As a commercial illustrator, graphic designer, and creative entrepreneur, here are 5 informational resources I can’t live without.

It’s tough to find solid foundational information out there when so much of it exists and everyone deems themselves “experts”. It’s overwhelming and sometimes can be difficult to know who to trust.

That’s why if you’re making money off your talents as a designer, artist, creator, or small business owner, it’s so important to build a roster of authors, blogs, and books that you can reference time and time again. This ensures you’ll get solid information every time and that it’s information you can put to use, effectively.

To get your started on that journey, I’m sharing my 5 best creative informational resources that I can’t live without, and reference often. Some are based on personal experiences. Others, I’ve just found helpful over a period of time.

BOOK: Art, Money, Success by Maria Brophy

I hired Maria in 2016 at the outset of my side hustle.

I knew I wanted to make money with my art but had no idea which creative direction to take and what my brand might look like. More importantly, how to run it like a business.

Not only was she a helpful consultant and mentor, her information is something I still reference to this day.

Her book, Art, Money, Success, got into the weeds of creating art for commercial purposes (aka making money from your art). Everything from licensing to pricing and working with clients and contracts was in this book.

BOOK: Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

If you want an extensive companion piece to Maria’s Art, Money, Success, then grab your hands on the Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines.

This book goes into great detail on standard industry pricing and processes being a commercial artist. Topics such as copyright, contracts, standard industry pricing, licensing, and so so much more.

BLOG: Jessica Hische’s Thinking Thoughts

Jessica has been one of my design heroes since my early 20s. Her work is so elegant and engaging, I strived to learn everything I could about her work and process.

Her blog is a great resource for everything design – and even a few random tangents. My favorite is her blog post about the Dark Art of Pricing which gave me some insight to how important pricing is, and gives me a boost of confidence when I price my own work.

PODCAST: Proof to Product by Katie Hunt

I’ve been a member of Katie’s LABS program for almost 2 years now.

LABS is a product-based business owner community where relationships are formed, businesses are grown, and resources are shared. It is the epitome of community over competition with it being one of the most supportive groups I’ve been part of.

However, I didn’t start there. I started with her podcast which is rich with information about creativity and the process, wholesale business and business growth, and financials relating to any business you’re running in the product-based space.

She often has interviews with other business owners, creatives, and financial professionals to help you along the way to business success.

PODCAST: Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza

Andy’s Creative Pep Talk podcast was a pillar in the first few years of my business and still finds its way into my life when I need a boost.

Andy has some solid storytelling and advice for finding your style, overcoming obstacles on the creative journey, and fostering your creative practice. He also shares some downloads & worksheets that can further that along.

His artwork is also delightful.

What are your favorite creative resources?

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Art & Design | Small Business | Inspiration | Product | Spotlight