YOOdels ! Guidelines for Illustrators and
Cartoonists
Illustrators have several choices when submitting to
markets, Many freelancers send a cover letter and one or two samples in
initial mailing. Others prefer a simple postcard showing the illustrations,
Here are a few of your options:
Postcard. Choose one (or more) of your illustrations that is
representative of your style, then have the image printed on postcards, Have
your name, address and phone number printed on the front of the postcard, or
in the return address corner, Somewhere on the card should be printed the
word "illustrator". If you use one or two colors you can keep the
cost below $200.00 Art directors like postcards because they are easy
to file or tack on a bulletin board, if the art director likes what he/she
sees, they can always call you for more samples.
Promotional sheet. If you want to show more of your work, you can opt
for an 8x12 color or black and white photocopy of your work.
Tearsheets. After you complete assignments acquire copies of any printed pages on which your illustrations appear. Tearsheets impress art directors because they are proof that you are experienced and have met deadlines on previous projects
Photographs and Slides Some illustrators have been successful sending photographs or slides, but printed or photocopied samples are preferred by most art directors.
Query or Cover Letter A query letter is a nice way
to introduce yourself to an art director for the first time. One or two
paragraphs stating you are available for freelance work is all you
need, Include your phone number ,samples or tearsheets.
If you send 8X12 photocopies or tearsheets, do not fold them in thirds,
It is more professional to send them flat, not folded, in a 9x12
envelope, along with a typed query letter, preferably on your own
professional stationery.
Humorous illustrators and cartoonists should follow the same guidelines as
illustrators when submitting to publishers, greeting card companies, ad
agencies and design firms Professional looking photocopies work well when
submitting multiple cartoons to magazines,
Illustrators