My name is Natasha Newton, a.k.a. theblackbirdsings, and I have been lucky enough to work full time as an artist and illustrator since 2007. This may come as a surprise to you, but I never actually set out to be an illustrator — it was something that seemed to find me instead! My work has recently been used by the well-known book publishing company Random House as the cover art for a series of five books by the author Jorge Bucay, and this wonderful opportunity came my way completely unexpectedly. A designer from Random House Mondadori, based in Barcelona, found my paintings on Flickr and felt they would be perfect for the covers of the books, so he contacted me. Aside from some negotiation, it really was as easy as that! I know that this sounds like an extremely lucky scenario, but it would probably never have happened if the right framework hadn’t been in place to begin with, and that’s what I’d like to talk about now.
Initially I made my living purely as an exhibiting artist, selling my work at galleries or directly to private buyers and by accepting commissions for paintings. Gradually various companies and businesses also started to discover my work via the internet, and I found that I was being offered more illustration jobs as time went by. The line between fine art and illustration is somewhat blurred, but there is a distinct difference, and it’s one that you really need to consider before you decide to become an illustrator.
As a fine artist I make work primarily for myself: I come up with the idea or concept and I execute the work in my own way, however I please. Exhibition deadlines aside, I can take as much time as I like to work on a piece. Even when I’m working on a private painting commission for someone, although it’s slightly more restrictive, I’m still making most of the decisions regarding how the piece should look after the initial discussion with the client.
Commercial illustration is a different thing entirely. Firstly you have to be able to to take someone else’s idea and make it a reality. This is much harder than it sounds, and it’s totally different from making work for yourself. An illustration client will have a firm idea of what they’re looking for, so always be honest with them from the start about what you feel you can and can not do. It’s a “give and take” situation: You don’t want to compromise your artistic integrity, but you also have to be aware that an illustration brief is often quite strict. It’s important that you’re able to articulate your ideas clearly during the planning process to avoid misunderstanding. The deadlines for illustration work are also worth considering: are you able to work under pressure and to a short and definite deadline? This is a real skill in itself!
Below I’ve listed some of my best tips for getting started in the world of art and illustration, and gaining attention for your work:
- Have a solid web presence. It seems obvious, but to be noticed by future clients you have to be visible. A website is essential. A blog is also an excellent idea, and you should try to have a presence on at least one social networking site — Twitter, MySpace and Facebook have all been great for gaining exposure for my work, building fantastic working relationships, a solid fan base, and (very importantly) actually selling my work! Flickr is also a fantastic showcase for your artwork and a nice community of supportive, like-minded souls.
- Concentrate on making work in your own unique style. Gain inspiration from others by all means, but don’t copy. Let your character shine through; people tend to “buy into” the artist as much as the art!
- Build your “brand.” Make sure that your various sites have a cohesive look. People should immediately be able to tell that a blog or a webpage is yours without looking at the name — when that happens, you’ll know you have a strong aesthetic! Extend this to your packaging, your online shop, and your business cards.
- A good digital camera is a must. Spend as much money as you can realistically afford on a high-quality camera and take time to teach yourself how to use it well. It will be one of your most valuable tools. Illustration clients expect professional, crisp, high resolution images of your work for printing purposes.
- Form a contract. When taking on illustration work, make sure that you have — at the very least — a simple contract or agreement covering details of the work agreed between you and the client, a time frame or deadline for the work, your fee and the payment date (usually within a month of completion of the work is acceptable), and any copyright or usage issues.
I hope this article has managed to inspire you in some small way. You can see that with hard work, communication, good ideas and a passion for what you do, it is possible to make a successful living from your art!
Thanks Natasha! Please feel free to check our Natasha’s website and personal blog. Check out the Association of Illustrators for more helpful information about the world of illustration.
Quit Your Day Job Series | Illustration Category
89 comments
Sign in to add your ownhelenaemmans says:
love it love it love it!!! Gorgeous work, well done.
2 years ago
pasin says:
Love all
2 years ago
VeraVague says:
such beautiful work! thanks for the article doll :)
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
How inspiring! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and story!
2 years ago
DapperPaper says:
thanks for sharing! I have always thought book design was interesting and wanted to know more about it. I would love to do some illustrations for books so thanks for the tips and advice! Your work is beautiful!
2 years ago
AdaRosman says:
great article and beautiful work!
2 years ago
HarrietsHaven says:
I have admired your work for quite some time. Thanks for sharing this article. Congrats on the opportunity that has come your way!
2 years ago
Ayca says:
Great article!
2 years ago
moonangelnay says:
Yours is a wonderful and lifting story! Congratulations on having such an opportunity come your way, your work is beautiful and you deserve much success!
