Meeting the deadlines, pacifying the clients and social networking is not all about the agency’s routine. We spend much time scrutinizing portfolios, answering the wannabes’ letters and taking efforts to possess ourselves while doing the first two things. It seems like we’ve got used to almost everything, having worked so long in the sphere. Yet the thought “What the hell is that?” still comes to us regularly. How do some people manage to be so active in taking other ones’ time and energy and at the same time so neglectful about his or her own skills and self-presentation?

Illustration by Alexander Dragin

And that isn't just about illustrations, we have to deal with the people whose qualification leaves much to be desired on a regular basis. And all of them tend to be quite stuck-up. We have to face the lack of skills of those who make movies, advertising, textbooks and buildings, as well as the ones who take political initiatives. As if there had been no other candidates at the very start of the work.

Thinking of that situation, we came across the Dunning–Kruger effect, which seems to set the record straight. The thing is that people who don’t have enough knowledge, tend to overrate their abilities. On the contrary, the skilled ones don’t think of themselves as someone worthy of notice. As a result, most of the people who do take jobs opportunities are quite pushing, but often talentless. At the same time someone gifted could spend a life polishing the portfolio and comparing it to an unattainable ideal.

Please, don’t. Here’s our call for cooperation. We need capable guys, looking for diamonds in the rough everywhere. And most of the people at design agencies are eager to help newcomers evolve and serve the time. No one wants to destroy your self-esteem. Many of the illustrators we work with now has sent us their portfolio more than once, and there’s nothing special about that. Another thing is, that it’s better to read the requirements before sending it. And, naturally, take some time studying the works of those who work in the same technique. Don’t ingulf agencies with emails. Practice, stagger along, look at your works with a critical eye. If they are perfect, chances are you are too cool for Bang! Bang! If not, and you practice a lot, but doubt your talent — send the pictures to us. We’ll sort them out.