Note: QR code in the image above will be updated every time I post a new “Illustrators Seeking Representation” thread on Bluesky. Next time will be on Sun. Feb. 9th, 2025.
It’s a challenging time for freelance illustrators interested in children’s books to find representation, which is why I’ve started hosting “Post an art sample if you’re a kidlit freelance illustrator seeking representation” threads on social media. I started on Twitter/X (and have been delighted when agents do find illustrators this way!) but have moved these to Bluesky.
Guideline checklist (please read before posting on Bluesky):
❏ Only participate if you are actively seeking representation AND are primarily interested in illustrating books for young people.
❏ Go to my most recent “call for illustrators” thread on Bluesky.
❏ Reply to the first post in the thread (NOT any of the replies, or your post might be missed).
❏ Reply with ONE comment and attach ONE image to that comment. Make sure your image includes identifying info in case it is shared. I’ve included some examples at the end of this post.
❏ I strongly recommend adding alt-text to your image. Here are reasons why you should use alt-text with images you post on Bluesky, plus tips, best practices, resources, etc. Includes tips for artists!
❏ In the text of your ONE comment, include a link to your portfolio text and/or Instagram URL. Extra info to include in the text as long as it all fits into the ONE comment: what kind of kidlit illustration work are you seeking? (e.g. picture books? graphic novels? covers? etc)
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY ON THE THREAD IF YOU ARE NOT A PARTICIPATING ILLUSTRATOR (unless you are an agent, editor, or art director). If you want to show appreciation for an artist, feel free to LIKE a piece of art, but please don’t comment — this will only encourage others to comment, and that makes it more of a hassle for industry people to browse the actual art.
Please do help boost this blog post and/or the thread on Bluesky, especially if you have kidlit agents following you on social media!
BONUS TIPS:
Make sure your profile is fully filled out, including having a link in your profile bio that industry people can click through to find out more info about you as well as browse more of your work.
Make sure it is easy for industry people to CONTACT YOU if they are interested in your work. In past industry polls, this was the number 1 complaint (mainly from agents).
If an agent or other industry person approaches you, do your research before signing any agreements. There are fake literary agents and agencies out there. One great source of info is Writer Beware.
If a self-published author approaches you and you ARE potentially interested, have a template/form letter with basic info ready to send. In my most recent poll of freelance illustrators, many complained about wasting back-and-forth time with self-published authors who did not understand the process (especially that illustrators need to be PAID, the timeline expectations, how many edits etc).
And finally, if you DO successfully find a legitimate agent and/or illustrator client through one of my Bluesky threads, please let me know! It helps motivate me to keep doing these. ❤️ I also may highlight you on my blog.
EXAMPLES:
Here are a few examples of posts I thought were good replies to previous threads: