Career In Book Illustration: The Essential Tips

Some may say book illustration had its moment back in the day. They may say digital reading is becoming more popular than reading a physical book. Well they’d be wrong. Unlike the music industry, people buying books prefer the physical copy over the digital, especially when these books have amazing artwork.

The publishing industry needs skilled illustrators whose work will stop readers as soon as their eyes see that book. You have to be able to completely grab the potential reader’s attention and convey them to pick up that book off the shelf or click on the thumbnail icon when browsing the web. This need will lead to a career by allowing you to show off your creativity and artistic style.

With easy access to illustrative software and graphic tablets there are more illustrators out there creating competitive work. However they don’t have the same creativity and style that you do.

Tip 1: Judge A Book By Its Cover, Always.

If it’s an actual book and not a metaphor about people, then judge it by its cover. Whatever form of book it is, the cover is the most important page. It should grab the reader’s attention and show some glimpse of what the story is about.

Tip 2: Know The Genre.

Really know the genre and execute it well. The illustration must show exactly what genre the book is. Try to make it obvious. You can be bold, or you can be subtle.

Tip 3: Absolutely No Spoilers.

Please do not give away the story before even reading it. Find a scene from the story that would hint at the types of characters and action that awaits inside. Turn it into a broad hint of what’s inside.

Tip 4: Manuscript Isn’t Everything.

A manuscript isn’t always necessary. You might think you need to read the manuscript to create the cover but that’s not always the case. Sometimes book covers are commissioned before the book is even written. Focus on the notes written in the commission instead. The author might already know want they want which could lead to a faster completion. If it’s an impossible idea to execute however, than don’t work from it.

Tip 5: Sketch, For The Love God Sketch!

Roughly sketch out concept ideas to find the one with the composition that works. Then make tighter sketches until you’re ready for the final piece.

Tip 6: Practice And Network.

Don’t wait, start early. If you’re not currently doing book illustrations of are waiting for your next project, then practice. Pick a book and create a cover. Even if you randomly choose a book you’ve never read. Read it and get started. That could lead to the beginning of your career or could bring you your next project.

Book illustration isn’t dead. Use these tips and strive for your career in book illustration. The only person keeping you from getting started is you.