Portfolio

Something I have discovered (through learning and personal experience) is that a good portfolio can be so important for an illustrator. And it makes sense, how can we expect someone to hire us/ represent us/ want to work with us if we don't make our work look it's very best! There are so many ways of displaying work, of course, but I've always found my illustrations look their best in a clean and crisp setting. I found it so bizarre going from my foundation course where they raved about big portfolios, the bigger the better, to my degree where suddenly bigger than A3 was a no no. I guess it definitely depends on the work. And I must say, I like them compact! Mine is A4 which I think represents the way I work well. I want to work in editorial, publishing and fashion, so bigger than this isn't really necessary.

Anyway, I'm not really sure what the point of this blog post is (most probably my love of blogging & love of sharing everything..), but I've had a few University students and people who are interested in working as an illustrator contact me, so just wanted to share this advice; a good and well presented portfolio really can help! First impressions are crucial. Whenever I share my portfolio, I get really good feedback on the overall look. I think it looks professional too, so definitely worth an investment!

EDIT: some people have asked where I bought my portfolio from. I got mine from here. They were a great company to buy from, I would definitely recommend them!

I do love a good nosy at other people's portfolios, so if you have any images of yours, i would love to see! :) I'm going home for the weekend so I will probably post again on Sunday. I hope you have a lovely weekend and please let me know your thoughts in the meantime!

David Downton/Vogue

So, my dissertation is focusing on Vogue, discussing illustration and photography. I knew David Downton, as one of my favourite illustrators, would be great to look at in this case. I knew he had done work for Vogue China and some for British Vogue.

When I discovered the covers he did for Vogue Australia I was in love. For Vogue Australia's 50th anniversary, the magazine celebrated with a commemorative issue, illustrated by David Downton. He designed four different covers, featuring Cate Blanchett, in vintage styles linking back to the days before photography.

Take a look, they're beautiful!

My next mission- get hold of one of these!! They were limited edition, but fingers crossed. I think it's vital for my dissertation!

While i'm here, take a look at some of his Vogue China work!

   

I really do love his work!

My first post!

I am about to go into my third year of an illustration degree, and with lots of illustration ideas I want to undertake over the summer, what a better time to start a blog!

I have just offered my services to do some work for Amelia's Magazine and have been asked to do an illustration of Tom Jones and his appearance at Latitude Festival last weekend!

I'm excited to get started and will post the result when it is done! :)

If you fancy a nosy at some of my work, here is the link to my flickr account - Abby Wright

Abby :)