Which part of the Illustration industry helps an aspiring artist build a great portfolio?

Question

I'm currently in one of my final years of my art program, and very soon, co-operative placement is just around the corner. I am told to think of areas of the Illustration industry in which I should consider as my co-op placement. I'm thinking a place that helps create my professional portfolio by the time I graduate. I heard making children books are one, and so are editorials... but I'm just not sure. Does any one here (who's a professional) know of a strategy, or a recommendation as to how I go about all this? All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I know two freelancers who got their portfolios filled by doing spot illustrations for magazines, and magazine covers. There's a LOT of work out there for the independents--you can find tons of places to submit to by getting hold of the Artist Market 2008 book.

Answer 2

First, all the best in whatever area of illustration you choose to work in.
I have been doing children's books for about 17 years, because I love it. For my daily bread, I have also worked for
ad agencies - illustration for brochures, ads, and all kinds of promotional stuff.
film producers - storyboards, static pictures that were shot, or for animation.
animation - storyboards, textures, backgrounds
industrial manuals - cartoons, mostly and bar charts and other boring diagrams.
direct clients - posters, web sites
Greeting Cards - all kinds of styles of illustration

Questions to help your strategy:
What kind of illustration style do you do best? Industrial, funny, realistic?
Where do you want to be?
Who do you think will enjoy your pix best?