is THE right one!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@finnikas6867 Amen! Interests, tastes and styles evolve with time anyway :) Of course the decision is still important, but usually I see artists hesitate a bit too much, never not enough!

[@AnaWeiskorn]

I studied Multimedia, currently work doing a bit of absolutely everything, but seriously would love to specialize as an illustrator. I plead guilty of trying to be a jack of all trades and be liked and accepted by everyone hahaha my porfolio is such a mess it doesn't JUST have many different types of illustration... It also has graphic design, video editing, animation, photography, NARRATION... thank you for smacking me in the face Ness xd

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Knowing what can be improved is the first step, you're doing great Ana!

[@creepidoe3868]

You know what? It was so obvious, but damn... I did this mistake. Thank you so much for this video! I had to hear that

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Most of us do, I did as well! I'm glad this helped!

[@natuvampire]

Τhank you for the tips!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

My pleasure, I hope it was helpful!

[@bregil23]

Wow! This was really helpful. I’m trying to figure out what to include and not include in my portfolio. I’m learning that my portfolio can change depending on what project or company I am applying to. I’ll be checking out these resources in the description! Thank you for sharing!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you Breanna, I'm so glad it helped! Yes if you're applying for vastly different projects such as in different markets, it's definitely bets to have a portfolio tailored for each. But ideally, you'd be focusing mostly on one market so you can always use the same portfolio :) It's certainly the easiest way to go about it!

[@frolleanne]

Thanks, you cleared my mind with this video.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad it helped, Carolina!

[@nadyartillustration]

Very helpful advice! I started out that way too, and it’s an eye opener when you start to focus more on the kind of work you want to attract. Great video! 😄

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you Nadya! I think this is something we all struggle through in the beginning :)

[@LadyNerdyLegalPants]

You can have multiple skills and separate them on your website portfolio. You do not need to delete your work!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's true that you can showcase multiple skills or styles, but I think there's a hard limit at 2 before it starts to hurt your chances of getting work. If your portfolio boasts children illustration, horror drawings, pattern design, tattoo design, realistic pet portrait and anime, at some point it's just too much and clients get confused about what it is you actually do. I've also noticed that when you offer everything and have all the skills, you're treated like a commodity, whereas when you're focusing on showcasing a single skill but extremely well, you're treated as a specialist and an expert. This attracts higher paying clients that treat you well.

[@LadyNerdyLegalPants]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess When I say you can have more than one discipline, I mean for example saying you do graphic design (marketing campaigns, branding, promotional pieces, etc) and illustration work. Yes you should keep your portfolio tidy. When looking to find work at a studio you'll want to make sure that your style is solidified. Don't include old or outdated work that isn't your best work. Unless you're looking to get work as an anime or manga artist, take it out. I highly recommend to anyone that they review a position/job posting to know what that client may be looking for. Yes studios will want to know you can draw in multiple styles, but if you're including a style that isn't relevant, take it out. www.marieconlon.com is my portfolio. I am a graphic designer and an illustrator. I've included previous projects I've worked on in their own pages and included information on what these pieces were for. This shows recruiters that you are indeed flexible. But you don't include that in one big lump with your most recent pieces. I hope this makes sense.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@LadyNerdyLegalPants I agree with what you're saying, and your portfolio is an example of it being done well. You only show 2 skills: illustration and graphic design, and each is separated into their own section and well organized. So your potential clients can go directly to the section they are interested in and don't have to scroll through a lot of work that isn't relevant to them. It is harder to showcase multiple skills, as it does not to be very well organized. Graphic design clients and illustration clients are completely different people with different needs. Showcasing both on a single website is tricky, but it's possible to do it. You'll also be dividing your focus into 2 different markets, which may make your career progress more difficult or slower. I'd say in 90% of cases, it's simply easier and more efficient to focus on one skill at a time for your career. But of course, there are exceptions. This is not a homogenous profession, we're all different and take different approaches.

