How, why and what? Designers

[evansvisualarts]

How often do you use a illustrator?

Why do you decide to use a illustrator designer?

what do you look for when you do decide to use one?

What do you most prefere, Vector files or Raster files?

Scott

[morea]

I use Illustrator almost daily. Hooray for vector files!

Which I would prefer would really depend on what I was using it for.

[PrintDriver]

This guy hasn't a clue, I don't think.
He's not talking about Illustrator the program. He's talking about An illustrator as in Artist.

In answers to the questions:
-We use illustrators a lot.
-We use illustrators for custom artwork from pen and ink to paints to computer art.
-When we look for an illustrator we look for someone who's style matches the exhibit, graphic content, architectural style, or the whimsy of the client.
-There is no preference in vector or raster files. If we want a computer generated map, we usually get a vector file. If we want a hand watercolored map we get the original art to photograph to color film and scan it for a raster image.

If you are an illustrator or are offering illustration services, get a website up there (that works - yours wouldn't load the portfolio pages for me) and show the styles of work you are offering. Your best advertising will be a searchable site and word of mouth, plus all the marketing and audience targeting your budget can handle.

I wouldn't go to a fantasy artist to get a map (I've mentioned map twice but that isn't all we seek in an illustrator). I wouldn't go to an oil painter to get a piece of digital algorithmic art. Trying to compartmentalize illustration as in your poll won't work. We deal with digital artists on a per project basis. They need to know our output needs before they begin. If the art is for a website, the res of the finished piece and the format it is sent in will be different than if I am doing a building wrap. If the art needs to be a fully rendered painting, the artist needs to know size limitations for the camera stand or we need to know if we have to hire a photographer. Know your niche and explore it but don't try to place limits unless they are your own personal limits. Some artists only work in one format and we have to deal.

[evansvisualarts]

Hi

Thanks for the feedback because its all good. I am just one person setting the business up, so yeah there are holes in my knowledge but there are others who will fill me in and I do my part. I suppose I am using this site as a bit of education and research so everything you've got to say is taken on board and I am grateful

Best regards

Scott

[evansvisualarts]

Oh, and in regards to the webpage, it is not finished, I know I haven't stated that in this thread but I am taking on your feedback for any other changes that needs to be made before the end of next week. The portfolio pages are the main ones being tweaked at the moment. In regards to the web page; any feedback on what you think of it will be welcomed, good and bad. I'd like to know what works and what doesn't, both literally and from a design point of view.

Many thanks

Scott

[PrintDriver]

Get a GAG handbook and also check out some of the Illustrator(artist-type) societies on line.
The first thing you need to find out is how to write a contract for this type of work or you will get taken to the cleaners. Nothing sucks more than having to redo a piece because of a miscommunication in responsibities. Also when to hold copyright and only license an image and when to sell the whole thing to the client, when which is appropriate and why and the cost difference. Good luck.