What do you do when you’ve got a portfolio full of the most astounding, town-leveling, make-them-throw-their-panties-on-stage artwork ever seen by a children’s publisher anywhere?
You ask someone to critique it.
Yep. You solicit feedback. Ask for comments. Get a fresh perspective (because, as Anton Ego would painfully remark, you’re probably “fresh out.”)
Listen, I get it. You’re awesome. Your work is trippin-dicular, Dude. You rock the casba, rock the casba.
As an artist, a certain amount of confidence in your work is essential. You can’t go around meekly asking everyone, “Is this okay? Do you like this? Do you approve?”
You wont get anywhere and you’ll get smashed down by those people who love to smash meek approval-seekers. On the other hand, well-meaning friends and moms who want you to be happy will pump you up with praise that may or may not be warranted. “Everything you do is art!”
You won’t get anywhere, but you’ll feel better.
What to do, what to do…
One thing you can do is seek out honest feedback from people who understand your market and your industry. Last week, a small group of Portland illustrators got together with the sole purpose of reviewing and critiquing each other’s portfolios. Okay, there was beer, too. Dual-purpose, admittedly.
Most of us are trying to learn more about the children’s publishing market. This kind of small, focused group is perfect because everyone is speaking the same language. Throw a tattoo artist or animator in there and it wouldn’t be as effective for them. Personally, I got some totally fresh perspective on my portfolio that I was able to apply right away.
Things I didn’t see. Stuff I hadn’t considered. Feedback I needed to know.
We’ve also decided to start meeting on a monthly basis. Another rock-solid benefit of a group like this is, well, simply the people. We now have a small tribe of individuals who share a goal, will cheer each other on, and still be honest enough to say, “I don’t think that’s working for you. Did you try…”
It doesn’t really matter what level you think you’re at as an artist. You think you’re awesome; here’s what you need to work on. You think you suck and don’t deserve to be at the same table; actually, your stuff is pretty cool. Either way, you need someone to tell you.
Artists have the worst time accepting feedback on their work. It’s inherently subjective and tailoring art to appeal to the masses is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible (and why would you want to?). That’s why it’s so important to seek out the feedback. Don’t let yourself get trapped in a repeating pattern of sending out samples that just aren’t working for you. You have a whole lifetime to try new things, improve your skills, learn about your audience.
Are you an animator? Find a local group to compare notes with. Tattoo artist, graphic designer, writer? You have a group out there, too, you just have to find it (and put it together).
My favorite Storyboard Artist Karen J. Lloyd also talks about that most awesome of teachers, Feedback. Learn something from her!
A quick shout-out to my PDX Illustators group. You all rock the casba. Thank you for showing up and telling me what I needed to know.
www.joshfitzart.com
www.cloudcoverstudio.com
www.rebeccashapiroart.com
www.tarareeddesigns.com
www.karynservin.com
www.addiekay.com
Hey Dave,
Feedback’s the best. Our PDX Illustrator’s meeting was really helpful. It’s nice to get information and insight from others that we sometime miss. :)
“trippin-dicular, Dude” – nice summation
smiles are under-estimated.
Excellent idea! I tried it a few years ago with no luck. I don’t actually know any illustrators here. I really need to start digging. They’ve got to be around somewhere. Thanks for the push!
[...] But if you’re going to show it to get work, make sure you’ve mastered it first. If you look deep inside yourself with honesty, you’ll know when that is. If you’re still doubtful, find a group of trusted pros to give you feedback. [...]
It is inspiring introducing work when we can compare creatively… The styles can be different, but the intentions the same!