This is a list I've created of illustration resources that I find a great help for information, inspiration and entertainment whilst I'm drawing through the night at stupid o'clock. This post was created for my benefit to refer to, just as much as to share with you. If you have any great resources you use, I'd be very grateful to hear of them, so please comment below or send me an email.
The Essentials
The websites listed below are the best place to start when looking for any illustration help and information.
Hire An Illustrator
Hire an Illustrator is a community of professional illustrators. Members receive an online portfolio, pricing advice, promotion and support. So far I've received the most contacts from potential clients through this site. It's also a great way to get involved with the community by taking part in the London exhibitions for members. Just recently I had the pleasure of my work being featured in the "Amazing Adventures" exhibition.
The AOI - The Association of Illustrators
The Association of Illustrators is the professional body for illustration in the UK. Providing advice and promotion for members. You can purchase an illustrator's guide to law & business, plus UK commissioners in advertising, publishing and editorial listings. The site also has a great news page full of illustration news. An AOI Norwich Quarterly Meet-ups has just kicked off. I attended the first meeting last month (March 2019) which was awesome hearing the illustrator talks and taking part in the portfolio reviews. The beers at the pub after were also fun.
The Little Chimp Society
The LCS is all about connecting people! Showing the world what illustrators and artists can really do.
Founded in 2005 by Darren Di Lieto has a way to keep up with all of the amazing illustrators, artists and friends.
Books
Below you can find a list of the books on my bookshelf. An awesome resource of great information and inspiration. The titles and images include links to an online store to purchase.
- Becoming a Successful Illustrator
- The Indispensable Illustrator
- Drawing the Head and Hands
- Figure Drawing For All It's Worth
- Illustration Workshop - Find Your Style, Practice Drawing Skills, and Build a Stellar Portfolio
- In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist's Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector
- How To Draw Comic the "Marvel" Way
- Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2019
Reference Sources
SketchDaily
Figure, animal and structure images for sketching to improve.
Quickposes
A tool for anyone who wants to focus on improving their drawing skills.
Create your own digital scrapbooks with an endless surpply of images for inspiration. Check out my own Pinterest account.
Sketchfab
A big catalogue of 3D images which can be viewed and moved within the website.
Podcasts
3 Point Perspective - The Illustration Podcast
Tune in as illustrators Will Terry, Lee White, and Jake Parker talk about illustration - how to do it, how to make a living at it, and how to make an impact in the world with it. This podcast is great to listen to while illustrating. I often put my headphones on when working at night as it's like having some company while you work + there is lots of great advice.
Learning Websites
Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes in design, business, tech, and more. A great platform where I have completed some courses. You are able to upload your work and receive feedback from other students.
SVS Learn - Society of Visual Storytelling
SVS offers online illustration classes by professional illustrators. Find instructional videos that show actual working process for working as an illustrator. I have not tried any of the courses yet but plan to once I have a window to add some more work to my portfolio.
Make Art That Sells
Offers training, resources and insights to artists who want to sell more of their art while staying true to their style. I've taken up a few of the courses, including the "illustrating Children's Books". This was brilliant but was very difficult keeping up with the very short deadlines with a fulltime job and 2 children. You really need a few clear weeks for the last few assignments.
YouTube Channels
Some of the channels I follow for great tips and advice, plus a cheeky link to my own youtube channel.
Trent Kaniuga - Art Video Blog
Concept Designer on World of Warcraft, Diablo 3, League of Legends, and Author/creator of CreeD and Twilight Monk and Indie game developer. Some great tutorials (AutoDesk Sketchbook and Photoshop), drawings with commentary and time-lapse videos.
Brad Colbow - Anchor Points
An illustration channel focusing on tech, reviews and Brad Colbow's journey to become a better illustrator.
The Futur - The Futur Network
Lots of great advice for all kinds of designers. search within the channel for "illustration" to find tutorials and more.
Bruce Richardson - Illustration Projects
I've started my own channel where I post process videos of my illustration projects. Please subscribe to follow my journey.
