Customer Reviews

How to be an Illustrator

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I teach illustration in an art college, and this is a book I recommend to all my students.
Illustrators know they are artists, but often tend to forget that they are small business owners as well. Talent alone won't bring them illustration income.
Until this book was published, I used to recommend How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul, which is still a wonderful book to read for aspiring illustrators, however I am excited that a book specifically written for Illustrators in this topic is finally here. Thank you Darrel.

I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I can smell bs a mile away whether its coming from a person or from the pages of a book. I was pleased that my money was well spent on this book. The author is very honest about what it means to be an illustrator in today's world. He is both realistic and optimistic.

I believe that people can make a living from their art and illustrations, I don't buy the lie that all artists have to be poor, a lot of artists however don't bother to learn about the business end of things. This should be read by students who are considering the arts and by recent graduates. This book is like a good friend guiding you step by step.

I believe knowledge is power and the more informed you are the better that you're off. I think its great that its possible to make a living from art if you go about it the right way. There aren't any guarantees in life but there's no need to be a debbie downer. Its definitely possible and this book will help an artist go into the right direction. This is definitely a keeper.

This book was published in 2008, thus is still relevant in terms of it's description of technology's place in today's illustration marketplace. The book is heavily focused on illustration as it pertains to periodicals such as magazines and newspapers. I believe the information provided can still be translated to other forms of illustration, and the reader will have to keep their mind bent toward their own avenue of illustration to get the most from this book.

In addition, the writer offers little-to-no advice for illustrations created from scratch (via drawing, painting, and other traditional methods); but offers lots of advice on "collages" and/or making illustrations from found images. This is also something to keep in mind when reading the book if you work in more time intensive forms of creation.

The book has VERY good info on portfolio preparation, self promotion, and use (or non-use) of an agent.

Fantastically written with mountains of insightful, first-hand experiences.

I reread chapters in this book often seeing as to how Darrel not only offers great advice but reading the many interviews from successful illustrators working in today's field is indeed refreshing and eye-opening.

Ultimately, this book will be worth your time and money, but most definitely your time.

In short, this is comfortably the soundest advice I've read when it comes to the task facing those of us intending on a career in illustration. 'How to be an illustrator' cuts through the artsy rhetoric and delivers the straight, no nonsense facts in a writing style very much akin to it's direct content while still providing a balance. It provides interviews with established illustrators as well, and these aren't just high profile figures with fancy titles, but illustrators (and art directors) that do what they do every day. Definitely a book for anyone with a hunger for taking informed steps without cutting the romance out of such a pursuit.

Very helpful in giving insight into the general tone and practice of this industry. Well written and full of practical advice, with plenty of personal stories from the author and interviewees. Inspiring/motivating.

Great section on invoicing with customers. There is also good information regarding an online portfolio.

A well written and thoughtfully structured book that offers advice to the new illustrator. This should help young professionals and recent graduates navigate the uncertainties of launching a freelance career.

The book is very practical. Rees shares his own past experience as a collage graduate looking for a job and his current experience as an art director hiring new people. The book also includes interviews with other illustrators/art directors. It talks about things I have not found in other business oriented books for graphic designers and illustrators. I find this book extremely helpful.

I think the book gives a good overview of what becoming an illustrator involves. It's very informative.