Sending in artwork samples

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

There's a small, SMALL children's media company in my city that put out a request for cartoonists, artists and writers--professionals or ASPIRING types welcome--for children-oriented projects. I imagine this isn't a very picky company from the sound of it, and it appears to be something connected to pamphlets, books or magazines for children.

I was wondering what kinds of work samples you'd send in if you wanted to apply for a commercial-art related job such as this. Seeing as this is children-oriented, what would they be looking for, in your opinion?

[Dynomutt]

There's a small, SMALL children's media company in my city that put out a request for cartoonists, artists and writers--professionals or ASPIRING types welcome--for children-oriented projects. I imagine this isn't a very picky company from the sound of it, and it appears to be something connected to pamphlets, books or magazines for children.

I was wondering what kinds of work samples you'd send in if you wanted to apply for a commercial-art related job such as this. Seeing as this is children-oriented, what would they be looking for, in your opinion?

For the looks of it, this company is waaaaaay open for submissions. So here are a couple of do's and don'ts for that:

DO:

1) Send samples of some original "cute"characters in different poses.
2) Send samples of "families"drawings. ( Kids with grandpa, dad...etc.)
3) Send samples in HIGH QUALITY resolution.
4) Send cartoony animals samples.
5) throw in a few samples of licensed kids characters and give credit to their companies in a line below them.
6) Put your name, address phone and e-mail on every drawing.


DONT:

1) Send original drawings. (Always send copies)
2) Send characters of your own creation.
3) Send drawings that you drew when you were younger.
4) Send a portfolio longer than 5 to 10 pages. (Editors don't have that
much time)

Hope this helps and that all goes well!
-Dave

[Outlander00]

For the looks of it, this company is waaaaaay open for submissions. So here are a couple of do's and don'ts for that:

DO:

1) Send samples of some original "cute"characters in different poses.
2) Send samples of "families"drawings. ( Kids with grandpa, dad...etc.)
3) Send samples in HIGH QUALITY resolution.
4) Send cartoony animals samples.
5) throw in a few samples of licensed kids characters and give credit to their companies in a line below them.
6) Put your name, address phone and e-mail on every drawing.


DONT:

1) Send original drawings. (Always send copies)
2) Send characters of your own creation.
3) Send drawings that you drew when you were younger.
4) Send a portfolio longer than 5 to 10 pages. (Editors don't have that
much time)

Hope this helps and that all goes well!
-Dave

I agree... Art directors tend to look for a certain style that will match their needs and want to do it in a certain amount of time (boy, do I remember that from going into the NY Times :p). Also, if you get to talk to the Art Director or whoever makes the creative decision (which you may not until you are picked for an assignment), to be able to talk about your work. It gives the person an idea as to how well you will work with them, take criticism and advice on revisions, how you think in the creative process, etc. It will help your chances.

btw, I am going to send this over to the Workshops, being a technical question of sorts...