Illustration that Works: Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success

by Greg Houston

Overview

A straight-to-the-point “everything-you-need-to-know” guide to the world of professional illustration for aspiring artists and recent art-school graduates—not only the technical essentials (the difference between narrative versus conceptual illustration, diagramming a composition, mastering negative space, and the impact of different mediums from watercolor to digital to textiles), but industry insights, real-world insider advice, and honest personal development tips from an experienced teacher (“if you say your style is ‘manga’ or ‘anime’ then you have no style”). From a Newsweek cover depicting the Bush family as characters on Game of Thrones; to the Sistine Chapel (the complete illustrated bible)—visual storytelling through illustration has been an important mode of communication in every culture since ancient times. Unlike a fine artist, an illustrator creates images that serve a specific purpose, and successful illustrators need much more than just talent. Drawing on a decade of teaching, including at Maryland Institute College of Art and as cofounder of the new Baltimore Academy of Illustration, along with over three decades of professional experience as an illustrator for clients like Marvel Comics, Relapse Records, and The Village Voice—Greg Houston places aspiring artists and recent graduates squarely in the current marketplace, and inspires them to pursue work in the large and lucrative field of professional illustration in a way that will be personally and professionally rewarding for years to come. Illustration that Works demonstrates exactly why illustration is so important to the way we see and communicate today, and how it can be done effectively in an infinite number of styles. Includes: Thought-provoking assignments -        Illustrate an op-ed that’s either pro or against religion in the public sphere -        Create 3 posters for an HBO documentary series on sex (that can still be displayed anywhere) -        Illustrate a pair of identical twins whose lives have veered apart dramatically   400 examples of artwork -        Assignments completed by talented students -        Pieces from 50 classic and contemporary master illustrators including Brian Sanders, Marshall Arisman, Roberto Parada, Steve Brodner, Paul Rogers, and Greg Spalenka -        Houston’s own pieces, both finished and failed

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580934473
Publisher:	The Monacelli Press
Publication date:	03/15/2016
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	1,047,212
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 9.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Greg Houston was born and raised in Baltimore, MD (the Baltimore Orioles celebrated by winning their first World Series that fall). He earned his BFA from Pratt Institute and has been illustrating professionally since 1988. His portfolio is large and stylistically varied.

Greg has worked for a wide variety of clients in nearly every aspect of the illustration field, including The Village Voice, Utne Reader, Warner Lambert Pharmaceuticals, Marvel Comics, LA New Times, Relapse Records, Miami New Times, Baltimore City Paper, Washington City Paper, Seattle Weekly, San Diego Union Tribune, John Wiley and Sons Publishing, Agora Financial, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, BWI Airport, Atlas Games, Houston Press, Texas Monthly, Pop Smear, E! Channel, and Cleveland Scene. He also wrote and illustrated two graphic novels—Vatican Hustle and Elephant Man.

Greg has taught classes ranging from cartooning for kids to pre-college illustration classes, to courses for undergraduates and continuing studies students at Maryland Institute College of Art. He also teaches an online class for Craftsy. He is a cofounder of and instructor at the Baltimore Academy of Illustration, which opened fall 2015. He lives in Baltimore, MD, with his wife and cats.

www.greghoustonillustration.com

Editorial Reviews

"If you’re an illustrator looking for guidance on how to create effective visuals that speak, this is the book you’ll want to read. Greg Houston’s lessons are delivered through short chapters with a right-to-the-point style that’s full of energy. Though at times the book takes on the tone of a well-meaning drill sergeant, it packs in a ton of practical information that ranges in style and genre, with plenty of examples and exercises for budding illustrators. Houston’s personal rules for success pop up intermittently between chapters." —Communication Arts "When it comes to commercial art, this is someone you’d want to listen to. So it’s fitting that he’s just published a book on the subject, Illustration That Works. As the title suggests, Houston’s blue-collared approach to a successful career in commercial art preaches a strong work ethic. Written at a quick pace not usually found in vocational guides, Illustration That Works is certainly informative and it’s also entertaining as hell." —AIGA Baltimore  

From the Publisher

06/01/2016
Houston, a professional artist and teacher of illustration, straightforwardly defines the form as an image that conveys a concept. His book contains loads of advice and insights aimed at readers looking to begin a career in illustration. Illustration's connections to and distinctions from fine art are illuminated through a short discussion of the practice throughout history. Style and technique are discussed in chapters on choosing a medium, composition, portraits and caricatures, and common pitfalls. Other sections address issues illustrators will undoubtedly face in the real world, such as pleasing clients, developing concepts, research, professionalism, and staying fresh creatively. Seven open-ended assignments offer readers opportunities to develop and practice skills. Hundreds of examples of both successful and problematic projects, primarily created by the author, are packed onto every page. VERDICT Aspiring artists and recent art school graduates are the ideal audience for this practical yet sophisticated guide.

Library Journal