* AD - This post contains affiliate links/ Images taken from Amazon
Lately I've been pondering about my future post-graduation from my Illustration and Design degree which has led me on to researching, documenting and preparing for the industry I hope to become apart of someday. I've been planning how I will organise and set out my portfolio, I've been exploring the different avenues this industry can take me, how I will reach out to companies and brands who collaborate with illustrators and finding ways I can get my work out there to be seen.
One of the ways in which I've started this has led me trawling Amazon for interesting books about the industry to help gather some inspiration and find ones that offer expert advice and tips about the world of illustration and design that I can refer back to time and time again. One of these books was actually on my university reading list which I've then gone on to purchase for myself as I found it explains in-depth the use of various materials that can be used in illustrations and best practises for them. The other two books I came across were recommendations on Amazon, whose reviews had me sold as soon as I read through them which are more career based. So far I have found them all insightful and motivating to peruse and have provided key take aways that I've been jotting down in my notebook so that I can apply them to my work going forward.
♡Illustration 101 - Streetwise Tactics for Surviving as a Freelance Illustrator by Max Scratchmann*
This practical, tell it like it is book gives advice on how to get started as a freelance illustrator in a fun and humorous way from an illustrator who has been there, done that himself. He lets you know what to expect when starting out in the real world of this chosen career with anecdotes that run alongside it and tools and advice for reaching out to companies. This wasn't my favourite of the 3 I admit, its not one I'd be keeping on my shelf forever but it is still worth a read and still provided information I could carry with me in the future.
♡How to Create a Portfolio & Get Hired: A Guide for Graphic Designers and Illustrators (Portfolio Skills) by Fig Taylor*
I found this book particular useful for when it comes to setting out my portfolio as it gives advice on how to cater your portfolio for each branch of the design world you are applying to. For example a portfolio for being a freelance illustrator would showcase different work compared to a graphic designer or a video game concept artist and this book demonstrates the best practises to showcase your work for the type of industry job you are applying for. It also provides information on creating a design CV and presentation skills with advice from experienced designers already in this career. Another one I will be keeping on my book shelf to refer back to!
♡Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication by Martin Salisbury*
This book was featured on my Illustration and Design degree reading list which I enjoyed that much I ended up buying for myself. Written by illustrator Martin Salisbury who shares his best tips and practises for getting the most out of materials used in illustration for children's books, setting out layouts, working to different themes e.g. nature or fairy tales, story telling, all with examples and references to work from fellow children's book illustrators that run alongside it. I found this incredibly helpful for university projects going forwards and a book I can keep beyond my degree to refer back to again and again.