[@kages9517]

Thanks for the vid its very helpful

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@ikramullah6783]

Yes! Girl I feel that🥰🥰

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

We're all in the same boat!

[@pratikshinde6320]

Very very very helpful content girl....... Doing great job 🔥

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you so much!

[@justynaworytko1267]

That’s what I needed to hear 🙂🌼

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad hun, I hope it helps!

[@upasanabarua3480]

Loved the video! Thanks for all the guidelines. 💓

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolineekkbautista7677]

I somehow knew to avoid this, but didn't realize why! So thank you for the clear explanation about getting higher paying work! It makes so much sense! Editorial illustration work seems fun and a faster way to earn money but I took it out of my portfolio because I thought I wanted children's book work way more. Do you think there is ever a time to add something like that back in? I originally had two tabs, one for children's book, one for editorial. I sometimes wonder whether the need for focus diminishes as a person gets more established and gets more referrals.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's really hard to choose sometimes, I totally get that! Everything sounds interesting! But honestly I'd say if someone is interested in adding in something else they should just create an entirely separate portfolio... You just don't want to confuse people about what you do!

[@yvettezupo9755]

This is what I am working on right now!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's great Yvette! A very strategic thing to work on :)

[@lpillustrations6569]

Thanks for that! i really needed it. I'm actually a freelance artist but i struggle to get clients because of my "lack of focus" as you say in the video. My dream job is to do illustrations for video games...so i'm trying to put stuff in my portfolio that will be good for that but it's hard. So this video is super helpful right now i know what to do! Thank you!!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Glad it was helpful! You can do it hun :)

[@pauvitzep]

this is really helpful! thanking you 🙃

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad!

[@mokhtarzain]

thanks for this video it really helps keep going

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Glad it helped

[@sumudamar2667]

Yeees .got it. Thanks

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

My pleasure!

[@artistganeshkarangade]

Amazing😍👍

[@BardishAtHeart]

That is me. I have a few extra things i through in to let ppl know I’m versatile. But I don’t have a lot of those things. And I even have a list of things I need to get better at to further broaden that net. But I specialize in character design as a lot of ppl do. I figured if I added some other stuff in there maybe I would stand out…this is what I was told to do in college. Why is it wrong…?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You can please everyone, and if you add too many other things in your portfolio, you will simply take the focus away from your character design skills. It takes guts to not listen to the fear of missing out and it takes confidence to choose one thing and say "THIS is what I'm about." But when we have the courage to do so, specializing actually opens doors for us and makes us stand out :) If you'd like help specializing and building an amazing portfolio, my course could help: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level1

[@asgoodasagonercanbe]

Yea it is me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I see you!

[@nicoleledrewmay6404]

The visuals made it so clear. You have such a wonderfully skill set for communicating concepts clearly ❤️ Loving your channel!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Awww Nicole thank you!! I know these can be tricky concepts that I personally had a lot of trouble understanding when I was starting out, so I really try to verbalize them as clearly as I can 💗 It really makes me so happy that you feel it turned out clear enough. Thank you!!

[@SweetGir12]

This is super helpful and I did indeed always know my scattered portfolio is messy. But I had one problem, lack of focus in what i actually want to do. I will be honest, children's book illustration or general illustration is most likely one i would most enjoy. But there is convention/anime artwork i'm currently interested in and i know i wouldn't do that later in life. And third is game art as concept, splash art and maybe ui art too. Fourth is graphic design which i learned only in case i fail at any of the other 3. With all of this, I am now left with so much different work that i have at least 3 portfolios going on. One with serious illustration, other with anime, other with game art and still thinking of making graphic design one. Am i spreading myself too thin with this? I would like to have anime stuff on the side, for as long as i'm enjoying it, illustration as my lifelong thing, and game art in case i make it into the industry, although that one usually needs relocating, which i frankly don't wish, unless if it can be fully remote...Do you have any advice for me? I also just graduated masters from classic illustration....

