What's appealing to kids vs. adults?

[patricialamas]

This is just something I've been thinking really hard about lately, since I'm struggling at the moment to decide whether I should initially focus my portfolio on work for kids or for adults. Ideally I'd get to the point where my work is seen as suitable for both -- where it might be on stationery and gift wrap at PaperSource but also in children's books, stickers, etc. Off the bat, a good example of an illustrator who seems to fit this category is Rebecca Green, who primarily does children's books but has also used the same style very successfully in a mural at a trendy wine bar. I'd love to be in that crossover area.

So I'm just interested in hearing others' thoughts about this. Here are some starter questions:

What other illustrators do you know who fall well into both categories?

What do you think makes an illustration suitable or unsuitable as a wall decoration? For example, Lee White mentioned in one podcast episode that narrative illustrations don't seem to sell as well at art fairs. Any further thoughts on this?

What do you think about the often observed disconnect between what kids really like and what their parents want them to have because it looks nicer in their house? Do you see this in come up the publishing world? (google sad beige children)

If you wanted to do work for both kids and adults, do you think starting with one is better than the other, and less likely to scare off potential clients in the other area if they see it in your portfolio?

[kirsten-mcg]

I've often wondered the same thing about what kids really like. I haven't been able to come to a solid conclusion on the matter though. It often seems like what gets published is what art directors like though, or just what's trendy in the publishing world. Do you think they take what kids like into consideration? I wish there was a study or something where kids are shown different images and asked which ones they like more! That would be so helpful!

[patricialamas]

@kirsten-mcg yes, it definitely seems like the younger the age group, the trendier the books, toys, etc, because it’s all about selling to parents!

[patricialamas]

Also, not going to lie, I’m dreading the day my kid decides that neon, glitter and Disney characters are cooler than sophisticated florals.

[A Former User]

@patricialamas Really it depends on the kid and the adult. How they see color and view the world. Which doesn't really answer any of your questions.

For example a friend of mine let her girls choose a book while we were in a used bookstore recently. They went and found a traditionally illustrated picture book about cats. The book is done in the style of a Renaissance master drawing cats. I tried googling this book and I can't find it which is unfortunate. It was a surprising choice none the less. But they do love cats.

I suppose this example just follows on the what do kids really like discussion.

[ArtMelC]

@Stephanie-H I agree with how wildly individual taste is, even for kids. My toddler (2 yo) is equally attracted to my husband's manga collection as she is to her boardbooks. She is also quite vocal in stating her preferences for dresses with dainty florals. I think we often assume what kids like or don't like (e.g. kids must like loud colourful things, they don't like grey/bw/beige/limited palette boring stuff) but it really is quite hard to generalise as they develop individuality quite early on.

I think our best bet is really to ensure that kids are exposed to a wide variety of art styles that the artist enjoy making - in picture books and other kid products because we just won't know what sticks...

[Melissa_Bailey]

@patricialamas firstly, why can't your portfolio (which I assume will be your website, as most are) have artwork geared for kids AND art geared for adults? It all has to do with how you organize it. Of course, if some of your adult work isn't appropriate for children, then it probably would be a good idea to split it up into two separate portfolios/websites/social media accounts.

I've seen quite a few professional illustrators, like Rebecca Green, that have a children's section and a editorial/licensing/"adult" section. They're usually organized under different tabs so it's easy to navigate.

As far as what's appealing to kids, think back to what you liked as a kid. If you create artwork that appeals to your inner child, what you would have liked to see as a kid, odds are that there are other kids out there that it would appeal to.

@Stephanie-H and @ArtMelC make a great points -- what type of art appeals depends on the kid and adult because tastes vary wildly.

When I look at your work on Instagram, there is a cohesiveness in your style even though some of the art is geared towards children and some towards adults. I'd love to see a portfolio on your website, even if it's only a few pieces. If you have enough pieces in both your children's and adult work, organize your portfolio into two categories. Then get a portfolio review from an art director, agent, or an experienced illustrator who also works in the adult and children's markets. And see where it goes from there...

[Griffin McPherson]

I’m having a similar struggle lately. On the most recent podcast episode the guys talked about how you kind of have to forget about money if you want to make money. Focus on what you want to make because you want to make it rather than making something marketable. I think this is definitely the best way to think about an art career and this is where the best art comes from though it is REALLY hard to not think about how we can use our skills to make money because we gotta make money somehow