How to Reach Out to Prospective Clients Members  

Having a strong online portfolio is great, but the next big step is making sure that potential commissioners actually see it! As a freelance illustrator, at all stages of your career, it?s vital that you connect with prospective clients to promote your services and bring in work. Self-promotion comes in many forms but there is one simple tried, and tested method that you shouldn?t underestimate ? sending an introductory email.

Reaching out to prospective clients and constructing the perfect email can feel daunting, especially when you feel like you?re being a nuisance or taking up a commissioner?s limited time. Although commissioners are often busy, they love hearing from creative talent regularly, as it offers them fresh creative inspiration straight to their inbox.

When it comes down to an introductory email to prospective clients, Illustrators often overthink it, but this doesn?t need to be overly complicated or stressful. Like most things, the simpler the approach, the better the result.

Who to Contact?

We advise that you direct your emails to specific people rather than generic client email addresses (info@, hello@ etc.). This is more personable and likely to lead to a response as individuals will monitor their own inboxes far more regularly than group emails.

Another top tip is to use company websites ?About? sections and platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to research who potential commissioners are and where they work.  Make sure you are reaching out to the most appropriate person for your specific enquiry. In particular, be sure to email people in the right roles.

Keep an eye out for people who will be commissioning Illustration: Art Directors, Art Buyers, Producers, Creative Directors, Commissioning Editors etc.  It could also be good to try reaching out to junior or midweight team members as more senior staff may be busy. Keep your approach varied and see what works best for you and the industries you want to work in.

What to Include