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

HI dear! I honestly think maybe you're just a little bit hesitant to specialize because you're afraid that you might not make it. While it's reassuring to have your plan B, C and D, I do believe you're spreading yourself too thin. And it's ok to have ideas for fall back options, you just don't want to be spending so much time on those that they're actually hampering your plan A. You can have graphic design as a fall back without needing to have your website ready and maintained. Just keep it at the back of your mind. Game art you don't seem too sold on the concept since you were already giving me reasons why it wouldn't be ideal in your initial comment. So I think I'd recommend you to focus on picture books illustration, since it seems to be what you truly want to do. Anime you could do as a hobby or potential a side business to supplement your illustration income. It's always good to have diversified income streams, and anime lends itself to creating products that you can sell either online or at conventions. Together with custom illustration work for publishers, that's a solid business model!

[@SweetGir12]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you for this comment, I am very grateful you took the time to carefully read mine and also answer back so thoroughly. I certainly agree with what you said, and yes, i most likely am not that sold on the concept thing, although i always loved animation and secretly hoped to be in the art department, maybe even as an art director. But yes, i kinda don't know if it's even within reach because of relocating. It's maybe a silent wish to hope to be there someday. But yes, maybe i'll generally do anything for now, see what i enjoy most, and see where it leads me. I think that might be best course of action. :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@SweetGir12 I wish you the best of luck with all your goals!!

[@astridarroyave]

Thank you! ❤

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You're welcome 😊

[@dtwenty1982]

yes that i feels

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You've already done half the work by realizing it! If you'd like some help with your portfolio, my course could help: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level1

[@ArvindKMvlogs]

Thanks its helpful

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm glad to hear it, thanks for stopping by!

[@PrincessTigerlili]

Oh Yeah! big time!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Yep yep so do I!

[@gabrielsalazar1416]

Thanks, your video was very helpful on starting my portfolio, I have this same issue. Yes girl that´s me 😅🤣

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Glad it was helpful, and you got this Gabriel!!

[@sougatamitra7916]

Yes, girl. That's me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

High five!! Don't worry though, knowing it means you can do something about it!

[@hamper22]

This is so helpful my portfolio is like the first one 😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Realizing the mistakes is the first step, you're doing great Emma!

[@danielpearce9738]

Great advice! Coming from a painting background presumably I could eventually also include digital work, but it would need to fit into the same kind of vusual style?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Exactly! :) If it's a similar style and same market, then it all works! Your digital and traditional pieces can both be part of your style "range"

[@saintegon]

yes girl, that's me.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

High five!

[@Unukadesign]

I subbed straight away when you said you were a children’s book illustrator 🙈🙏🏽🥰🥰 I’m on my journey atm. So I can’t wait to hear what you give advice on! Already I’m SOO happy I’ve found your video! Thank you Nes(I hope that’s how you spell it sorry 🙈)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's wonderful! 😀 I wish you the best of luck on your journey and I hope my videos help you in any way achieve your goal!

[@juliosintony1038]

thanks thanks thanks thanks!!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Anytime!

[@marisabelgutierrez9890]

Thanks for the video! As im learning more about putting together a portfolio, I have one question. How do you determine what to illustrate? I want to focus on children’s book illustrations but I’m not sure how to start creating. Are there specific prompts to think about? Since illustration is about communicating text should I look at other children’s books for ideas and inspiration? Or should I create my own stories and draw inspiration only from myself? Thank you for any advice :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

There not just one right way to do a picture book portfolio :) All the methods you mentioned are valid. If you'd like some ideas for what to draw, I have a 10-day picture book portfolio course with over 30 prompts to help you: www.artbusinesswithness.com/PPPcourse

[@rosezif]

Yes girl, that's me 🥺🤚

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I hear ya Rose! *hugs*

[@mzam0]

