Themes to Include in Your Illustration Portfolio Part 2
Published on 13/07/2023
Illustrations by Astound US Inc. illustrators Camilla Frescura and Yeena Mariana, and Illo Agency illustrator Ana Salopek
Themes to Include in Your Illustration Portfolio Part 2
Teacher: ITSme Society
Books are one of the most accessible forms of escapism. And you have the power to help readers explore a range of worlds with your illustrations. In this series we will explore the many themes publishers may be searching for when looking for illustrators. If you already have a theme you’re passionate about, play to your interests. Remember that illustrators often get work because they are simply good at illustrating a certain genre.
Themes are not just ideas for settings, but subject matter as well. A subject matter theme to consider is science! A lot of children are naturally curious, and that makes science really fun. Science is about figuring out how the world around us works; exploring and testing new ideas. There are a lot of iconic science imagery such as lab coats, beakes, and test tubes. These can be a great place to start, but science as a theme offers so much more.
Illustration by Astound US Inc. illustrator Elena Bia
One of our favorite memories of school was switching on the Bunsen Burners! Watching bubbles broth in petri dishes and noting down our findings on the blackboard. Biology, chemistry and physics are home to the most fascinating discoveries. We want to encourage young people to develop an interest in these areas, after all any reader could grow up to be the latest prodigy in new scientific discoveries, so why not add science to your portfolio and credit yourself as the catalyst in inspiring the next young Einstein’s journey?! This could be a great chance to explore the more intricate details of nature; how can you draw the process of photosynthesis or how flowers get pollinated by nature. What details can you see inside the macro lens of a microscope? So, pop a lab coat and goggles on your character and don’t be afraid to doodle your favorite, mad-scientist hairdo when the experiment goes wrong!
For more free tips for how to improve your illustration portfolio, subscribe to our ITSme Learning Newsletter!
Other News
Why Every Illustrator Portfolio Needs a Stand-Out Character (Yes, Even Yours)
When you’re thinking about our favourite stories as a child, we often think about the narrative, the themes, perhaps a particular quote that stood out, but the most memorable elements are always the characters. The reason the characters always stay in our minds is because they are the gateway to the narrative, and all of…
Trend Watch: YA Illustrated Covers
Over the past few years, illustrated covers have become a defining visual language in the Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) book market. And no, this isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a design evolution powered by the viral force of #BookTok, #bookgirlies, and a growing appetite for genre-fluid storytelling. Hear what’s driving the…
Trend Watch: The Graphic Novel Boom
Every week we’ll be featuring a new article over on LinkedIn, in our new trend watch series! Graphic novels are having a moment—and it’s no passing trend. From classrooms to bestseller lists, graphic novels are dominating shelves and reading time across all ages. What was once seen as a niche format with a distinct, heavy-lined “comic book”…
Bologna 2025: A Week of Connection
By: Vicky Patoulioti, Talent Source Manager, ITSme This year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair was one to remember. From early mornings to late evenings, our team Vicky, Bhavi, Ed, and Emily — were on the ground offering free portfolio reviews to artists from all over the world. Mornings kicked off with pre-scheduled reviews, while in the…
How to Beat AI and Catch the Client’s Eye
Illustration by Camipepe By: Edward Burns, CEO, ITSme As AI art tools become more sophisticated, it becomes more important to emphasize our value and status as authentic human artists. Crafting a great bio and portfolio is an excellent way to make an immediate impact. They should allow the client to get to know you in…
Be A Pro at Curating Your Portfolio!
You asked, and we listened! Be A Pro at Curating Your Portfolio; our new course is here! Learn all the secrets to crafting a standout portfolio with 4 Hours of Expert-Led Content! One of the biggest challenges you face in your illustration career is presenting your work in a way that catches the eye of…