Why should you show diversity in your illustration portfolio, and how can you do it?
One of the incredible things about illustration is that it can shape how people see the world. An illustration portfolio which includes a wide range of diversity in terms of race, body types, ages, disabilities, family structures, gender expression and so on not only demonstrates technical skill, but so much more than that.
Art from our FREE Black art history course, Redrawing Black History, by Make Art That Sells students (l-r) Cory Phillips, Ali Parks and Anne Bollman.
Real life is diverse. Being able to show a variety of people in your artwork shows your awareness of the real world. People connect more deeply with your art when they can recognize themselves, their families and their experiences. Being able to see themselves in the worlds you draw creates emotional connection and trust. Representation matters!
It’s also important for us to see people who are different from ourselves: it makes our lives richer, and it grows tolerance and compassion.
Art from our FREE Black art history course, Redrawing Black History, by Make Art That Sells students (l-r) Irene Chan and Claudia Marianno.
Not only that, but being inclusive in your art-making communicates empathy. Being able to show different body types, skin tones, mobility aids, cultural features, hairstyles, religions, ages, family dynamics and more demonstrates your observation skills, care, and humanity.
Plus it expands storytelling possibilities Different lived experiences create richer visual storytelling. Diverse characters make worlds feel more believable and emotionally layered.
Finally, many clients are actively looking for inclusive artists who can depict diverse communities authentically and respectfully.
Picture books from Lilla’s collection. Rainbow Revolutionaries (top right) was agented by Lilla Rogers Studio. Diversity is something which art directors and agents increasingly look for in your illustration portfolio.
Q. How can I include more diversity in my illustration portfolio?
Here are some things you can include in your artwork:
- A variety of skin tones, even within the same family
- Different body shapes, without making them the “point”
- Disabled people living full lives, not just inspirational narratives
- Different family structures depicted casually and authentically
Sign up for our FREE Black art history course, Redrawing Black History, today!
Redrawing Black History is a visually rich, fascinating course. Sign up for FREE now.
Led by brilliant illustrator and educator Tamisha Anthony with top art agent Lilla Rogers, Redrawing Black History is a fascinating and visually rich online course that covers four iconic eras in Black American history.
It’s self-paced, which means you can dive in whenever you want and complete it at a pace to suit you, and will help you broaden and strengthen your illustration portfolio while learning more about some less well-known but incredibly important areas of American history.
Gorgeous art from our FREE Black art history course, Redrawing Black History, by Make Art That Sells students (l-r) Kim Malek, Kristiina Almy and Ruth Burrows.
Tamisha makes this course so joyful and engaging – it’s a wonderful opportunity both to learn from her and to increase the diversity in your portfolio.
Tamisha told us: “Redrawing Black History is a great way to get a snapshot of Black history, to see the creativity and resilience of African Americans, their incredible artistry in creating something out of nothing, and how they always endured despite their struggles. They found a way to connect and find joy and love and celebration in the most ugly of times, and I think that’s amazing.”
Meet your teacher, Tamisha Anthony! Tamisha is a warm and engaging educator and a busy picture book illustrator and author.
Lilla added: “This course is a celebration of Black American history, that acknowledges the struggles of the past, but also showcases the beauty. When I was an art agent, diversity in an artist’s portfolio was one of the things that I looked for. I promise you that you’ll be inspired by Tamisha!”
Explore some iconic eras of Black American history and make some beautiful art for your portfolio like this – sign up for Redrawing Black History today. It is, and will always be, completely FREE. Get it here.
Art from our FREE Black art history course, Redrawing Black History, by Make Art That Sells students (l-r) Sheila Keegan, Kay Wolfersperger and Jemma Jamie Skidmore.
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
