Great BritainHow do I get my portfolio seen?
Research the magazines as much as possible. Take note of the lighting and composition they prefer. Look on line for back issues and see what has been done. Come up with an idea or technique that improves upon something they have done in the past. Find a car or bike and create your own assignment and shoot it as if it came from the magazine. After you have done your preparations, send them a few samples in the mail - disc or prints. Now follow up with an e-mail, phone call. Ask to stop by and meet with them. Do not take rejection personally. If they say they are not interested, politely ask them why and for some constructive criticism. If they say we will keep you on file - don't stop! Keep the samples shots and e-mails flowing. If they offer you an assignment, take five minutes to pat yourself on the back and then do as much preparation for the shoot as humanly possible. Good Luck!
I'll agree with almost everything Jim Greipp suggested. I disagree, however, with the suggestion to send a disk of images; send printed samples and not disks. The people you're trying to entice won't want to take the time or risk of putting a disk from a complete stranger into their disk drive.
There are also email services that have vast databases of ad agencies, PR firms, design groups, magazines, etc. You could sign up with one of them, have them help you design an email campaign (or design one yourself), and create an email list from their database (and from your own). They will then send your emails. Their system circumvents most spam filters and you get feedback on who opened your emails and who clicked through to your web site. Of course, you need to do your own followup which can include downloading their list for printing your own snail mail labels for sending followup printed materials.
Hi,
I am quite keen to get my portfolio in front of the art editors of a couple of custom car and bike magazines. I'm hoping this will lead on to those magazines offering me the odd commission and maybe some commercial assignments off of the back of that.
Can you tell me the best approach?
Cheers
JP