The Illustrator's Guide: How to create an exceptional freelance illustration career Paperback – 29 Oct. 2023

What a great read. Full of practical wisdom for any new illustrator (or anyone in any field wanting to get serious about their work) which I can see myself re-visiting time and time again. This is one of those books you can pick up, turn to a random page, and find valuable principles to learn about or re-commit to. Would highly recommend.

As a freelance illustrator, reading "The Illustrator's Guide" was like finding a treasure trove of tailored wisdom and inspiration geared specifically to me. James Hughes not only brings his vast experience to the table but does so in a way that's engaging, entertaining, and incredibly informative. I loved how he cuts through the BS and gets straight to the point, focusing on what's really important for illustrators when starting out, and what's not. The practical advice on managing your business, from pricing and negotiating to handling licensing and contracts, is really helpful and something I know I will dip back into when tricky jobs arise in the future. It's clear that this guide is written with a deep understanding of the illustrator's journey, with the unique insight of an agent who knows the business inside out.This book is a must-read for anyone serious about building a successful career in illustration, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills and business acumen. For illustrators who are really serious about building their career and willing to put in the work, this book could be a roadmap to success. Highly recommended!

A great guide for anyone wanting to pursue illustration as a career

I’ve read a fair few books similar to this, and none of them come even close to the level of detail, thoroughness or insight of this incredible book. I’ve read through half of it and referenced sections later in the book for contacting potential clients: Hughes is clearly an authority on the industry and his tone is both entertaining and reassuring. Plenty of brutal truths in this book and an equal amount of inspiring insight into the psychology of success. I wish I’d read this years ago!As an additional note, the hardcover copy is beautifully crafted and is well worth the extra few pounds.As with Martin Salisbury and other authorities on the subject of illustration, I will be buying anything and everything James Hughes publishes as after reading it, I feel significantly more informed and confident of my path into the industry.

This is a bit of an old reference. But just like the Ronseal advert from years ago.” This does what it says on the tin”! This book is by far, the most practical real world guide out there! For a long time, I didn’t know where to start and how. Now I do, thanks to this book and James YouTube channel.

I bought James' book as I know from following him on social media that he has a wealth of knowledge on the subject of freelance illustration careers - and I was not disappointed. The book was packed full with tips on how to get started in the business, which is appropriate whether you're fresh out of art school or are switching careers mid-life. I particularly liked the way that the book was structured, with an initial focus on how to build a portfolio (and stay motivated when there isn't someone breathing down your neck or setting deadlines for you), before moving on to some of the nuts and bolts of the business side of being a freelance creative. I've just finished reading it through for the first time and am now planning to go back, section-by-section, to do some of the exercises.

I've been following James' work on his YouTube channel and so I was very interested in buying his book. James has put together an extremely comprehensive guide. As an Illustrator who is still in early stages of a creative career, it's been very helpful to work through his chapters and I'm beginning to action a lot of his advice. I've invested in a lot of Illustration resources to help guide me, but this really does stand out as the best and only guide I think I'll return to and recommend to others.

It is a practical, straightforward and easy-to-read book.