Introduces students to the various aspects of illustration. This title provides a fresh introduction to the key elements of the discipline and takes the student step-by-step through the key processes, themes and applications in illustration.

Contents. Foreword. How to get the most out of this book. Introduction. The illustrator as artist: Illustration as a discipline; The new wave of illustrators; Art school ethos; A demanding life; Case study - John Clementson; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. The medium is the message: The power of the pencil; Material world; The use of odd media; Using photography; Mixing media; Using the computer; Case study - Tim Vyner; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. From outcomes to outlets: The overview; Editorial illustration; Book publishing; Fashion illustration; Advertising illustration; Music industry illustration; Studio collaboration; Self-initiated illustration; Case study - Olivier Kugler; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. Communicating ideas: Why ideas?; The briefing/ Investigating the subject matter; Gathering inspiration; Brainstorming; Explaining the visual; Case study - Damian Gascoigne; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. Making it happen: Marketing the product and the art of self-promotion; Portfolios; Online presence; Avenues for self-promotion; Illustration agency representation; Presentation techniques; Case study - Ben Kelly; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. Production: Essential kit; Studio set-up; Resources and references; Production tips; Legal tips; Case study - Howard Reed; Try it yourself...; Questions in summary. Contacts. Bibliography. Selected websites. Glossary. Index. Acknowledgements. Working with ethics.

The book truly lives up to its title: It's all about the fundamentals, and it covers all the bases. It goes into depth about medium choices, different kinds of illustration (editorial, publishing, advertising, etc) and self-promotion ... great for a young student who might be thinking about getting into illustration, or perhaps someone who wants to start a new craft with a clear view of how the illustration industry operates. The book also poses questions to get you thinking, and exercises to get you creating. But I think the thing I like the best is the objectivity in which the material is presented. It's honest, sharing the ins and outs, ups and downs to everything it offers. It lets you make the call. * Penelope Dullaghan, Illustration Friday, 2012 *