“A year ago, I started a series of posts about drawing utensils I use. The first one revolved around self-contained pens called Creation of a Line – Part 1. For this installment, I will center around the pencil. While the last post got pretty indepth with some of the pens, this one is not as much.”

Check out Scott’s interesting examination of this most universal Illustrator’s tool here.

For the 81st and final episode of the Escape from Illustration Island Podcast, Thomas James interviews Illustrator Zina Saunders. Together they discuss her experiences working in multiple styles, her passion for working on personal and political projects, and a lot more. Thomas also includes a personal message to acknowledge the ending of the show and thank its many supporters.

Here are links to some of the things mentioned on the show:

• Zina Saunders Website
• Zina’s Video Series for Mother Jones
• 15 Steps to Freelance Illustration 

Hey Illustrators and Art Directors!

Today marks the official launch of Illo Confidential, a new site run by a collective of award-winning Illustrators who have joined forces to share their latest work with the world. They’ll be posting new illustrations there on a regular basis, so bookmark them to keep up with their latest creations. And while you’re at it, follow them on Facebook and Twitter, and help spread the word!

Go check out the Illo Confidential collective here.

(By Mark Kaufman for EFII)

Long story short. Mark Kaufman is a partner at Vivitiv, an issue oriented design firm based in Seattle. His illustrations have appeared in publications nationwide including The New York Times, The Progressive, The Stranger, and The Oxford American. – drawmark.com

Looking for ways to revitalize your business this year?

Check out this article that EFII’s Editor Thomas James recently wrote for the Agency Access blog that features 3 Illustrators who have taken matters into their own hands to create their own success.

Also, be sure to check out his critically-acclaimed eBook and Audiobook, 15 Steps to Freelance Illustration for an even more focused approach to building your freelance Illustration business.

Hey Illustrators!

Our friends and long-time supporters over at Agency Access are improving The Lab.

What’s The Lab you say? The Lab recruits industry experts to answer your questions on marketing … and it’s looking to build a greater voice specifically for illustrators, but they need your help! Please set aside a few minutes and submit your marketing questions to this survey. And to show its appreciation for your participation, one lucky participant will receive 1 FREE hour of consulting!

Complete the survey here: http://svy.mk/t7CI78

Illustration Age, the ultimate source for what’s happening in Illustration, was just named one of HOW Magazine’s Top 10 Sites for Designers! This marks the EFII Network’s second award in this category, with a previous nod to Escape from Illustration Island.

Thanks very much to HOW Magazine for recognizing our commitment to keeping you up to date with what’s happening in Illustration.

Be sure to take advantage of regular updates from Illustration Age so you don’t miss out:

“MONEY MATTERS” OCTOBER 29th – 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Come and learn about the money!

The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles presents Baby Step #3 – Money Matters.

This panel discussion will cover the basics of dealing with money and legalities that are an indispensable part of being a successful illustrator. Topics covered will include how to manage your profits, how to operate a small business, dealing with taxes, budgeting, and developing excellent saving and spending habits. Come join SILA and hear our wonderful guest speakers, Maria Piscopo, Larry Olney and Joshua Kemble share their insider tips. The more you know, the richer you can grow!

Location: COMMUNITY ROOM (A5) The Sherman Oaks Galleria, 5301 Ventura Blvd # 360 CA 91403-6613 (located at the South end of the galleria near the Cheesecake Factory)

Cost: members: Free, Students: $5.00,Non-Members: $10.00

To RSVP email the office or call 800-799-6368.

Click to RSVP!

]]> http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2011/10/27/attend-the-american-illustration-book-release-party/feed/ 0 Thomas James Click to RSVP http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2011/10/27/get-3x3-magazines-2010-illustrator-income-survey/ http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2011/10/27/get-3x3-magazines-2010-illustrator-income-survey/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:07:57 +0000 Thomas James http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/?p=11431 ]]>

Over 600 illustrators worldwide took part in 3×3 Magazine’s first annual income survey. Illustrators were asked to break down their annual income by source and amount—charts and graphs compare income by age, gender and country and there were quite a few surprises. As 3×3 founder Charles Hively said, “We didn’t know what to expect since no one I know had done this type of survey before. But I was pleasantly surprised when I found that the top illustrators are making what top designers and art directors make. Comparing our information with what I receive annually about designers from the AIGA, and about art directors from a variety of industry sources, illustrators are on par with their counterparts in design and advertising. And in a number of instances exceed what they’re making.” He went onto add, “Once the word gets out our hope is that this will foster a new respect for illustration by the folks who commission them.”

The 88-page booklet includes information that shows percentages that are illustrators but also educators, graphic designers, and animators. And how many have interns or employees, how many have health insurance and what their relationship with reps is. Information includes the high and low income for each country as well as the average income for illustrators in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

Well over 200 hours have been spent in compiling, analyzing and presenting the results in easy-to-read charts and graphs; the booklet is available as a print-on-demand book and an affordable downloadable pdf direct from the 3×3 website.