2 years ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Great article, thanks for sharing what a fun job!!
2 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Great work and great story...thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
manvsgeorge says:
Excellent tips - thank you for sharing them. Your work really does look great on book covers! :-)
2 years ago
erin103 says:
Good article!
2 years ago
HighRidgeRockNbeads says:
It's funny how things work out. You may down one path and find yourself on another that was meant to be. Lovely work. Good luck.
2 years ago
swirlyarts says:
So this was the exciting thing! It's very exciting :)
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
congratulations on the book covers. i would like to see all five covers - where can i see them? i'll check your blog and website.
2 years ago
papercutworks says:
Natasha - congratulations! I know a beautifully designed book cover makes me want to pick it up & look through. What a great way to popularize your art!
2 years ago
Morado says:
Good job Natasha! beautiful work :)
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
Bravo!!! I am definitly in agreement on everything you said about an on-line presence...I was discovered for a book cover on Twitter, a series of frames for Restoration Hardware thru my blog, and got a huge painting commission for a local Designer thru Etsy! Your work is fabulous :) Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Congrats Natasha! You are very talented!
2 years ago
meoneil says:
I made an illustrated book for my grandson for Xmas. It was a HUGE amount of work and a HUGE amount of fun. These are wonderful.
2 years ago
BestArtStudios2 says:
Congrats!!!! These opportunities are out there and it is always wonderful when they knock on your door. Dover Publications found me right here in Etsy.
2 years ago
nowonder says:
Thank you for thetips! Great work!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
How neat! Good for you. :)
2 years ago
brwnpaperbag says:
Great article!! Very informative.
2 years ago
AndrosCreations says:
Nice work Natasha... I dig it...
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article and beautiful work!
2 years ago
whphotography says:
Just lovely! I work with a bunch of Canadian publishers, some of which could use an infusion of style and grace to their cover illo's as you've added to Random House's.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great article! Thanks for all of the great tips & info!!
2 years ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
Thanks for sharing your work and your tips.
2 years ago
theblackbirdsings says:
Thank you so much for your comments, everyone - they have made my day (week, in fact!). :) In answer to one of the questions: you can see all five book covers on my website (www.natasha-newton.co.uk) in the 'Other Projects' section.
2 years ago
Yvonne4eyes says:
Very great article Natasha and your work is fabulous. The advice & tips in your article are dead on. I started back sketching Jan. 2009 and my drawings have landed me several illustration jobs with the restrictions & deadlines you speak of. I love the rush it gives me to bring a clients ideas to life.
2 years ago
creativesque says:
Thanks for sharing your tips and I've really enjoyed reading about your experience with creating fine art and working as an illustrator.
2 years ago
vitamini says:
Thanks for the tips. Beautiful illustrations!
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
i like this story ~ it's fun to hear things happening like this. thanks for sharing your expertise and advice, and your beautiful work. big thanks for including my drawing :)
2 years ago
LilleyandSkinner says:
This is exactly the sort of advice I have been looking for. Thanks Natasha for your excellent tips.
2 years ago
galastaciaworthwhile says:
yay! fabulous Natty :)
2 years ago
WieberArt says:
Sensational Work ! Encouraging story. Here's wishing you continued success and enjoyment in your artistic endeavors. ~ Will & Grace
2 years ago
clynnsart2004 says:
Great story and tips much appreciated.
2 years ago
LethaColleen says:
Natasha...I've long been a fan of your work and have been thrilled to see the work you've done on these book covers for random house (via your posting images on Flickr). A framework for lucky (or otherwise) opportunities is truly essential. After all no lottery winner won the mega millions without purchasing the lotto ticket first! ;)
2 years ago
lauraprentice says:
Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your story. I too have been thinking about crossing over into the illustration field...
2 years ago
Picatrix says:
This info is spot on Natasha. As an artist who came from a 'corporate' background, I'm fortunate to understand the concept of serving the client, something many artists don't grasp. Thank you for sharing and good luck!
2 years ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
Fabulous tips - and congratulations on making your creativity work for you and for the inspiration you've given to others.
2 years ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
Thanks for sharing your story.
2 years ago
thedaydreamer says:
This is a superb article. It's one of my dreams to make my illustration business a success. Thanks for the tips. And many congrats to Natasha. :)
2 years ago
CraftedByMei says:
thanks for sharing, i love your style a lot! http://www.etsy.com/listing/43534832/nest-building-original-painting-on-deep this is pretty :)
2 years ago
ScarletandtheSea says:
This is such a wonderful article and offers so much positive advice. Your work is beautiful, can't wait to see what you will do next!!
2 years ago
ArtMind says:
Big congrats on this achievement, Natasha! Your work is exquisite and deserves all the attention! The covers look amazing and I hope the writer is any good too! ;)
2 years ago
authorsdaughter says:
Thankyou!
