Scott Hull believes illustration is dead—as we know it, at least. Illustrators, in the traditional sense, are facing an era of change where the bottom line forces a lot of companies to use more cost-effective media for commercial art. As Hull sees it, we're living in a period where time crunches and tight wallets strong-arm creative concepts. This approach lends itself to a milquetoast breed of ads spawned by creative directors adjusting concepts to match a cost-effective stock image. This is where Scott Hull, Visual Ambassador, starts his workday.
His company, Scott Hull and Associates (SHA), is more of a Justice League of illustrators. Their work ranges from David Reinbold's work for Marc Ecko urban apparel, to Mark Riedy's work for the Cincinnati Reds. And illustration is working. Some of Hull's re-branding campaigns have seen sales increases in the 20-35 percent range. Not bad at all. Hull firmly believes that art must communicate directly with the customer. In a day of GIF's and naggy pop-ups, Hull sees Illustration as a breath of fresh air—a medium that may have more power than ever before.
Hull has another thing going for him beyond some of the best artists in the game—he's really, really nice. And down to earth. And honest. And those are principles he strives to live by. He expects all the artists in SHA to deal with clientele the same way. There might be room for nice guys in the "industry" after all. As a self-proclaimed Visual Ambassador, Hull wants to leave a legacy. He wants to extend his success beyond making a few bucks, but he's dedicated to helping people along the way.
"Become a mentor," says Hull. "Also, find a mentor. Find a mentor that's at least ten years older than you. Twenty, if possible. Get a mentor that's in your peer group too. Keep frequent contact with all of them. Take the opportunity to help someone whenever possible."
Part of Scott's own mentoring program is preparing students for life after school. Much of his advice is based on the metaphor of the longevity of healthy fruit trees. Hull relates that fruit trees take time and care to mature, but yield generations of great fruit. Here are a few of his tips:
• Be a gardener. • Plant seeds. • Tend the garden by calling people (creative directors, Principals of agencies). • Learn how to close the deal. • Harvest by going to interviews and making new contacts—always network. • Don't fear failure. "Failure seldom stops you, what stops you is the fear of failure." • Keep up to date with the firms/agencies that interest you. Know their people and know their work. • You're creative, so why does your resume look like an accountant's? Use your blog, or Facebook page as your resume. Create online teasers for your book to show your leadership. Firms want leaders. • Brand yourself. Know your color scheme, fonts, and overall look. • Keep regular notes on personal progress (journal, blog, whatever). • Set goals.
When I asked Scott about his success, he answered, "It depends on what you define as success. You may not get rich as an artist, but you'll sure gain a lot of friends. That in itself is success…Earn much. Consume little. Hoard nothing. Give Generously. Celebrate life."
Wise words to live by from a one of the nicest guys in the biz.
Portfolio Center students share a strong desire to communicate ideas, the willingness to let go of preconceived notions, and the compulsion to learn new ways of thinking. These qualities are fostered by the school’s constant stream of industry bigwigs, who bring their varied and colorful perspectives from all over the country. These creatives, who are always generous with their time and energy, tend to hang out with students, conducting informal workshops and continuing the day’s discussions over dinner. Often, what results are provocative interviews—written, shot, and designed by PC students.
