Portfolio guidelines - for Illustrators and Cartoonists
From the book, Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market '99

Illustrators have several choices when submitting to markets. Many freelancers send a cover letter and one or two samples in initial mailings. Others prefer a simple postcard showing their illustrations. Here are a few of your options:

• Postcard: Choose one (or more) of your illustrations that is representative of your style, then have the image printed on postcards. Have your name, address and phone number printed on the front of the postcard, or in the return address comer. Somewhere on the card should be printed the word "Illustrator." If you use one or two colors you can keep the cost below $200. Art directors like postcards because they are easy to file or tack on a bulletin board. If the art director likes what she sees, she can always call you for more samples.
• Promotional sheet: If you want to show more of your work, you can opt for an 8 X 12 color or black and white photocopy of your work. (See Greg Maxson's promotional sheet on page 26.)
• Tearsheets: After you complete assignments, acquire copies of any printed pages on which your illustrations appear. Tearsheets impress art directors because they are proof that you are experienced and have met deadlines on previous projects.
• Photographs and slides: Some illustrators have been successful sending photographs or slides, but printed or photocopied samples are preferred by most art directors.
• Query or cover letter. A query letter is a nice way to introduce yourself to an art director for the first time. One or two paragraphs stating you are available for freelance work is all you need. Include your phone number, samples or tearsheets.

If you send 8 x 12 photocopies or tearsheets, do not fold them in thirds. It is more professional to send them flat, not folded, in a 9 X 12 envelope, along with a typed query letter, preferably on your own professional stationery.

Humorous illustrators and cartoonists should follow the same guidelines as illustrators when submitting to publishers, greeting card companies, ad agencies and design firms. Professional looking photocopies work well when submitting multiple cartoons to magazines.