Illustration that Works: Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success Paperback – March 15, 2016

Do you know my favorite thing about professional illustration? Well, it's the ILLUSTRATIONS! Go figure. And this book is chock full of them. Author Greg Houston's powerful and energetic illustrations are featured throughout, clearly displaying his mastery, but he also takes you on a tour of great illustrations past and present by including a variety of talented artists in an assortment of styles from traditional to digital. That alone is an education in itself, but combined with Greg's insightful comments, useful tips based on years of professional experience and his raw enthusiasm for the subject, together these words and images combine to create a must-have book for any aspiring illustrator or fan of the art of illustration. Whether you use this as career guidance or art appreciation, you'll be happy to own it and will (if you're anything like me) frequently pick it up to flip through the pages and admire these stunning images.

I'm still reading this, but I've enjoyed everything about it so far. Beautiful illustrations with explanations and exercises that are almost drills for you to try. I will update when I finish reading.

I am always on the lookout for illustration books. I found this to be a great read. It is well laid out and well written​. Great illustration references and serves as a good motivator for my illustration work.

This is a great resource for anyone in the commercial art industry, for aspiring artists and established artists alike. It gives insight to a lot of the lesser-known "do's and don'ts" of the industry and is written by a seasoned illustrator who knows the business well. The book also provides information on the many different routes an aspiring illustrator can take.The book also provides a few try-it-yourself type activities, which for me, as someone who likes learning by doing, was a great plus. The only thing about this book preventing me from giving 5 stars is that the book does not provide as many of these guided exercises as I would like, which is really only a personal learning preference.Altogether, I would definitely recommend this book as a great starting point for any new artist, or as a reaffirmation of lessons for established artists. With so much essential knowledge, this book is a great value for the price.

I love this book, very clean and readable. The ideas spark projects for students and are also great jumping off points to add self directed projects to your portfolio. Wonderful resource, I am so glad I got this!

I bought this as a resource for my grandaughter who is studying illustration. This book, written with knowledge and humor, an unbeatable combination.

An overall average book - not mind-blowing, but useful general information for absolute beginners. It doesn't teach technique, but rather gives an overview of various mediums in illustration, as well as some chapters on the business side of things.The art is very dark and gritty. There is a political nature to much of the art that in your face leftist and a little sanctimonious. Would have been better as a book to see less of the artist/author's art and a wider range of styles with various moods (again, most the moods are very negative, and not in a subtle way).

For my granddaughters birthday. Majoring in visual communication, graphic design.Was on her wish list, very happy.