10 Best Resources for Aspiring Illustrators

I'm often asked to recommend books on becoming a professional illustrator. Below are my 10 best resources for aspiring illustrators. Knowledge is power, however applying the knowledge creates a professional. The list includes drawing books and business guides I consistently use as an illustrator.

1. The Book of a Hundred Hands (Dover Anatomy for Artists), George B. Bridgeman
2. Dynamic Figure Drawing, Bume Hogarth
3. The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action Analysis, Caricature (Dover Art Instruction), Ken Hultgren
4. Animation (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series), Walt Disney Company
5. Cartoon Animation (Collector's Series), Preston Blair
6. Anatomy for the Artist, Jeno Barcsay
7. Best Sketchbook, Use at least one sketchbook to practice the books listed above.
8. How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books and Get Them Published, Bicknell and Trotman
9. Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines, Graphic Artist Guild
10. Your Perfect Home-Based Studio: A Guide for Designers and Other Creative Professionals, Poppy Evans

Mark Wayne Adams

Award-winning publisher of Nicholas, that's Ridiculous! A Story About Being a Boy

Best Holiday Gift for Artists!

Consider the Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines this holiday season for the artist on your list. Illustration is a broad term covering line art to oil paintings. I've used this book for over eight years as a business resource. Pricing projects and creating contracts has been profitable using industry standards found within the handbook. 

Every graphic artist is unique. No two illustration projects are the same either. Graduation, holiday, or birthday gift the Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines to aspiring and professional artists. Share this book sooner than later.

Mark Wayne Adams
Professional Illustrator of King for a Day: The Story of Stories