Peter C. Johnson
Graphic
Artists Guild National News
August - September 2001
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Peter C. Johnson Graphic
Artists Guild National News |
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Laura Coyle, a self-employed Atlanta illustrator and Guild member, has a B.F.A. in illustration from Auburn University. Laura's work has been commissioned by corporate, advertising, and editorial clients, including Amazon.com, The Christian Science Monitor, Hasbro, Honda, Nickelodeon Magazine, Time Warner, UPS, Utne Reader, The Wall Street Journal, and PC Magazine. She agreed to share her thoughts on her work and techniques, the evolving nature of the graphic arts, and her experience as an active Guild member.
Guild: How do you market your work?
Coyle: I've been advertising in two of the major sourcebooks for a few years now. Once I solidified a style that I loved working in and I thought would be marketable, I felt ready to take that step. The sourcebooks, coupled with my Internet marketing, have made the greatest difference in getting the kind of assignments I want. I have also posted samples of my work on the iSpot (www.theispot.com) and created my own portfolio site (www.gocoyle.com). (Note: Guild members receive a 20 percent discount off the iSpot's annual stock site registration fee and a 6 percent discount on database entry and maintenance fees.)
Guild: How important is putting your portfolio online?
Coyle: Very important. It's so convenient for potential clients. They can view your samples immediately, and you can talk by phone while they view your site. Also, learning more about the Web and new mediums like Flash animation have really expanded what I can offer clients. Having friends or colleagues who understand Web design can be a great help. In my case a national online merchant saw my iSpot samples and got in touch with me. The client was making animated, digital greeting cards and liked my style. Among other things, I ended up doing a series of greeting card animations that featured different cities from around the world. On that project I learned how to use programs like Fireworks that deal with GIF animation. A flexible client, or one you already have a relationship with, can provide the right motivation for diving in and learning a new skill. For example, a marketing firm wanted me to do a traditional flip-book animation. The concept was humorous and emphasized the client's unconventional approach to consulting. I was able to convince the client to do the flip-book digitally for distribution on their Web site. I learned Flash and did the project, and I've continued to use Flash as a tool.
Guild: How else have your illustration methods and mediums evolved?
Coyle: Coming out of school I worked in traditional media, but eventually I made digital elements an essential part of my style. The things that I can do on the computer have definitely influenced the evolution of my work. I have looked for a way to meld the textures of the loose pen-and-ink drawings I love to do with the simplicity of shapes and flat color that are essential elements in a program like Illustrator.
Guild: What's the main benefit of being an active member of the Guild?
Coyle: Our Atlanta Chapter is a network of expertise. We have members with diverse skills, and I have met people whom I can call with both technical and practical questions. That's a great support when you freelance and projects and deadlines can sometimes keep you isolated. Also, I attended the Guild Marketplace in New York last year, which was a great way to find new clients, and it was a lot of fun to meet fellow illustrators.
Samples of Laura's work are available at www.gocoyle.com, at the iSpot at www.theispot.com/artist/coyle, and at www.workbook.com.
Peter C. Johnson is a member of the Atlanta Chapter. He does both editorial and design work. Samples of his work are online at www.johnsonstudios.com.