Illustration that Works: Professional Techniques for Artistic and Commercial Success

Drawing on a decade of teaching, including at Maryland Institute College of Art and as cofounder of the new Baltimore Academy of Illustration, along with over three decades of professional experience as an illustrator for clients like Marvel Comics, Relapse Records, and The Village Voice—Greg Houston places aspiring artists and recent graduates squarely in the current marketplace, and inspires them to pursue work in the large and lucrative field of professional illustration in a way that will be personally and professionally rewarding for years to come. Unlike a fine artist, an illustrator creates images that serve a specific purpose, and successful illustrators need much more than just talent. Illustration that Works demonstrates e

Darn his illustrations are very professional and I love his "style" Greg Houston is a beast! learned so much from this book and would buy again but I don't need twoDarnhis illustrations are very professional and I love his "style". he's very straight forward and has little practices to try. (lovely example of student work as well).!. Would recommend for any and all artists Amazon Customer 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 . "Great Read for fans and for students." according to Kjoslin. Great read. well laid out and well written​. Great reference and a good motivator.

He is a cofounder of and instructor at the Baltimore Academy of Illustration, which opened fall 2015. He also teaches an online class for Craftsy.   Greg has worked for a wide variety of clients in nearly every aspect of the illustration field, including The Village Voice, Utne Reader, Warner Lambert Pharmaceuticals, Marvel Comics, LA New Times, Relapse Records, Miami New Times, Baltimore City Paper, Washington City Paper, Seattle Weekly,

So it’s fitting that he’s just published a book on the subject, Illustration That Works. Though at times the book takes on the tone of a well-meaning drill sergeant, it packs in a ton of practical information that ranges in style and genre, with plenty of examples and exercises for budding illustrators. Greg Houston’s lessons are delivered through short chapters with a right-to-the-point style that’s full of energy. "If you’re an illustrator looking for guidance on how to create effective visuals that speak, this is the book you’ll want to read. As the title suggests, Houston’s blue-collared approach to a successful career in commercial art preaches a strong work ethic.Written at a quick pace not usually found in vocational guides, Illustration That Works is certainly informative and it’s also entertaining as hell."--AIGA Baltimore .