Yes, this is me as well. But what to do if I want to do different things? I keep hearing ppl say 'find your niche', I keep seeing successful illustrators drawing the same things over and over again, eg young pretty girls. To me it just seems so boring! All I know is that I want to draw, but I do want to get different kinds of jobs, different topics, use various techniques.. 😓

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's important to note you don't have to stay in the same niche or draw in the same style all your life!! You just need to focus on one thing at a time :) Do it for 2-3 years, then re-assess. I'm in the process of changing my style right now! Focusing is crucial to be able to get work though. If you're interested in A, B and C, in order to be successful you can do A for a couple years, then B, then C. That's perfectly fine!! It's just if you try do to all 3 at once, it's a bit of a mess. It's like trying to dance hip-hop, salsa and waltz at the SAME time... No girl! 😓 Also drawing JUST pretty girls is a bit too narrow of a focus, in my opinion. I suggest picking one market (example: children's book illustration) and one style. Within children's book illustration you can draw a variety of things like men, women, children, animals, jungles, cities, the occasional unicorn, etc :)

[@mzam0]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you for such a long reply ;) I've been scared to 'limit' myself and to commit to one thing and one style (if I can even find that one style!), but perhaps I really have to rethink things, cause whatever I'm doing now is not working.. Your channel is really helpful btw, thanks for all the advice!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@mzam0 Best of luck in your blossoming career, I can't wait to see what you accomplish!

[@Mariposa-rgb]

So if I want to get work as two different categories, following your example, let’s say I truly want to get either children’s book jobs but also logos or something else? Should I do 2 different pages/tabs within the same domain? Or maybe 2 completely different pages? Thank you for all your advice

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'd advise to do to completely separate websites. Since children's books and logos don't have the same clients and needs at all, you need to give each their own space that focuses on convincing that specific client. Just keep in mind that if you want to do 2 categories, it's twice the work. 2 websites, 2 portfolio galleries, learning about 2 different industries. It's hard enough getting your start in one industry!! To improve your chances of success, I really advise to start with one, give it all the time and focus it deserves, and then if you want to add another business you can do that if you wish. But starting with 2 from the get-go is just so much harder than it needs to be...

[@Mariposa-rgb]

Art Business with Ness thank you! If you don’t mind another question, what about somebody who wants to do a wide range , but within a same category? For example if I want to be able to draw children’s book for kids let’s say 5up, but My drawing style allows me to draw also illustrations that could appeal for teenagers and young adults, and I would be interested in reaching that age group too? Would in that case be ok since the drawing style may not be too different?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@Mariposa-rgb It's very rare that a style can be used for many different market so this doesn't come up often. One of the only styles that can pull it off is more realistic styles (like yours). In this case I suggest making two categories on your website, young readers and middle grade. Even if the style doesn't change, the topics and requirements do change so a separation is always a good thing :) For instance, middle grade chapter books most often use black and white interior printing only, so in a middle grade portfolio you have to include black and white illustrations. And the themes/topic are different as well. However since it's all the same style and all under the wide umbrella of "children's books" I believe it can all be on the same website.

[@Mariposa-rgb]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thank you! That is super helpful! I have been struggling during months trying to put my portfolio so this gives gives me some direction. Also thank you for mentioning the thing about black and white, I didn’t even think about that but you are right! Time to work on some black and white illustrations ❤️thanks for all your insight!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@Mariposa-rgb I'm so glad if I could help, dear!

[@elenas4286]

This is me. I have everything in portfolio. But this is because I still don't know what I want to draw... :( I just love drawing. Everything! People, animals, imaginary things.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's ok to draw all kinds of topics (people and animals can coexist in a portfolio!) What's important is picking a market and sticking with a single style. If you'd like some help for choosing your specialization and building an amazing portfolio, I have a course that talks about this in great detail: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level1

[@beomgrunge768]

How about multiple portfolios? Each one for different type of work you wanna do

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You can do multiple portfolios yes - but that’s A LOT of work! Most aspiring artists struggle to put together just one portfolio and many of them give up before ever finishing the one. If you reaaally want to do multiple, start with just the one, get it finished and get some work, then think about adding another. But there a lot of power in focusing in one thing and spending all our time and effort there, so we can get really good at it + get known for it. Are there a lot of Olympic athletes that compete in multiple sports? 🧐

[@AmasterfulJuice]

yes

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

😉

[@stefanyrocha1011]

I have a question about getting done my portfolio. Can I mix illustrations made in different ways but with the same style? For example, putting digital illustrations with illustrations made in watercolor together...