2 years ago
artangel says:
Very interesting read, thanks. Natasha's work makes wonderful illustrations, she has such a distinctive style!
2 years ago
sakizome says:
Lovely article and gorgeous work. Well done! Also love the Ferns by groundwork!
2 years ago
SimplyCutebyKarin says:
The first time I saw Jorge's work was on Imagekind. It's really wonderful.
2 years ago
SimplyCutebyKarin says:
Ooops, I meant Natasha's work! :-)
2 years ago
GollyBard says:
Very exciting! Thank you for sharing your foray into the world of illustration!
2 years ago
defecteddoll says:
I love your work and thanks for the tips for an aspiring illustration student. :)
2 years ago
kristimcmurry says:
Lovely work! Thank you for your wisdom. I really love your website...I'm starting to think I need to get one :)
2 years ago
kadlubik says:
congratulations natasha!
2 years ago
monkeynorman says:
Your art work is gorgeous. I've always been a firm believer in judging books by there covers (literally), I'd definitely buy this book!
2 years ago
theblackbirdsings says:
These comments are making me smile - thanks very much, everyone!
2 years ago
jargonhead says:
Thank you so much for sharing your success story. Your work is lovely, Congratulations!
2 years ago
FerntreeStudio says:
bravo
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Thank you for sharing your valuable insight... And congratulations on your well deserved success! BeaUtiful work!
2 years ago
kmwatkins says:
Excellent article!
2 years ago
krize says:
I love your illustrations and also love Jorge Bucay books! :) You are very right with the tips and I think the most important tip is to have your own style!
2 years ago
JamiesDesigns says:
Very impressive!! Your article inspired me. Thank you for the tips!!
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
SWEET! Loved this one. Great graphics.
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Thanks so much for sharing.
2 years ago
paperholiday says:
Awesome article!
2 years ago
Urbanknit says:
super!
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
I LOVED this story, as I love illustration. It's funny, many artists who start out in illustration end up trying the road of fine art...this story seems the other way around. Congratulations on your success!
2 years ago
KissyfaceKreations says:
Great article, but I would like to know how I would go about putting a lable on crocheted items, specifically baby hats.
2 years ago
aisle3studio says:
Good ideas. I actually want to break into illustration for children's books. A friend of mine suggested I look into it so I was glad to see this article. Thanks
2 years ago
NanLawson says:
what a neat article! so inspiring, hope to break into publishing someday too!
2 years ago
ZZsROCKnRECYCLABLES says:
WOW.... AWESOME ART.
2 years ago
HornCatCreations says:
Thanks for your story and your tips. I've always been interested in illustration so this was a great article for me to read!
2 years ago
BodaciousBiddies says:
Thanks for the amazing story! Congrats on your success!
2 years ago
lindasmartstudio says:
Great artwork and advices, thanks!
2 years ago
seablueskyabstracts says:
It's been a real pleasure to view your work, Natasha and I particularly like your use of colour and portrayal of trees. Well done.
2 years ago
latenightdrawing says:
Lovely work!!
2 years ago
DesiCloe says:
Congratulations! I've long been a fan of your work too and I'm superhappy of your success!
2 years ago
DesireeB says:
You make a great point about maintaining a cohesive look across all your sites. I have 2 blogs, 1 website, facebook,etsy etc and I'm not consistent at all. Thank you for making me realize this.
2 years ago
shellsherree says:
A super-helpful article, Natasha. You've answered a number of questions I've had running through my head. Your work is beautiful ~ no wonder people have 'discovered' you!
2 years ago
LulaMatilda says:
Congratulations, and thank you for sharing the things that have brought you success! You have a very unique and lovely style.
2 years ago
trulyvera says:
Great talent and info! Congratulations and good luck in the future.
2 years ago
aistheta says:
Great tips that apply to any one running a small business... this is anyone with an etsy shop. Also congrats on breaking into illustration on a professional level. I am a graphic designer and have met many artist who want to be illustrators. It's a difficult area to get into with lots of competition. Only the most talented make it. Your work is wonderful.
2 years ago
maryjill says:
Thanks for sharing your wonderful storyand helpful advice. Your work is beautiful!
2 years ago
WarrioressRising says:
Great info. Love these reads.
1 year ago
pikaland says:
Thanks for sharing Natasha -- I love reading how you integrate the elements within your art into your illustration commissions! x
1 year ago
TreehouseIllustrator says:
This was exactly was I needed to read tonight. Thanks for this article -- it's good to have a reminder that it IS possible to do what you love. I hope that, along with hard work and diligence, that a little luck will come my way one day, too. :)
209 days ago