What are the key skills and tools for illustration in the digital age?

In my opinion do not start with a phone or computer – it's not that you cant find inspiration in the with them but it is less likely to be a unique perspective: instead spend time in the world experiencing (not only seeing) and also spend time in your head recollecting and thinking and then expand on those experiences, thoughts and concepts. Apps and applications are best used as tools only when absolutely necessary to execute and complete work as required.

I think that the niche is very much defined by what brings you most joy. And to figure it out you have to see a lot and to try a lot. Collect things you like on Pinterest, and you'll start seeing a pattern, or take a few courses on Domestica - to see what makes you happiest. Editorial illustration, illustrative branding, patterns, packaging, posters?

Defining your niche is a fancy way is saying to yourself "what is my calling?" A niche can be a specialty of yours that can make you stand out in a crowd. When it comes to illustrators, it can be their signature style, their recurrently discussed topic, or a balanced combination of both! Many can be telling the same story, what makes your way of telling it special? Food for thought.

Ask yourself; what is it that you want to do as an illustrator? It could be telling daily stories of your local region, shedding light on universal causes, or maybe storytelling of this day and age. The list goes on and on, what matters is that what you're putting out there resonates with you before it would with everyone else. Once you pinpoint your niche, looking for clients and prospects with mutual interest is an easier part.

Of course online exposure is relevant and generally necessary. You don't necessarily need your website these days and most common social-media / portfolios sites have free plans that are usually sufficient. Best to do a little research for the service you find most suitable for your intentions, especially if you feel you want to pay for a premium service. If you are going to sell your work – or versions of it – on a site be careful as to what rights you give up or give others the right to.

The majority of Artists prefer to have their work speak for itself. Nonetheless, people and audiences are interested in knowing the person behind the work, and with social media between your fingertips, you can connect with people worldwide, share your story, your process, and pro tips through posts and video content that not only will benefit your followers, but also revert to you with leads and prospect clients.

Hay muchas plataformas que pueden convertirse en un portfolio oficial, hoy día, hasta el instagram es válido para eso! Mi único consejo es que no dibujen para el público, háganlo para ustedes, busquen mejorar, disfrútenlo! eso se transmite, se nota en el resultado final, y eso es lo que hace que el público se interese!

I would also say that creating personal projects that you're passionate about is beneficial in many ways - you do what you love, get your message across, sharpen your skills, but also in my experience they always attract new opportunities and the right people, and some exciting projects and collaborations could come out of it.

I feel that the LinkedIn explanation of creating valuable content sums it up fine: create work you enjoy producing and apply as desired.

The not so secret ingredient to create valuable content using your illustrations, is doing so with candor and authenticity. When you tell a story with pure authenticity and complete honesty, that by itself is invaluable. Additionally, the audience who is following this content, will be instantly attracted to it, due to its vulnerability, relatability, and of course visual aesthetic. Always drive your emotional work with honesty.

Relatability and authenticity have never been more important than our current time. People are steering towards people who are relatable and candid in their content and their message behind it. Being an Artist gives you the chance to express your thoughts and your perception of the world around you without any filter or worries about it looking "suitable". Authenticity always wins in all things Art.

All I would add about mailing lists is to be sure people want to receive your emails and try not to send them out too often or without new content / information.

?Tengan cuidado con las listas de correos electronicos y newsletters! Has que estar muy seguros de que nuestros contactos realmente quieren recibirlos y los disfrutan. Convertirse en una molestia es absolutamente contraproducente,

If you have had any success, whether they be exhibitions or awards let people know, don't talk about yourself in the third person as someone who has exhibited and been awarded without proof.

Word of mouth will never go out of style! Only now it can be done in real life and online. Leveraging client's testimonials along with online media that mention you and your work, is indispensable! Such proof can go a long way in paving your way to an established online (and offline) career.

If everyone strives for perfection in their art, what sets your art apart? Experimentation is the key to mastering the art form. Embrace different styles, break free from the norm, and practice with various mediums. Dare to mix different mediums and watch your creativity soar.

There seems to be a lot of emphasis on technology as applied to experimentation but as fascinating, fun and functional as technology can be it can also be gimmicky, repetitive and banal without the solid skills required for interesting work. See "Define your niche ."

Make as many mistakes as possible, get messy, and make sure you really take into account the process and progress in the experimentation phase. You will leave a few things behind, pick up a few more, and come up with your own recipe that will lead to either growing your existing signature style, or creating a new one altogether.

La clave es la constacia, es el único secreto: Practicar y practicar. No existen soluciones ni tips mágicos. Llevar un cuaderno de sketching, practicar a diario, buscar artistas que te inspiren, eso es lo que te hace crecer como artista!