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Hi Stefany! It is possible to mix different media in your portfolio, as long as it still looks like you made it :) Style is not exceedingly restrictive, it's more like a range. You can have some variations but it still feels like it's the same style. If you always draw the same way, with the same shapes, lines, facial features, etc, then whether it's digital or watercolor it may still look coherent. It's a case by case thing though, and sometimes it looks too different and not cohesive anymore.

[@madsroom5208]

Yeah, girl. Its so me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You are in good company here, hun!

[@kseniasmirnova652]

yes yes yes!!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

So do I girl, so do I!

[@LarsRichterMedia]

yes!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I see you!

[@Unukadesign]

Definitely niched down and it took me a while to figure out what my niche was lol so I’m on that path now. My question is, if I don’t have previous client work to show case, will art directors, agencies and representatives still consider your work even if it’s all personal projects?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Yes they will still consider it as long as it's high quality and relevant :) So yes to personal projects, but make children's book spreads as your personal projects, so they can see exactly what they're going to get!

[@nhangourinel3507]

I put most of my works in portfolio hoping that people could see how many things I could able to do but they all told me my style is not diverse. Do you have any advice? Anyways thank you for your video!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's hard to give advice without seeing your art. It could be they are the wrong clients and that's why they are reacting negatively to your portfolio. Could be you do actually get a same vibe in every single illustration. Without seeing it I can't tell :o

[@jamzcartoons6936]

Yes Girl, This is literally me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I feel you Jamz! Don't worry, specializing isn't that scary and will help your career, I promise! ;)

[@jamzcartoons6936]

My bipolar disorder does really affect the way I organize my portfolio 🤣

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@jamzcartoons6936 For sure that might be an additional difficulty! Be sure to be very aware and intentional when creating your portfolio, make a plan ahead of time and try sticking to it as much as possible to avoid accidentally getting off track :)

[@vanessaandreamusic6194]

Hi Ness! This is actually so strange cause I am another fellow Illustrator called Ness specialising in Children's books! Am toally like what are the chances 😱😲🤯 Anyway I really found this video extremely useful so thanks so much! 🙏💛

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

OMG haha that's so funny, what a coincidence! Hi Ness!

[@sarahnettuno936]

Hey Ness! I love your videos i've been watching all of them! I have a question. I'm really interested in scheduling the 1 on 1 portfolio review with you but would like to wait till preferably March. The reason is I just started two children's books and am in the character design phase of both of them. I would like to have some actual illustration scenes from both of them in my portfolio before our review. I can only afford it at its current sales price. I was wondering how long you are planning to keep that price up? Thanks so much for your awesome advice!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Hi Sarah 💗 For the portfolio reviews, I'm currently very comfortable with the pace I'm getting them at (about once every week, which is very manageable for me). I plan to keep the price at $97 until it starts getting to be too much work, then raise it to keep the number of reviews I get at 3 per week or less. There's still a lot of room, I really don't expect my bookings will triple in the next couple months :) It should still be $97 in March!

[@sarahnettuno936]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Awesome! Well then I will hold out until I have a few pieces in there from the books I'm currently working on! :) Thanks!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@sarahnettuno936 Super! Have fun with your books and good luck hun!

