Could anyone recommend a good book for an illustrator just starting out please?

I've been looking at Darrel Rees how to be an illustrator or Derek Brazell becoming a successful illustrator

Replies9

  • I don’t have any books to share (sorry) but my instant reaction when I saw this question was ‘this book needs to exist’... maybe you’re the person to make it?

    There are a few graphic design books that do a similar job, typically interviewing lots of other creatives with great advice emerging from between the lines... Here are a few titles that might serve as inspiration:

    https://www.uniteditions.com/blogs/news/studio-culture-interviews
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/uniteditions/studio-culture-now
    https://www.laurenceking.com/us/product/so-you-want-to-publish-a-magazine/
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-be-Graphic-Designer-2nd/dp/1856697096

    Good luck!
  • Hello Jessica.

    Make Your Own Luck by Kate Moross
    https://prestelpublishing.randomhouse.de/paperback/Make-Your-Own-Luck/Kate-Moross/Prestel-com/e447414.rhd

    I hope this helps :)

    All the best,

    Sarah
  • Maybe check out the association of illustration website? They have a great publication called a guide to law and business practice, and they good resources on their website too :)
  • As Stefan says below, it depends what kind of illustration - but one book that is a classic and good to have as a reference (plus the range of illustration styles contained is just awesome) : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rendering-Pen-Ink-Techniques-Illustrators/dp/0823045293

    Quite aside from the technical exercises, it is just great to look through for inspiration as well, and one I would always recommend illustrators to have!
  • The two vital ones, aoi guide to licensing and how to be an illustrator (2nd edition). All amazingly useful guides!
  • @Raafaye Ali Thank you! I was considering each of those so glad you've recommended them!
  • @Stefan Vogtländer That looks really interesting and useful thank you!!
  • hey,

    always depends on what kind of illustration style but in general i would have a look into this one here: "Felix Scheinberger
    100 Ways to Draw a Bird and Make a Living from Illustration", he also has other tutorial books. For inspiration i would have a look for the naive series from gestalten publishers. Good luck!
  • Becoming a Successful Illustrator, Author: Derek Brazell, Jo Davies
    published around 2017 i think

    How To Be An Illustrator, Author: Darrel Rees but this was published back in 2014

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