10 Of The Best Tips From 2 Leading Art Directors

As an inexperienced Illustrator, breaking into the industry and working with Art Directors is a little daunting. However, there are great resources online to smooth the path and help ease you in to how it all works.

Here are 10 tips from 2 leading Art Directors in the business:

First up Irene Gallo, Art Director for Tor, Forge, & Starscape Books.

In tandem with her hectic day job, Irene also runs a great blog called ‘The Art Department’ where you’ll find industry insights (including getting into the business), interviews with top artists in the field and news of whats happening in the Science Fiction & Fantasy publishing world.

Here are 5 links to super useful posts from ‘The Art Department’ blog:

1 In response to the old question, “What do I put in my Portfolio?”
2 “How do I get my work in front of an art director?”
3 Five ways not to introduce yourself to an art director
4 Text Fidelity
5 Deadlines

Next up, Jon Schindehette, Senior Art Director for Dungeons & Dragons® Wizards of the Coast.

Alongside his busy work schedule, Jon also runs the ‘ArtOrder’ blog. Choc full of useful information, insights into illustrating for the gaming world and spotlights on artists in the field.

Here are 5 links to super useful posts from the ‘ArtOrder’ blog:

1 Promote Your Artwork Online
2 Blogging About Artists Blogs
3 Print Promotions
4 Style Guide Thursday - Elves
5 Book Cover Questions

As part of the blog, Jon runs weekly concept challenges and is steadily building a great little community for all aspiring fantasy illustrators out there.

Finally, here’s a nice little bonus link to Irene interviewing Jon:

Jon Schindehette, an interview with Wizards of the Coast’s senior Dungeons and Dragons art director

These are just a taster of the great resources for illustrators from the blogs of Irene and Jon, be sure to check out their blogs on a regular basis for more great content.

If you know of any other Art Directors that blog, please leave a comment and share the link with everyone.