What Do I Look For In an Illustrator’s Portfolio?
I look at so many portfolios. Seriously. SO MANY. I’m putting my mental checklist into writing that I use when reviewing illustration work and a few things that, unfortunately, might put art directors off from your work.
WHAT I LOOK FOR:
Conceptual art and storytelling
Art that captures a narrative! Can you combine characters, settings, and emotional themes and tone? Are you packing in different details that work cohesively?
Dynamic characters
When I say dynamic, I mean physically! Does it look like your characters can MOVE? Can you draw different poses and incorporate action?
Diversity in characters
Representation is vital, and books often have characters with a range of identities. I’m often looking for artists who reflect an accurate representation of the world in their work whether it be race, gender, queerness, disability, body size, etc.
Character chemistry
I want to believe that a couple is in love, or that this group is lifelong friends, or these two people are mortal enemies! Can you demonstrate those connections through poses, body language, and facial expressions?
Reasonable range with consistency
You don’t have to draw EVERYTHING! But I love seeing that someone can do characters AND settings in a consistent style.
Anatomy
Demonstrate an understanding of proportions and how bodies move.
Lighting
Lighting is often used to convey the tone of a book! Can you do characters at night? At dawn? Under a streetlight?
Texture and dimension
There is a time and a place for flat art, but I love to see someone push it further with texture and dimension that levels up their work and adds more subtle detail.
Subject matter
It’s really cool when someone can draw people and monsters and flowers and all the objects found in a purse.
Settings backgrounds
Sometimes the setting is a selling-point for a book! Whether it be New York City or a lush fantasy world.
Process + options
I love seeing how an artist works and takes a project from concept through to final because it gives me an idea of what it will be like to work with them. Do you start out with 5 ideas in thumbnail sketches? Do you look at three different color palettes before finalizing details? Can you pivot and find solutions when something isn’t working the way you want it to? These are all essential in the book cover development process.
BONUS:
Personal experience or identity that aligns with the book
I love when an artist can weave something personal to them into the work! Those pieces always feel the most authentic and visually strong when you can just tell someone is connected and gets it.
Transformation
Can you do actual magic? And show something turning into another thing? Transformation is such a strong theme in books, and I’m always looking for artists who can show that in a unique way.
Lettering
We always have to add the title! If you have lettering skills and are able to create bespoke type that integrates with art, that’s a huge bonus!
THINGS THAT GIVE ME PAUSE:
a color palette that is too rigid or limited
super stylized/niche art
analog art only
same face syndrome
a bad reputation
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