What Is Comp Shopping? And Why Is It Important?
Published on 29/04/2024
What Is Comp Shopping? And Why Is It Important?
Teacher: Bhavisha Patel, creative director at Advocate Art
One of the best ways to keep up to date and in the know in the industry is to go comp shopping…
So what is comp shopping? Comp shopping is simply scoping out the competition in the real world. It’s the exercise agents and freelance artists undertake when they want to be well-informed about what’s selling in the market and figure out the career direction they want to go in or guide artists towards.
The beauty of comp shopping is that you can do it anywhere: bookstores, greeting card shops, supermarkets, homeware stores, fashion companies, etc. Inspiration is to be found everywhere, from trending colour palettes to popular subject motifs.
There is a direct correlation between dedicating time to comp shopping and acquiring new jobs. By understanding what publishers are putting out in the consumer market and what sells well, you can begin to see their main focuses and what they look for in terms of artistic styles.
We believe that this is a helpful exercise for artists and agents alike, as it’s a great way to filter the saturated markets and find out where you are best placed. Comp shopping also gives helpful insights into how to develop a portfolio further by highlighting pieces that may be missing in a portfolio alongside inspiring new pieces. It’s the secret technique that could lead to attracting a client and securing you a dream project! So, venture out of your creative hub and start to take in your surroundings to help inspire new pieces.
For more free tips for how to improve your creative skills, subscribe to our ITSme Learning Newsletter! Or take a look at our courses here.
Other News
Secrets from the Talent Scouts
Featured illustration by Maria Teresa Palladino. Submitting your work to an illustration agency can feel daunting, especially when you are unsure what happens once you press send. After reviewing a large number of applications, we have gathered a few simple tips to help your submission feel thoughtful, personal and memorable Make it Personal We love…
What Do Agents Look For? Insights From Three Recent Signings
Finding the right agency for you goes far beyond simply being signed. It’s about finding a place where your work can grow, where you can collaborate with great clients on projects that truly resonate with you, and where you can build a sustainable income out of what you love. At ITSme, we help illustrators find…
How to Build an Illustration Portfolio Without Client Work
“I don’t have any client work, what do I even put in my portfolio?” This is one of the more common worries we hear from illustrators who are new to developing their portfolios, but we want to encourage you to reframe this question: Having no client work isn’t a weakness, try to view this as…
Are There Snakes in Your Folio? How to Spot Them Before an Art Buyer Does
What to include in an illustrator portfolio and how to spot snakes! (In the children’s publishing and decorative market) Art directors scan agency portfolios and websites rapidly. They are mentally processing the acquisitions list they’re looking to fulfil, remembering what the rights team said sells well in a particular market, and giving serious artistic consideration…
How to Get Your Illustration Work Seen
Are you an illustrator looking for open calls and opportunities? The work is out there, and you are not invisible, although sometimes in such a competitive environment, we understand it is natural to worry that you are going unseen. The fact is, you just need to know where to look and how to show up…
Why Graphic Novels Are Booming – and Why Now Is the Time to Get Them Into Your Portfolio
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” aesthetic has exploded into a dynamic, expressive medium that spans every style and genre…
