Pitching Your Portfolio: What Art Directors Really Want with Mina Chung

Pitching Your Portfolio: What Art Directors Really Want

with Mina Chung

There is no such thing as a "perfect portfolio," but Mina gave us tips on how to make a stronger and more attractive portfolio. 

As you build your portfolio, consider that there is an imprint for every creator, so do your research. Take note of names, publishers, etc. Do what you love—going into bookstores! See what is being made, what you connect to and read the fine print. Find the Art Directors who made it. 

"Feature Work that You Want to Create"

Focus on your specific area. "Don't get sucked into a box you don't want to be in." You might have old pieces that you like but aren't a good representation of your voice anymore. "Know when to let go." Too many styles can be a disadvantage. 

Editing and curating should be exercised. In choosing your 10-12 pieces, don't just choose your favorites, cater to your genre whether it be picture books, middle grade, graphic novel, novelty, etc

"You'll be judge on your weakest piece." Pieces that are not up to the level of your best pieces shouldn't be included. "Less is more." 

Create compositions that tell clear narratives; strong visual storytelling is needed for children's literature. Create from experience. Put characters in an environment, and make each one tell a story.

"Create for Your Target Audience" 

"Find out who will be buying your books and find books that are geared toward that audience." Envision your book in the world,  and find comp titles. Remember "publishing is a business" Consider— who's the audience for this book? 

"Work on Your Own Stories"

Create your own work. Post your process. Draw characters. Put them in scenarios. Sometimes these characters develop into stories. But make work of your own. Sometimes book projects come out of these personal projects. 

"Children Featured Should Be Very Young for Picture Books"

Know what age range works for your targeted audience. When you are self-assessing, take a beat and look at the children you are drawing. Make sure they are the right portions, age, etc. Depending on what the story is and who it's for, the age of the child should reflect the story. 

"Evolution of a Picture Book Character"

Based on the vision, mass appeal, and consistency sake, development of the character can go through an evolution. Be mindful of limb sizes, head sizes, scale, etc. Scale studies/ character model sheets can help with the development, so you can see how they compare to one another, in service of the story that is being told. 

It was a very informative breakout session! I couldn't write fast enough! 

Can't make it to the In-Person Winter Conference in New York City, join us online at the Virtual

Winter Conference featuring inspirational talks, industry panels and deep-dive Creative Labs,

taking place in February of 2026. Videos of all sessions are available to watch for

approximately 30 days after the event.

Mina Chung (Art Director) is a New York born and bred designer and crafter, and like a true new yorker, complains about the weather four seasons long. She  got her start designing children's books at Sterling Publishing, then spent over a decade developing her craft and love for picture books at Dial Books/Penguin Random House. Mina joined the stellar team at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group in 2021 and is now the art director for their children’s book imprints: Baltzer+Brey, Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, Feiwel & Friends, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, and Roaring Brook Press.

www.mina-chung.com/