Illustration portfolio examples
Art directors look at an illustration portfolio for one thing first, a consistent voice they can commission with confidence. Then they look for proof that you can apply it to their kind of job.
Illustration portfolios, 9 ways.
Layouts made for illustration, each shown with a full portfolio of work. Open one and click around; every one is a live site.
-
For illustration
Drawings pinned to warm paper.
-
Pulp
For illustration, comics
Bold panels, thick gutters and loud colour.
-
For painting, fine art
Your work hung on a gallery wall.
-
Margin
For illustration, editorial
Warm graph paper and an editorial rhythm of large and small works.
-
Grid
For any discipline
The classic. Even thumbnails, numbered captions, nothing in the way.
-
Tiles
For illustration, pattern, print
Big square tiles in three columns, with room to breathe.
-
Board
For illustration, design, photography
Works laid out as sheets on a calm grid, with clear sans-serif captions.
-
Drift
For mixed media, illustration, design
A composed, loosely scattered layout that still reads in order.
-
Caption
For painting, sculpture, fine art
Each piece large, with its title, medium and size set beside it.
How to make a good illustration portfolio.
Five things the best ones have in common, whichever platform you build on. More on our illustration portfolio website builder.
(01) Show one style, consistently
If you work in several, lead with the one you want to be hired for and keep the others in their own collections.
(02) Show work in context
A cover, a spread, a poster on a wall or a packaging mockup shows that you can deliver for a real brief.
(03) Sort by the markets you work in
Editorial, publishing, children's books, advertising. An art director should find their kind of job within one click.
(04) Keep sketchbooks and process in their own place
They show how you think and are often what people remember, but they shouldn't crowd the finished work.
(05) List clients and representation
Past clients, your agent if you have one, and a clear way to get in touch or ask about availability.
Photographing physical work? Read how to photograph your artwork with a phone.
Free for up to 12 works. Every theme included.
About illustration portfolios
How do I make an illustration portfolio?
Choose 15 to 25 pieces in one consistent style, the one you want to be hired for. Show several in context - a cover, a spread, a poster - group work by market, and add your clients and a contact link.
What do art directors look for in an illustration portfolio?
A consistent voice they can commission with confidence, evidence that you can work to a brief, and work similar to the job they have in mind. They usually decide in less than a minute, so lead with your strongest pieces.
Should I show more than one style?
Only if each is strong and you want work in each. Keep them in separate collections so an art director can see one coherent body of work at a time. If one style gets you most of your work, lead with it.
Should I include sketches in my illustration portfolio?
A few, in their own place. Sketchbooks show how you think and are often what people remember, but they shouldn't sit between finished commissions.
How often should I update my illustration portfolio?
Every few months, and whenever you finish a piece you're proud of. Remove older work that no longer represents your style, so your portfolio shows where you are now.