I've Updated My Portfolio Website!

[JoshuaDages]

Hello! I just revamped my portfolio site to be more illustration heavy.

I am a designer (graphic design, graphic art), but am trying to make the move to more illustration projects as well, which is why I'm at SVS! I'm still doing freelance work with design so you'll see I have a tab for "Artwork" and a tab for "Design."

My site is: joshuadages.com

I would love any thoughts or suggestions you have about my website, my projects, or if you just think things should a stronger piece should be higher on the page!

Thank you in advance. I'm excited to have this resource as part of SVS!

Josh

[NessIllustration]

@JoshuaDages You have some very nice work Josh, but everything is in completely different styles I feel like if I was a publisher/art director, I wouldn't be comfortable hiring you for a project because I wouldn't be sure of what I would get. One of the most important part of a successful illustration portfolio is a cohesive, consistent signature style

[JoshuaDages]

@NessIllustration Thank you so much!

Yes, I struggle with this a lot. I wouldn't say I have a "style" so I'm trying to figure out how to reconcile this. I know that some artists (Melinda Beck, Jamie Zollars, etc.) have figured out a way to succeed with many styles, but they might still have an overarching style that is recognizable.

I appreciate the feedback and will work on narrowing down my styles a little more.

[NessIllustration]

@JoshuaDages It's possible to succeed without a signature style, but it's just SOOOO much harder! Like I said publishers want to see what they're going to get, and especially if you're able to maintain the same style throughout an entire book. What if your main character looks different on every page? Consistency is super important to get professional work. I know it's really hard to pick a style, I for one love to draw in many different styles. And just because you pick one now doesn't mean you have to stick with it for the rest of your life. But you're making it 50 times harder for yourself to start an illustration career if you don't, ans since it's already very hard I don't think you need to do that to yourself... My advice is for now, just pick one and draw 12 pieces in this style, update your portfolio and start sending it around. This is going to make everything so much easier for you!

Also, decide what kind of work you'd like to do and make that kind of work for your portfolio. Want to make children's books? Make book spreads, even if they're fake assignments! That way publishers are seeing exactly what your work would look like as a book. One would think that publishers have more imagination, but sometimes they really don't. If they don't see your work in exactly the right context in your portfolio, they often skip over you entirely.

[JoshuaDages]

@NessIllustration Thank you, that is all extremely helpful! I appreciate it so much!

I will get into the nitty gritty about what I really want/like to do and start making more illustrations in that style.

Thank you again!

[j.sienkowski]

Josh, I'm digging your site and LOVE the friendly robot illustration. However, some of your art displays so big that I can't see the entire piece on my laptop screen with out scrolling....even when I zoom all the way out. You may want to see if others are having the same issue and, if so, possibly reduce the display size somehow.

[JoshuaDages]

@j-sienkowski Thank you! The friendly robot is one of my favorites as well. And good to know about the image sizes. I'll look into that and adjust accordingly. Thanks!

[Nyrryl Cadiz]

@JoshuaDages hi! technically, I think your site is clean, organised, and professional. i like how you used fun facts about yourself instead of a bio. As for your illustrations. I feel like you need to work on more pieces. Taylor your work into the market that you want to get into (e.g. children's books, editorial, licensing, advertisement, etc.). If you need help, feel free to post here on the forum, we're always happy to help.

[JoshuaDages]

@Nyrryl-Cadiz Thank you! I am glad you liked the fun facts.

Yes, I am now considering which market I'd like to focus on and am realizing how important it is, so I can create a more united portfolio.

I will definitely post more on the forum when I have more questions! Thank you for your help!