HOW TO GET STARTED

Design Lad advises on how to attract clients and the importance of developing your own unique style

How did you become a 3D illustrator?

My background was in graphic design, which I did as a freelancer for six years after university. Then in 2016 I decided to try 3D illustration as it was something I had always been interested in, and really wanted a way to create work that could showcase my playful ideas. So, I started from scratch learning the software from online tutorials and building a portfolio again. Although it took a long time it was the best thing I have ever done.

What skills and qualities are essential to being a 3D illustrator?

Apart from the creative and technical side, which of course is really important, you also need to be able to project manage really well and produce a lot of work in a small amount of time. Most deadlines are super unrealistic for the amount of work in a client brief, so it’s important to work out realistic schedules that you can keep to, and work smart to maximize your time.

What advice can you give to artists that may want to become a 3D illustrator?

It is important to develop a style which is true to you and stands out from other illustrators. If you have a great style and great ideas behind your work then that gives you a chance of being remembered by art directors. I think it is also important to continuously immerse yourself in some form of creativity, whether it be going to an exhibition, visiting galleries, listening to music, watching a film, going to a talk, or reading a book. Surrounding yourself with amazing work and learning from other people’s creativity will naturally inspire projects and keep motivation high.

How can young artists attract clients when first starting out?

Personal projects with great ideas are so important, and are key to showing a prospective employer who you really are. With platforms like Instagram it has never been easier for people to find you, but it is also important to realise that success will not happen overnight, and it can be a really slow journey. However, if you work on projects you really care about, and constantly challenge yourself to create something great, and better each time, then eventually people will notice you.