[@Toothworms]

I just graduated college and I don't really know what I want to specialize in yet. Do you think it would be smart to make multiple portfolios if possible that way I can still try for different types of work?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

The problem with that is: making a portfolio is a TON of work! It can easily take 3-5 months to put together a good portfolio. Then think too, that for each different industry you target you'll need seperate websites (this can get expensive), different Instagram or social media profiles, and you'll have to do separate company research, separate queries and follow ups for ALL these people. Basically, it's too much work. You'll likely stretch yourself too thin and only be able to put like 20% of your energy and time into each different market - which is NOT enough to succeed anywhere. This is a difficult job that really requires you give your 100% in order to succeed. My best advice would be to take a month or 2 to experiment with different styles and markets, test the waters and do some soul searching to pick a market. Then when you have decided, you'll be ready to start building your career and your portfolio :) You CAN change your mind later if, in a few years, you realize it's not a good fit. It's a about doing one thing at a time, but it doesn't have to be a lifelong decision :) If you'd like some help choosing your market and building your portfolio, my Art Business Bootcamp course can assist with that: www.artbusinesswithness.com/level1

[@StinaCreates]

I'm only putting children's books ilulstrations in my portfolio right now, but I don't have a ton of stuff to include, maybe 5 items in each category :/

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Making a portfolio takes a long time! Keep going until you have 12 pieces for children's books and you're good to go!

[@ancha2502]

Hi Ness, thank you so much for your videos! Cant wait to watch them all :D Is it still possible to get that portfolio guide? Because it doesn’t work when I click on the link, it gets me to the page, i put down the name and email but I can not click "get your portfolio guide"... thanks for any info, greets!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Oh no!! Something might have broken, thanks so much for letting me know!! Try this alternate link and make sure you fill both the name and email address field: www.artbusinesswithness.com/portfolioguide If it still doens't work, email me at [e-mail] so I can email you the PDF directly! In the meantime, I'll investigate this issue :)

[@ancha2502]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you for quick reply and yes, I got it! The link you sent works! :D Thank you! Keep up the good work ;)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@ancha2502 Awesome!!

[@alessiaurso9994]

Hi Ness, thanks for all your videos, they are helping me so much! I have a question about my portfolio: my illustration are all made with Photoshop, but I'm starting to use Illustrator. Even if the illustrations have the same target and type of drawing should I make two separate portfolios?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

There is no need to make a different portfolio because you used a different app. The important part is to have a portfolio that show 1 market and 1 style. The style can have a bit of variation as long as it's not completely different :)

[@theadelfinalucerofrias1363]

Yes gurrll thats me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

High five!

[@paolavalladares7928]

This is me, like my portfolio looks like it hahahaha 😂

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Amen girl, I know the struggle!

[@jas_094]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you Jose! 😊

[@eugenelaroa12]

What does clients wanted you to do btw ? Can someone answer ? Are they going to give you references to draw or they wanted you to make something that you are free to work on ? 😅 I hope I'm making sense ..

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It depends what industry this client is in. For example, I worked on several picture books with publishers. Those clients would give me a manuscript, then ask me to create all the illustrations for the pages. They didn't provide any reference, this is usually the artist's job to get their own references if they need them. Now, I do a lot of greeting card illustrations for stationery companies, and those clients want me to draw completely different things. That's why it's important that your portfolio is specialized to the industry you want to work in!

[@pratikshinde6320]

U r awesome girl....

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's very kind of you!

[@ranaroidart]

can it be worth to make separate portfolio depending on the work i'm looking for? i have a style i'd like to pursue but i feel like it's very niche and not so sought after, at the same time i work as storyboard artist and i get corporate illustrations to work on as well. now ofc my style is my ultimate goal but i need the other two to get my bread lol so what if i just invest some time in making three separate pages? i can even go by different names, but i feel like i need all of these things for now to make a living out of it :( it's so difficult ahahahah

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

If you want to pursue all 3, yes you'd have to make 3 separate pages. Of course that is very time consuming! It may not be your only option to make a living. Consider that when you're splitting your focus in 3, you don't have that much time to dedicate to any one of these markets to truly make it work to a level that you can make a great income from it. Each one pf these markets has the potential to earn a living, but only if you spend sufficient time on it. I would suggest to drop at least one so that your focus isn't split 3 ways. Let's say you do storyboards and your goal style, and drop corporate illustration. Now instead of spending 1/3 of your time on your goal, you can spend 1/2 making it more likely to succeed. You are also spending 1/2 of your time on storyboards, so you're making more money from it than when you were only spending 1/3. I hope this helps!

