Getting Published Class

Getting published for the first time is a daunting task for some illustration students. Most clients want to work with artists that have already been published so how do you get published in the first place? It usually happens when someone really believes in your work and they take a chance having your art representing their product or service. One way to help this process is the Getting Published class offered at SCAD for undergrad Illustration Seniors. This past Fall I contacted the Marketing Director, Linnea Frye, of Dad’s Garage here in Atlanta, GA. “It’s a thriving mid-size theatre producing innovative, scripted and improvised works that are recognized locally, nationally and internationally for being undeniably awesome.” They had a funny play, “PopTart”, coming up in February 2011 they needed art for. Linnea was kind enough to come to class for an initial meeting to discuss the project with the students. Then the students got busy creating the best poster they could using the illustration process based on the requirements. Then it was then Linnea’s job to pick the best poster. All the students did a great job coming up with a funny and provocative illustration to represent the humorous tone of PopTart. It was not until after the class ended that the decision was finally made the Taylor Battle’s piece was the best fit, but I was not quite there yet. Linnea had about 4 more sets of revisions for Taylor. Here’s the original submission by Taylor and the final poster after all the revisions. Because of all the revision’s Linnea was kind enough to pay Taylor the normal rate they would pay an illustrator to create the poster. In the end, it was a great experience to realize that every commission is a compromise and the importance of pleasing the one that’s paying you.


Dad’s Garage was generous to give the class free tickets to the show! This past Friday, March 4th, Taylor and another student from the class, Kelsey Thor and I experienced a very funny play about pop culture, celebrity worship and the internet.



It was really exciting for Taylor and I to see her hard work in an over sized poster for all to see. I highly recommend you checking it out before it before the last show on March 19^th. We hope to continue to work with Dad’s Garage and other theater company’s in town to create many other win-win scenarios.

Creative Artist's from Carter's are presenting at SCAD this Wed.

One of the largest most successful children's clothing companies headquarters is right here in Atlanta. Carter’s is the number one children’s brand, selling over 10 products for every child born in the U.S. Two of there full-time Creative Artist's will be coming to SCAD to do a show and tell of there process and give some tips and tricks in their tool of choice, Adobe Illustrator. Jason Oransky and Diana Johnson will give valuable insight into the world of retail design and illustration. They will share practical real world examples of how they decide and produce all those cute and marketable illustrations to the parents and kids of the U.S. and abroad.

Here's the low down.

Who: Carter's Creative Artist's - Jason Oransky and Diana Johnson
What: Illustration presentation and demo in Adobe Illustrator CS3.
When: Wednesday, July 9th at 2:30-3:30...maybe 4.
Where: Mac Lab 342

This is held during the ILLU 226 Electronic Illustration class. Any and all SCAD students are more than welcome to come but seating is limited, especially Illustration and Graphic Design Majors.

Go here for photos and commentary from a Carter's field trip that SCAD Illustration students had this Winter.

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The event was a huge success! Bigger turnout than expected. Diana and Jason shared new and incredibly valuable information about the clothing industry and techniques in Illustrator. I think more people are fans of Illustrator as a better tool than Photoshop because of this event.

Thanks,
Jay

Mind's Eye Class Field Trip

On October 19th I had scheduled a field trip for 3 of my classes at Mind's Eye. An illustration, photography studio in Atlanta. Mind's Eye was extremely hospitable and giving of their time and insight. Donuts, milk, juice and water were served while we tried to keep our hands clean thumbing through their 3 very impressive portfolios. Leo Mustaki and Mike Bailey showed us around and met their extremely talented employees. Everyone agreed that it was a great time, very informative and helpful to see a place where full-time illustrators work and what is required of them. Much better than a Hub lecture, if you know what I mean!

I talked with them afterwards and told them that I would be sure to get them involved with career day or a portfolio review in the near future and on a regular basis. They say that based on the growth they hire a new illustrator about once a year.

These are two photos of most of the students that came.

I spent a little too much time dressing this one up. Thought it was appropriate for the wacked out shot.


The more professional serious shot got blurred when taken. Oh Well.


Cheers!
Jay Montgomery

Illustrator jobs link page

Illustration majors,

I've been working on a list of links mainly related to illustration using my del.ico.us account which is a social bookmarking site. I just updated it to include some links to info about careers in illustration. This a small sampling of links to a variety of full-time, part-time, freelance and internship opportunities for recent grads-to seasoned professionals in the field illustration. Some require at 2 years or more experience, but it can't hurt to submit you resume and portfolio when the time is right. If you are still figuring out what you want to do after you graduate these links might give some insight and some goals to strive for. I am constantly adding new links to this page. Check it out!

http://del.icio.us/jaymontgomery/illustratorjobs

Thanks,
Jay