Illustration grads: Speaking for myself, my education was pretty fractured. In undergrad I learned how to draw well. In grad school I learned how to think. With both, I got little on building your art as a business. So I read books. Here are some recent (and not so) I recommend.

Freelance, and business, and stuff by @hoodzpahdesign

On building a brand, business plan, budget, taxes and more! I wish this came out when I started 11 years ago.

Art Inc. by @lisacongdon

Promotion, diversify income streams, selling originals/prints/licensing, galleries, art residences, teaching, set goals, and copyright. Lisa also interviews experts in different areas of the art realm as well.

Creative Strategy and the business of design by @DouglasQDavis

The meat of this book can really benefit illustrators. How to understand a clients needs, the business objectives for your projects, building relationships and so much more.

The graphic design and illustration idea book by @thedailyheller @GailAndersonNY

Interviews with some of the best designers and illustrators on their thought process. Not a business book but worth mentioning.

The graphic artist guild’s pricing and ethical guidelines by @gaguild

Updated every few years, this book will help you price a bid on a project, understand terms in a contract, sample contracts and more! I should really get an updated copy.

I could recommend a few more books but I think these cover a lot of the main angles.

Also, I’ll recommend @andyjpizza creative pep talk podcast, @yourbuddymeg x @dribbble Overtime podcast and @WnotW Overshare podcast. If you wanna have a good time + be informed, take a listen.

There are areas I haven’t covered regarding comics, visual development and more. So if you have any and all other books or online resources, share them below.