Learn how to become an illustrator.

The Illustrator’s Guide is the ultimate handbook to launch your illustration career, and will be your companion all the way from enthusiastic beginner to confident professional.  

See what's inside the book
Cover of the illustrator's guide book

“For any illustrator who's looking to take the leap to freelance, this is an absolute essential.”

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Listen to the audiobook
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About the book

Whether you are fresh out of college, changing careers or in your early years as an illustrator, The Illustrator’s Guide offers a unique insight into the industry for beginners and aspiring illustrators.

The Illustrator’s Guide walks you through the highs and lows you can expect as an Illustrator, with thoughtful insights and advice to ensure you are working towards sustainable and achievable goals as a creative. This book will help guide you towards focusing your creativity, cultivating a mindset that can sustain you through the harder slow periods and inspire you during the busiest.

With reliable and repeatable steps, this book has been written so it can be picked up and read throughout any illustrator’s journey, with quick to access sections and a variety of activities to revisit, this guide acts as a creative companion from day one of your Illustration journey.

 

Finalist for the 2024 Business Book Awards

What's in the book

Chapter 1: How to develop an exceptional mindset
Chapter 2: Facing challenges and overcoming barriers
Chapter 3: Your start-up essentials
Chapter 4: Developing your portfolio
Chapter 5: Forming and maintaining your creative habit
Chapter 6: Practice makes progress
Chapter 7: Get feedback on your work
Chapter 8: How to find clients
Chapter 9: Working with clients
Chapter 10: How to deal with client briefs
Chapter 11: Managing your money
Chapter 12: A freelancer is a business
Chapter 13: Pricing your work and negotiating
Chapter 14: Licensing, rights and contracts
Chapter 15: Finding an agent
Chapter 16: Working with an agent

Read the paperback
Listen to the audiobook
Download the ebook
Read the paperback
Listen to the audiobook
Download the ebook

About the author

James Hughes is an illustration agent @folioart in the UK, representing some of the best international professional illustrators. He has also been a contributor and contract adviser for the Association of Illustrators.

James shares tips on the business of illustration through his blog and YouTube channel: 'The Illustrator's Guide' and coaches and mentors freelance illustrators to help them get started in their creative careers.