New Statesman Notes

Notes from Gerry Brakus Talk

- Comission 3 to 4 illustrations a month
- Slightly left wing magazine
- Illustration to draw people in
- People who find a different way (not email) to contact get a better response
- Small throwaway things don't work
- Editorial work is very fast paced
- Send in work that is relevant
- Check the names, job titles, spelling etc in emails or post before sending
- Art directors talk to each other; name can be passed on, they've always got their eye out
- Have a focus and strength in one genre
- Be aware of the content and context of where you're sending your work
- Be open to collaborate and change images
- Kill fee; if work doesn't fit
- Templated magazine; dimensions stay very similar
- Cover stays very similar too; needs to attract new readers and establish brand identity
- Small budget; no backups
- Build up repore with commissioner; keep badgering people
- Keep practice open
- Make use of social media to get your work out there
- Don't have to get an agent
- Be aware of audience, genre etc. Do your research before reaching out
- Big money jobs to pay for passion projects
- Consider illustrations can be re-bought
- Whole process is communicative
- Keep passion going, if not passionate then don't do it
- Remain independent in your view, keep personal standpoints seperate from work

After Thought Notes

- Brakus talk was very informative about the business side of commissioning an editorial piece.
- Made me think about my work in an editorial format
- Don't have an interest in political illustration but other editorial work may be of interest?
- Can work relatively quickly so perhaps a possible option for my work?
- When she discussed researching where you're sending your work and emails made me think about WHERE AM I SENDING MY WORK? I enjoy music illustration but I'm unsure where to send my illustrations in order to get this kind of work?? I need to do some more research!!