As an editor I cull from a vast number of magazines, websites, blogs, vlogs and more to find information that I feel can be of assistance to IV readers. While much of the material I peruse on a daily basis, might be focused more on design or another field related to illustration, I believe that there is good, practical advice to be gleaned from these disparate writings.
I admit I was first drawn in to Jim Signorelli’s piece below by the literary reference in the title. Like it or not, branding is now a ubiquitous cultural term. I admit I still think of it in connection with cows, and my time on a Texas ranch, but it has come to define savvy advertising that taps into the core qualities and attributes of a product or service, distinguishing it from the pack. Illustrators can take a lesson from the message here: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You are the brand. You, the artist, your imagination, dreams, history, influences. Don’t try to be someone else, be you. Each of us is unique. Artists, and other creative individuals need only tap into their passion, and be true to who they are as an individual. Nearly every creative person out there says the same thing on their website, or in their PR materials: That they are problem solvers, they are creative thinkers, blah blah. And while the work does speak for itself, it is nice to have a little background about those we work and collaborate with.
When I go to interview an illustrator, I want to know what makes that person tick. Why are they an artist? What path did they take? What drives them? What books are on their shelves, what music on their iPod? How do they live? Tell your story, not the party line, but YOUR story. Make that your resolution for 2012! I wish everyone a Happy and Successful New Year.
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