Commercial Illustration with Matt Saunders

Matt Saunders (https://www.mattsaunders.ink) creates visually unique images that solve visual problems for clients ranging from tech companies to Broadway.

Matt has worked with Apple, Disney, Pottermore, Airbnb, Penguin and Harper Collins, to name but a few of his clients across the publishing, design and advertising worlds.

In this talk and live podcast he shares the journey that enabled him to reach this point in his career at a young age, sharing insights he has learned from working within the industry that you can apply to your creative practice.

Here are a few key takeaways:

Your first portfolio might not be great, but do what you can with it and keep adding to it.

Getting an agent doesn’t mean you’ve made it, it means you’re starting to work. Travel up and down the country and take anything you can.

Do lots of different things, you don’t know which is gonna work out.

Don’t be a dick to anyone! Someone Matt went to uni with ended up hiring him.

Free work can be a magic bean that grows into huge things, but vet your opportunities carefully.

People commission you based off what they see. Put plenty in your portfolio.

Always self edit. Make yourself rules.

Try and fit personal things into your work. Draw what you love. Respond to your environment. Stuck in a small space without windows? Draw windows and big outdoor spaces.

Constantly be collecting ammo. Collect material and put it into your work, then put it out there. People can only respond to work you put out.

Freelancing is about longevity, it's a long game. Make it enjoyable!