#3: Qualities of an Art Director's Favorite Artist
These are things that will get you the job. Let you keep the job. And get you MORE jobs. (A lot more)
1. Communication
Ask questions. Email them back right away.
If they contact you for work –
Ask how they found you.
What piece of your work did they find that caught their eye?
Is it anything in particular about your portfolio that caught their attention? Such as lighting, color, style?
This shows you have an idea of how to work and are already thinking ahead. This is awesome to them and shows you are probably a very trustworthy person.
3. Get your work done early or on time.
Schedule yourself. Be on top of your own abilities and know how long it will take you. This shows you are reliable.
If you can let them know that you can get something done in a certain time-frame and, be honest. If you know the time is too short, tell them! They will likely work with you on it. Just tell them. Don’t let it be some horrible surprise.
4. Thumbnails
Do them. And give several choices that show completely different ideas.
This shows that you’re really throwing yourself into the job and are actually interested in it.
5. Have some knowledge of publishing
Show that you know how to work with the format, with the typography, understanding the layout, etc. Also use the template they send you - if they send you one. Make sure your work is composed to fit that template.
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Do all of these things well – and you’re basically guaranteed referrals to other art directors.
If one art director is impressed by your work ethic, they will brag and pass your information on to the others. And they do know each other. The panel that spoke at Spectrum chatted together like they were all buddies in high school and I’m positive this isn’t the only group to be like this. So dot your 'i's' and cross your 't's' and be professional.
Well, that’s it for tonight and for this convention!
I hope you found everything as helpful to you as it was to Samantha and I. It was a great experience and I recommend any and all to attend Spectrum Fantastic Art Live, whether you are an artist or simply love looking at art. It happens every year in Kansas City, Missouri and is a great place to find new artists, new colleagues and give a little spark to push your career.
Goodnight all!
-Alana Rose
