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I get a lot of e-mail from young artists inquiring about how to find success in this business. For the sake of efficiency, I’m offering some advice below that has helped me get to my current state as an illustrator.
1. BE PASSIONATE about your craft. If you love drawing enough, you’ll make time for it almost every day. Drawing should become a second nature to you, much like eating or urinating, etc. Just like with most things, the more you do it, the better you’ll get at honing your craft.
2. BE RESPONSIBLE. Laziness, excuses, and procrastination are dead ends to success. Becoming successful requires taking action and follow-through. Customer service is also a vital key to success. Be as professional as possible when dealing with your clients and be certain to meet their deadlines. Being a pro means getting repeat clients and overall positive credibility (people will come to you if they know they can depend on you).
3. BRAND YOURSELF. Be as consistent as possible with the style and quality of your artwork. Much like any business, it’s important to maintain a visual identity that the public can associate your work with. Potential clients should know what they’re going to get from you just by virtue of identifying with your style or brand; there won’t be any surprises or let downs.
4. NETWORK. Take advantage of social networking. Make samples of your artwork available online so that potential clients can gauge your style. Be sure to keep your visual brand consistent across all platforms. Don’t be afraid to reach out to underground, local, or mainstream bands and record labels. It can’t hurt to put your artwork in front of them. In 1993 I gave SUFFOCATION a photocopied booklet of my artwork at my first death metal concert. Two decades later, I’ve since illustrated two shirts for them. If you stay passionate about your art and stick with what you do good things will come your way…it’s the power of networking.
5. MERCHANDISE. Make sure you have some kind of physical product tied to your artwork. It’s not all about the Internet; metalheads vary in age and many like to hold a tangible product in their hands. Print business cards, postcards, fliers, posters, shirts, etc. showcasing your artwork and your visual brand.
Here is the final inked version of the LUCTUS (Lithuania) T-Shirt artwork.
