Question : Do publishers really look at unsolicited (illustration) samples? Or do they have interns to do it?

Answer : YES, publishers and art directors really do look at unsolicited illustration samples! When I worked as Art Director for Northern Cards, I used to receive samples and sketched ideas via email, snail mail, and even fax. Was fun seeing all the new artwork and styles cross my desk! Many artists would work on spec (not at my request!) and send finished artwork samples, but we often purchased designs from artists who sent their ideas as black and white mock-ups. I would review the artwork… at a glance I’d have a good idea whether the style, caliber, and subject matter of the work would suit our product lines. Sometimes the timing of the samples would just be off (i.e. receiving Easter submissions when we’re looking for Christmas…), but we’d keep files of the artists samples to call on when it would suit.

Larger design firms may have interns sort through digital and printed samples, or even source illustrators via the internet or source books. As long as you are actively marketing your illustrations and keeping your work landing on their desk you’ve got a better chance of being remembered for a suitable project.