Locating Professional practice

Five year professional development plan

Year 1

Immerse yourself in the world of children's literature by reading extensively across various genres, styles, and age groups.
Enroll in art and illustration courses, workshops, or online programs to enhance your technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of illustration techniques specific to children's books.
Build a portfolio showcasing your versatility and creativity in illustrating characters, environments, and narrative sequences.
Attend local art festivals, book fairs, and exhibitions to network with other artists, publishers, and industry professionals.
Graduate BA

Year 2

Work in exhibition/ Gallery to gain some inside experience
build connections
Research and study the publishing industry, including trends, popular authors, and emerging markets for children's books.
Identify target publishers, agents, or self-publishing options that align with your artistic style and values.
Collaborate with writers, educators, or organizations involved in children's literature to gain insight into storytelling and the needs of young readers.
Submit your portfolio to publishers, participate in illustration contests, or explore self-publishing opportunities to gain exposure and experience.

Year 3

Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on children's literature, illustration, and the business side of the industry.
Develop a unique brand identity that aligns with your artistic style and resonates with your target audience.
Establish an online presence through a professional website and active social media accounts to showcase your work, engage with fans, and connect with industry professionals.
Collaborate with authors, educators, or organizations to create illustrations for educational materials, promotional campaigns, or interactive media.

Year 4

Continue building relationships with publishers, agents, and fellow artists, attending networking events and seeking opportunities for collaborations.
Secure your first book deal or explore self-publishing options to release your own illustrated children's book.
Collaborate with writers, editors, and designers to bring stories to life through your illustrations, honing your ability to work within the constraints of a book's format.
Seek feedback and critique from industry professionals, mentors, or fellow artists to further refine your craft and artistic vision.

Year 5

- Continue to produce high-quality illustrations for children's books, building a reputation for your distinctive style and storytelling abilities.
- Explore licensing opportunities for your illustrations, such as merchandise, art prints, or collaborations with other creative industries.
- Participate in book signings, author events, and literary festivals to connect with readers and establish a loyal fan base.
- Pursue opportunities for awards, grants, or residencies that recognize your talent and dedication to children's book illustration.

Outline your goals - Five year plan
Define your taget audience - Anyone (ranging from kids to young adult, collectors of pop up books)
Define your brand - Mini books (Stories), zine, cards, illustrations
Include strategies on how to reach your target audience - Workshops, social media(Tiktok. & instagram), youtube, Fiverr
Include strategies on how to separate yourself from your competition -
Include strategies for building an online presence -
Include a plan to build name recognition -