How to choose your topic . . . the smart way!

History of Illustration Research

Explore

But Keep It Researchable

What makes an illustration topic “researchable?”

We’re so glad you asked!!!

They have an established career– For example, they’ve been published or had

gallery shows

Shaun Tan Gary Larson

Edward Gorey

They aren’t your art school buddy.

http://thecreativegroove.blogspot.com/

Other people have responded to their work in a critical venue.

Biographical Dictionary Book Periodical (Magazine, Journal, etc)

Fun for browsing!But problematic for research

Beware international illustrators

Sometimes the best sources for certain topics are not in English. Can you read the language you are researching in?

Spelling

• There are multiple ways of spelling certain artist’s names.

• See if they have worked under a pseudonym.

• Differentiate between artists – for example, father & sons with similar names.

John Romita Sr John Romita Jr

Dead illustrators are easier to research

Strategies for Living Illustrators

Find their website and/or blog

– Mine it for information, including bibliographies

Request an interviewEmail them to ask if they will answer a few questions for your project. Tips to remember:

• Be polite.• Grammatically correct

emails are professional!• Spell-check is a must!• Don’t type one gigantic text

block – paragraphs are your friend!! Really, see how hard this paragraph is to read all the way to the end? Oh no, I’ve run out of space!

Avoid Duplication

Determine your interview questions only after you’ve read up on the illustrator– avoid asking about information that is already published.

Inspiration

NC

PZ Call Numbers are forIllustrated Literature

NC Call Numbers are forIllustration + Graphic Design

PZ

Find them

behind the

DVD section

Bound Periodicals are simply back issues of magazines, journals, and annuals. They have boring covers, but the insides are full of neat images.

Bound Periodicals

OpenReserves

Books which can be used inthe library to research yourtopic. These books are a gold mine!

More Ways the Library Can Help!!!

• Open Reserves

• Books for inspiration and research

• Reference Articles– AskArt.com

– Credo Reference

• Magazine & Journal Articles, Annuals– Design + Applied Arts Index

– Art Source

– ProQuest

• Images – ARTstor

Illustration Research Guide

Visit the online research guide:

www.ringling.libguides.com/illustrator

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that something won't work." - Thomas Edison