[@ranaroidart]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thank you so much for your answer ; w; it's really enlighting especially for someone who making baby steps into the market like me! it's really helpful and and thank you again a lot for your time!!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@ranaroidart My pleasure hun!

[@valenciapandavill5296]

i do lack of focus..

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's definitely hard to find focus, but you can do it!

[@DreamWizard9]

I like generalistic more than 1 trick ponies.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

If you needed brain surgery would you go to the specialist "one trick pony" or the generalist? 😅

[@DreamWizard9]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess In an ideal healthcare system, I would go to a place (eg hospital) where there are people who can work on my knee, my teeth and my elbow. Not any of those bodyparts are seperate from eachother.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@DreamWizard9 In the real world, if a doctor tries to do it all, he or she will be stretching themselves too thin and not have enough time to dedicate to any particular subject to truly become an expert. And we do need experts! So maybe I have stopped doing logos and anime art and collage and watercolor portraits, but now I have become one of the most skilled surface illustrators in the world and I earn 6 figures doing it. I'm very happy with that and will take it :)

[@thatsmeeh]

I thought the employers wanted to see different skills that you can show ? I mean, of course if you're at a really good level not just some mediocre stuff.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It's a common assumption but actually, no! Imagine you are hiring an illustrator for a children's book. Then you're very interested to see if they can draw pages and covers, you're very interested if they can draw children, and if they're good at visual storytelling. Are you interested if they can make logos or realistic portraits? No, why would that matter to you? :) The advice of showing all different skills isn't to appeal to an employer, it's an attempt to appeal to multiple different employer at the same time to get more work. But in practice, when we do that we just look all over the place and show art directors a lot of things they don't care about. That's why it's important to pick an illustration market, and build a portfolio that's catered to that market.

[@letscookwithcyd]

Definitely it’s 😂 me

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

High five!

[@letscookwithcyd]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess ✋

[@monislimdancer1]

Does it pay to be a children’s book illustrator?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

There are all kinds of picture book contracts - some that don't pay well (as low as $200) and some that pay well over a living wage (it can go to $20,000 and more with top publishers. I think the trick is to avoid wasting time with the bad contracts, and instead work hard on getting the good contracts :)

[@VENALUNAS]

can we start talking about the fish in the bg

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

This is my cat's stuffed toy 😂

[@VENALUNAS]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess yes! it's so adorable! Thanks or the vida nyway! i subbed :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@VENALUNAS Aww thank you! I hope you continue enjoying my videos in the future too

[@na_haynes]

Lady my entire existence lacks focus.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Relatable! Focusing is a real struggle!

[@markyboy01]

I don't think you're wrong but my gut just doesn't agree. I would want to see everything to know what kind of range the artist has. I want to know you're more than a one trick pony.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

In house artists do need to be versatile. But not freelancers. When an art director is looking for a freelancers, they don't need an artist that can do it all. They're looking for an expert in exactly the one thing they need. While I can understand there's a logical instinct to wanting to show variety to cast a wide net, I tried it and in practice it just doesn't work. My career finally started to take off when I specialized, and the more I narrow my focus, the high-priced projects I've been able to get.

[@markyboy01]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess I do agree with that. ✌️

[@yindy7762]

8 minutes video that could be 3 minutes

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Feel free to make your own advice channel and fill it with 3-min videos :)

[@deomiddarii]

this video was helpful, thank you!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you for stopping by, I'm glad it was helpful!