Industry Structure

DESIGN HOUSES
A design house is a company that employs individual illustrators and graphic designers to work on briefs from clients in the design house and externally. The employees are to work within their 'house style'.
Case study: 'I love dust' http://ilovedust.com/

FREELANCE
A freelancer is a person who works for themselves - is self-employed. They must work from a legal structure. Unlike a design house, they must secure commissioned work themselves. They can be represented by an agency who will sell their work for them and will take a percentage of their earnings.
Case study: - 'Ed Grace' http://www.edgrace.co.uk/

NETWORKS
Building a network has been made much easier with online social networking sites like behance and Facebook.

• Building a network
• Support your market
• Introduce to new markets
• Expanding opportunities
• Creative CV's

COLLABORATION

• Building a network
• Support your market
• Introduce to new markets
• Expanding opportunities

EXHIBITIONS

• Selling artwork
• Originals
• Limited editions
• Site specific
• Installations
• Self initiated 
• Commissioned

COMETITIONS

• National and International recognition
• Opens up possibilities
• Exposure to a wider audience
• Work is often exhibited or published
• Potential prize money

Agencies

Illustrators are represented by an agency or work in house.
If you work for an agency you work within the house style. If you are freelance or represented by an agency, you are employed for your individual illustration style.

Agencies work on behalf of illustrators. They find the illustrator new clients, help promote the illustrator, develop their portfolios and give the illustrator feedback on their work.

Where do you see yourself?
I would like to be represented by an agency and eventually become freelance. I think that being a part of an agency is important for me as an illustrator to help me understand which area of illustration I would like to go into the most. An agency would also help me make contacts which could benefit me later on if I become freelance. I would even like to consider starting my own illustration agency eventually. However, I don't want to limit myself to one area of illustration style;  I want to leave the door open for many job opportunities and set myself apart from others.

How do you want yourself to be represented?

I'm not sure how I would like to be represented just yet. I think I need more information on the pros and cons of being apart of an agency before I decide.
I'd like to learn more about the cuts they take out of your profit and how much work on average you would get.

How do you want to be perceived by the market?

I want my illustrations to be recognisable by the style so I am probably most suited to freelance work rather than working for a design house.

How do you want to win commissions?
I'm not entirely sure yet.