Update 3

I've been feeling so overwhelmed lately. Building a portfolio, researching, promoting, and working on projects is ALOT to do. I feel like I don't have enough time to do all of it, and no matter how much I work, I feel like it's not enough. Info on the internet is endless. There is so much out there, a day of researching goes so fast. It's been a real challenge to balance all the different things to do. I think it will get better once the ball gets rolling.

I started getting some response cards back from the mailers I sent out to magazines last month. I included a postcard in the packs with responses that the art director can check off, like if my work had been filed or if it wasn't a good fit. One postcard reply was that my work was "too young". It's a bit disappointing, but at least I know how I can expand my portfolio to work with that magazine.

I'm continuing to grow my list of mailers to send out. I've been spending a lot of time at the book store looking through children's books. I had no idea there were so many publishers. Another way I've been finding them is to browse on book websites like barnes and noble. They have the publishers info in the book description, so that has been helpful in finding new publishers as well. Some of the other helpful informational and free promotional sites I found were jacketflap, coroflot, http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com. For portfolio sites that require payment, I've been considering which ones I want to post on. Currently picture-book.com and childrensillustrators.com are at the top of my list. I think I will save those for later, after my mailing list has been exhausted.

I'm also considering an agent for children's illustrations and for print design. Not really sure how to go about this one. Do artists use one agent for both fields?? It looks like this will require more researching...I would love to hear your thoughts or any advices!