Portfolio Question.
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Hi everyone , I have a quick question about portfolio pieces for a children’s book portfolio. My question is that should your portfolio pieces have text in them or not ? For example , a double page spread or a single page spread of a reimagined fairytale or your own story . When I look at professional children's book illustrators portfolio online I see their pieces are without text if it’s not already a published book …… So if I haven’t published anything from my portfolio , it’s all personal projects , should the text or a space for text be included in the piece ? Love to know your thoughts.
Thanks guys -
You'll find illustrations with and without text in portfolios. Some agents and ADs prefer to see illustrations without text; some don't mind either way. (Not speaking for all agents and ADs, just the ones whose blogs/articles I've read, webinars I've attended, or podcasts I've listened to.)
One thing to consider carefully before you add text: do you have book or graphic design skills? If you don't, you may want to think twice about adding text. Sometimes it can detract from an illustration or turn an agent or AD off.
Another thing to think about: does your illustration rely on text for the storytelling? If so, then it might not be the best illustration to include in your portfolio. Portfolio pieces should have clear storytelling, with or without text.
One thing you definitely want to pay attention to in your children's book portfolio: make sure that you're showing that you know how to illustrate children's books. If you're illustrating a spread, make sure that you design the composition with bleed and gutter in mind. And yes, if you're including spreads and full page children's book illustrations, there should be space left for text. An agent or AD wants to see that you know how to leave space for text -- adequate space with good design.
It can be a pain in the hiney and a challenge for a book designer if the illustrator hasn't left adequate space for text. (Speaking from experience here!
) And many ADs also design the books in traditional publishing houses. So they're going to look to work with an illustrator who will be a pleasure to work with and who will make their job easier.There are no hard and fast rules for portfolios. But it is good to put together a portfolio with your audience and target client in mind. Hope this helps.
illustrator - author - smiley person
mbaileyart.com
instagram.com/mbaileyart/ -
@Melissa_Bailey thank you so much . This really has helped me and has made things much clearer .
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@Isabel-Reyes-Feeney you're so welcome!
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@Isabel-Reyes-Feeney my previous agent advised that we should not include text with our illustrations but I personally think that it doesn't matter. i've never met anyone who didn't get a job because of it.
