How to Be an Illustrator

by Darrel Rees

Book Overview

At last! Here is true practical help for budding freelance illustrators. This book helps you avoid the pitfalls that can ruin a career, with advice on crucial first impressions, how to create a portfolio and approach clients, how to negotiate contracts, and how to handle, deliver, and bill the first job. It discusses how to set up a studio, maintain a steady flow of work, and manage time and money. In addition, it provides information on successful...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1856695301
• ISBN13: 9781856695305
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Laurence King
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Darrel Rees is genius.

Fantastically written with mountains of insightful, first-hand experiences. I reread chapters in this book often seeing as to how Darrel not only offers great advice but reading the many interviews from successful illustrators working in today's field is indeed refreshing and eye-opening. Ultimately, this book will be worth your time and money, but most definitely your time.

good and honest advice

I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I can smell bs a mile away whether its coming from a person or from the pages of a book. I was pleased that my money was well spent on this book. The author is very honest about what it means to be an illustrator in today's world. He is both realistic and optimistic. I believe that people can make a living from their art and illustrations, I don't buy the lie that all artists have to be poor, a lot of artists however don't bother to learn about the business end of things. This should be read by students who are considering the arts and by recent graduates. This book is like a good friend guiding you step by step. I believe knowledge is power and the more informed you are the better that you're off. I think its great that its possible to make a living from art if you go about it the right way. There aren't any guarantees in life but there's no need to be a debbie downer. Its definitely possible and this book will help an artist go into the right direction. This is definitely a keeper.

like sitting down with seasoned illustrators who are generous wih their time.

A well written and thoughtfully structured book that offers advice to the new illustrator. This should help young professionals and recent graduates navigate the uncertainties of launching a freelance career.

Every Young Illustrator's Bible

I teach illustration in an art college, and this is a book I recommend to all my students. Illustrators know they are artists, but often tend to forget that they are small business owners as well. Talent alone won't bring them illustration income. Until this book was published, I used to recommend How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul, which is still a wonderful book to read for aspiring illustrators, however I am excited that a book specifically written for Illustrators in this topic is finally here. Thank you Darrel.

very helpful book

Very helpful in giving insight into the general tone and practice of this industry. Well written and full of practical advice, with plenty of personal stories from the author and interviewees. Inspiring/motivating.