curious about my options

[jubilee]

hallo. I've been a member here at CA now for almost 2 yrs. lurker more than poster :) I hope its ok that I post this here.

I'm coming to a point now where I my kids are coming out of their 'tender years' and moving into jr. high. and my position as at-home mom is being downsized considerably. My husband is retiring from the military in 6 months and we're moving back to Seattle. Before I was 'mom' I was a database tech but I have no desire to return to that. I'd really like to work in the art field, and I've been trying to put together some solid work for a portfolio to show to possibly get some work but I am running out of time. I am curious what sort of options are available for a completely self taught at home mom of 14 yrs. I am thinking not much above min wage :) After all I am a realist *laugh*. If had more talent/skill I'd love to be an illustrator but I think I am still years from that point.

But seriously. If I were to step on to monster.com or careerbuilder.com what should I be looking for? The art field is so huge... I am curious about my options.

[Interceptor]

I'm not sure what field you're actually looking for. Concepts, or say cover illustrations and such. But don't forget CA has an employment / job opps forum. Check it out, see if something sparks your fancy

[Bad Brownie]

well, I happen to know that seattle has a lot of opportunities in the game industry. So does Vancouver. I don't know what you'd wanna do there, but just an idea. ; )

[jubilee]

well if I could pick my dream job it would be book cover illustrations. after all that's what drew me into the love for art in the first place. Other than that ... card illustrations. like for MTG which I've recently started playing but I think Wizards probably can pretty much take their pick of the best. I applied anyway. heh. Worst they can say is no. I've gotten approached from people for illustrations for 'exposure' - not pay. But I got bills I cant be doing that. :\

[rogfa]

well if I could pick my dream job it would be book cover illustrations. after all that's what drew me into the love for art in the first place. Other than that ... card illustrations. like for MTG which I've recently started playing but I think Wizards probably can pretty much take their pick of the best. I applied anyway. heh. Worst they can say is no. I've gotten approached from people for illustrations for 'exposure' - not pay. But I got bills I cant be doing that. :\

Have you looked at Fantasy Flight Games (link (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/submit.html))? I can't remember who it was but someone on the board said they are very nice to work with.

[CaptainInsano]

hey, you know if you're going to Seattle (Beautiful city BTW... I LOVE that place!), you're in luck. Plenty of great oppurtunities. If I were in your shoes, I'd take classes at the Seattle Academy of Fine Arts. Lots of great instructors teach there, including Bonnie Treaumore (sp?).

they also have free critiques by an Academy instructor on the last Friday of every month. You can see the school (it looks like Hogwarts), meet an instructor, and sometimes they show you their studio.

[jubilee]

rogfa : yes I've considered applying there but they want a link to an online portfolio and my website isnt quite done yet.

ParkerD: Wow! Thank you! I had no idea SAFA even existed. I actually grew up in Seattle but that wasnt even founded when I graduated HS. I applied to SAI and Cornish and Eastern's School of Fine Arts but my parents wouldnt pay for a Fine Arts degree so I was kinda stuck.

I went straight for the Atelier link. That looks like something I'd be very interested in if I had the money. Maybe I could still work in some weekend stuff. And the critiques would be very valuable too.

[figure2]

well if I could pick my dream job it would be book cover illustrations. after all that's what drew me into the love for art in the first place. Other than that ... card illustrations. like for MTG which I've recently started playing but I think Wizards probably can pretty much take their pick of the best. I applied anyway. heh. Worst they can say is no. I've gotten approached from people for illustrations for 'exposure' - not pay. But I got bills I cant be doing that.Having checked out your sketchbook, the one sample that leapt out at me was the group of still-life fruits & vegetables. It may not be exactly what you want to do but have you considered approaching cookbook or greeting card publishers with those samples? It might be more realistic for you to broaden your list of clients you approach. After all, your goal is to earn your living as a working illustrator and there are many more opportunities if you are willing to look outside the film & game industries.

You are smart to turn down those "exposure" jobs. It takes a lot of time & money to bring any product to market. If those cheapskates aren't willing to pay you even a token fee, chances are they wouldn't be willing to put the time, money and effort to ever have their product see the light of day. Also, people who get your time & labor for free tend to put zero value in what you have done for them.

[jubilee]

Having checked out your sketchbook, the one sample that leapt out at me was the group of still-life fruits & vegetables. It may not be exactly what you want to do but have you considered approaching cookbook or greeting card publishers with those samples? It might be more realistic for you to broaden your list of clients you approach. After all, your goal is to earn your living as a working illustrator and there are many more opportunities if you are willing to look outside the film & game industries.


Actually I did look at hallmarks site. They want a 4 yr degree or a portfolio that demonstrates similar experience. That made me cringe since I have an AA in basically nothing and I'm very uncertain about my work; but again, I'd consider it. (I'd consider any job that puts a stylus/pencil/micron in my hand).

Outside of that is it wise to get involved with an art company? My sister suggested a company in Seattle called ArtSource. And there is a place on the job sites I see often called The Creative Group which also works out of Seattle.

[figure2]

Actually I did look at hallmarks site.Hallmark is hardly the only game in town. There are other greeting card companies that buy illustration. Just to name a few, there is Recycled Paper Greetings (http://www.recycledpapergreetings.com/artists.htm), The Leanin' Tree (http://www.leanintree.com/) and the Marcel Shurman Collection (http://www.schurmanfinepapers.com/divisions/designcenter/artistguidelines/index.cfm). I found these just by doing a simple Google search. You could probably find more if you do your own search. Not all of these companies will be a good fit for you but it doesn't hurt to contact them anyway. Companies that hire freelance illustrators will usually have a page on their site for art submission guidelines. Read it and follow their instructions. Don't limit your search to greeting cards. Many other publishers buy illustration. It's not easy finding them but it's worth the effort to try.

Outside of that is it wise to get involved with an art company? My sister suggested a company in Seattle called ArtSource. And there is a place on the job sites I see often called The Creative Group which also works out of Seattle.I don't know what you mean by "Art Company." What do these companies do? Do they hire artists. Is the work mostly illustration, graphic design or page layout production. Once you learn a bit more about what these companies have to offer you, you may answer your own question.

[jubilee]

I apologize. I think the correct term is either an Art Placement Agency or Art Agency. Something equivalent to a temp agency for secretarial work where either they take part of your pay or the company hiring pays a fee in return for finding you work.

I will continue scouring google then to try and find out more. Thank you for helping and suggestions.:^^:

[da35816]

jubilee,

Not sure if you're still checking this post. If so, maybe freelancing would be an option. It gives you flexibility and builds your portfolio/resume.

Hope this helps!