一開始這工作不簡單，我覺得技巧好的都可以列入考慮。做了一陣子之後，眼睛養刁了，慢慢的有了標準，那就是看他們的"真功夫" 。
一個能夠走的長遠的插畫師一定要能畫。這聽起來好像很理所當然，事實不然。對於插畫師來說，繪畫(drawing)應該是一種幫助思考的過程。 不管你最終是用那種媒材呈現最終的作品，基本的畫工是不能取代的根本。沒有繪畫基礎的插畫師最終會隨著潮流的結束而逝去。（這個概念我很難用中文解釋清楚⋯ 台灣大家普遍熟悉的插畫有太多是跟漫畫的概念重疊，格局很小，大多以聰明取勝，也不需要太多畫工。這要談起來又是一整篇的內容。）
一個好的插畫師要能透過畫面說故事，或是解決視覺上的問題。插畫本身並不只是漂亮好看，更要能與觀眾做稍微深度的溝通，讓插畫師本身能與讀者在精神層面上交換意見。反過來說，在看報章雜誌的插畫多瞄兩眼，體會一下插畫師的智慧。
一般來說，我們喜歡什麼案子都能接的插畫師。(有些插畫師的風格只適合報章雜誌，有些只適合書籍封面，有些非常商業只能用在廣告看板。還有些人專做授權藝術，這不包含在我的討論範圍內。）我們希望能簽下的藝術家是可以用他自己的繪畫風格及思維去詮釋各種可能的題材、解決問題。他們不刻意侷限自己在一個市場裡。這用唱歌來比喻比較清楚。唱將級的歌星可以演繹大部分的歌曲，不管是不是他的類型，他可以用他的詮釋唱出自己的感情跟味道。但是較小眾的表演者就只能選擇他們熟悉的歌路。
風格的適用性是另一件值得思考的事。就算擁有了所有該有的功力跟品質，有些插畫師的風格就是不容易被大家接受。就算他們的能力再好、作品再有深度，還是無法說服客人買帳。很不幸的是，總有需要取悅客戶的時候。
總的來說，我們喜歡有功力、有特色，而且能夠品質穩定的插畫師。品質穩定的作品集代表這個插畫師風格已經成熟、有一定的創作思路、而且完全不會有困難重複運用這樣的思路及技巧解決下一個問題。這樣的插畫師才是準備好面對市場的一群。
最後一點我想提的是美感，這是給整個團隊一個的「樣子」的靈魂。我們也許不是最賺錢、或著說最商業的團隊，但是我們可以驕傲的說自己以代表旗下的插畫師為榮。賺錢當然重要，但是有質感與品味也是很重要的堅持。
We get artist submissions in the office everyday, and I get all kind of information from the social media platform as well. Usually only 1/150 people will really have my attention. It wasn't that easy from the beginning. Back then, I was more into the technique territory. After a while, I grew to learn to have some standards / preferences, which happened to be the same with my boss, CRAFTSMANSHIP. That's the main thing I kept in mind when I look at people's portfolios.
A long-lasting illustrator usually knows how to draw. Drawing is a process of thinking. No matter what kind of art you do, there is no way you can skip the thinking process and become a successful illustrator, even you are a graphic or concept-oriented artist. To me, without drawing skills, most of the artists will eventually fade away with whatever trend they are in.
A good illustrator know how to deliver stories through the work or to solve a specific visual problem. Illustrations are not pretty pictures. To me, they are meant to communicate with audience in a intellectual way. If the image fails to tell a story, then it's just a pretty picture.
Also, we like those artists who can do everything. We do have some specialists in the group, but most of the artists can do all kinds of assignments. They are smart with visual solutions and they are capable of doing any kind of jobs in their own style. They don't limit themselves to a certain market on purpose.
Applicability is another thing to think about. Even with all the qualities we admire, some artists are just not easy to sell. Their style is so unique and their images are so profound, but it's just really hard to sell to the clients. Unfortunately in this advertising-driven world, we have to please certain decision-making people.
We love quality art with a consistent unique style. A consistent portfolio shows that the illustrator has developed a working and thinking process over time and has no problem repeating the process when the next assignment comes. That means the illustrator is totally ready for this business.
The last point I would like to mention is aesthetics. That's what gives our group a look. We are not the most money-making group, but we are really proud of every single artist that we represent. Money is important, but the taste of quality is equally important.
Also, we like those artists who can do everything. We do have some specialists in the group, but most of the artists can do all kinds of assignments. They are smart with visual solutions and they are capable of doing any kind of jobs in their own style. They don't limit themselves to a certain market on purpose.
Applicability is another thing to think about. Even with all the qualities we admire, some artists are just not easy to sell. Their style is so unique and their images are so profound, but it's just really hard to sell to the clients. Unfortunately in this advertising-driven world, we have to please certain decision-making people.
We love quality art with a consistent unique style. A consistent portfolio shows that the illustrator has developed a working and thinking process over time and has no problem repeating the process when the next assignment comes. That means the illustrator is totally ready for this business.
The last point I would like to mention is aesthetics. That's what gives our group a look. We are not the most money-making group, but we are really proud of every single artist that we represent. Money is important, but the taste of quality is equally important.
