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Illustration directories (or any other sort of creative directories, for that matter) have come a long way since the boom of the internet. It used to be that they were run by companies who would charge a sum for you to be included in their roster, along with other options such as appearing in their printed catalog\/annuals, mailers, promotional items, etc. However, with the advent and freedom that the internet offers, anyone can be a part of (or even start up!) a directory on their own, for very little.<\/span><\/p>\n It means that the barrier to entry; of being listed in a collective space online, has reduced significantly. You\u2019re no longer bound by expenses, or gatekeepers that were previously the domain of huge, existing directory companies. They would still have their merits, having existed in the industry way before anyone else. But unlike before, you now have a choice<\/i>. If someone turned you down, or if the cost of listing your profile\/work was prohibitive, you can now list your work elsewhere. For free, even.<\/span><\/p>\n You may, or you may not. But with self-promotion, I like to go with the analogy of idea of throwing out as many balls as you can out into the world, to see who throws it back to you. Sometimes it comes back immediately, and sometimes, it takes weeks, months and even years before someone sees your profile and decides to reach out. In addition to the kind of work you produce, luck and timing plays a very big part for every artist that gets discovered online, and by putting yourself out there through various channels, you\u2019re increasing your odds, even if by a little bit.<\/span><\/p>\n The biggest difference that we see in the new directories is that it\u2019s more niche. Instead of merely having filters that readers and potential clients could sift through, the entire directory itself is more specific, catering to clients who are looking to add diversity into their hires. There\u2019s a directory for women illustrators<\/a>. Latin designers<\/a>. Queer\/LGBT designers<\/a>. Women, trans and non-binary animators<\/a>. Black designers<\/a>. Most of them are free, and many more creative industries are following suit, so take your pick and go from there!<\/span><\/p>\n =========<\/strong><\/p>\n Share with me: <\/strong><\/span>What do you think of these directories? Do you like them, or would you prefer a different solution? Do you have more to share? Or what if you have happy stories of being found by clients or fans on them? I\u2019d love it if you would share your thoughts with me! <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"That\u2019s all well and good, but what does this mean, then? <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/www.panimation.tv\/<\/em><\/a><\/h6>\n
Will it work? Will you get more work from it?<\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/queerdesign.club\/<\/em><\/a><\/h6>\n
Getting yourself on a list<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n