Walking through a swamp of recommended books in online stores can be a hassle. If you are looking for the best books for illustrators, then my list may come in handy. This is a selection of the dozens of books I have on illustration, business and graphic design. I buy a lot of books and some are great and some are not worth buying. I’ve handpicked seven essential books so you don’t have to buy crap books and get going right away!
I have added links to online stores where you can buy the books. If you click the link and make your purchase, I get a small percentage for each book purchased. this way I hope to invest in new books for you to check out!
You are reading: Best books for illustrators
how to be an illustrator – darrel rees
The most perfect book if you are new to the illustration business and don’t know where to start. but also for the more experienced illustrator: this book could be his new bible. this was one of the first books i bought when i switched from graphic designer to illustrator, and i found it immensely useful. It really covers all the basics of being an illustrator, like preparing his portfolio, but the author also addresses questions and issues. €4,000 – €5,000 for an advertising job is just not going to happen anymore, more like half. however, I haven’t had a look at this second edition, so maybe they’ve updated it!
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free worldwide shipping) – bol.com
entertainer’s survival kit – richard williams
you might think “what makes a book about animation on this list?” but this book has served me well over the years. like any profession, you must first know how to do it before you can actually work it. This book has made me think a lot about drawing, about posture, movement and how to tell a story visually.
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
See Also: Here Are the Best New Books to Read in April 2021 | Time
steal like an artist – austin kleon
There are so many books that are incredibly well thought out, this book is a breath of fresh air. It’s pocket-sized and you’ll read it in no time. gives you a more relaxed understanding of how to approach being an artist or illustrator in a few easy steps.
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
show your work – austin kleon
another austin kleon book on this list because it’s also a must. In this book, Austin shows you how you can promote her work (primarily online) and has some amazing tips on how to do it. I have to say it really changed my online game a bit since reading this book.
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
art inc. – lisa congdon
being a fan of lisa congdon’s work, i knew i had to get this book. I appreciate the way you approach your art business and was curious how it came about so I ordered it. did not disappoint: art inc. is full of tips and tricks on how to promote her work and how to find different outlets for her artwork. it’s good to know that this book is not aimed at illustrators but rather at art in general. what i liked is that lisa also covers how you can make money selling your art online or starting to teach.
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
creative, inc. – meg matthew ilasco & joy deangdeelert cho
this book is from the same series as art, inc. by lisa congdon but it’s a bit older. I got it years ago when I just started. What I like about this book is that it covers the basics on how to get started. where how to be an illustrator delves into illustration, this book is more of a general guide on how to run a creative business. and you really need to know how to run a creative business when you want to be a freelancer.
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
illustrating children’s books – martin salisbury
This one is especially for those who want to get into children’s books. is the most perfect book on how to build a picture book and how to tackle a project. I was lucky enough to be taught by the author Martin Salisbury in Cambridge and I own most of his books. they’re all worth it, but this one stands out for me!
See Also: Kate DiCamillo – Book Series In Order
buy this book: amazon – bookdepository (free shipping worldwide) – bol.com
bonus
As I am Dutch, I also have many books on illustration in my native language, but one book stands out for me: handboek voor het opzetten van een ontwerppraktijk de kitty de jong. i think i bought this book around the same time i bought the darrel rees book and both were the foundation of my illustration business. So if you can read Dutch, I recommend you get this book without any hesitation.
See Also: 5 Best Women&039s Strength Training Books in 2021 – Get Fit with Cedar