Since I started trying to freelance full-time a few months ago, I've been taking a lot more time to try and find good resources for illustrators online. I've been looking for classes to take, conferences to attend, calls for art, podcasts, discussions.. really anything that will help me participate in the illustration community, develop my work, develop my practice, and get my stuff out there. It has been harder than it should be. And since I wasn't really able to find any directory of this stuff, I thought I'd try and start putting one together myself. I want to make this list as comprehensive as possible, so if you have anything that you think should go on here, please leave a comment or send me a tweet! File it under #illoworld.
My only criteria for the list at this point are: 1) it's a useful tool for illustrators (professional, student or amateur) 2) it's somewhat evergreen. I'd rather link to places that have frequent calls for art than one singular call for art, places that often post tutorials than a single tutorial, etc. :)
Otherwise - fire away!
Illustration Showcase Blogs Pikaland Ape on the Moon Drawn! (archive only now) Cartoon Brew
Illustration/Freelance Practice Blogs ChrisOatley.com Red Lemon Club Once Upon a Sketch The Art Order Zero 2 Illo Work Made for Hire
Illustration Directories & Portfolio Sites Illustration Mundo Hire an Illustrator (paid) Dribbble (Invite-only, but I personally recommend it highly.) Behance Cargo Collective Coroflot Directory of Illustration (paid)
Classes, Workshops & Mentorships (Online) Camp Pikaland Lilla Rogers Studio School The Lamp Post Guild Motivarti Chris Oatley Academy CG Master Academy smART School Gnomon Workshop Schoolism School of Visual Storytelling
Classes, Workshops & Mentorships (In Person) Light Grey Art Lab (Minneapolis, MN - travel workshops - personally recommended!) TLC Workshops (Bothell, WA) 3x3 Magazine (NYC) Concept Design Academy (Pasadena, CA)
Participate Illustration Friday Ten Paces & Draw Light Grey Art Lab (frequent awesome calls for art) They Draw and Cook Spoonflower Weekly Contest The Sketchbook Project The Scribble Project The Art Order - Challenges #KidLitArt weekly twitter chat 1000 things to draw
Listen While You Work Once Upon A Sketch Podcasts Chris Oatley's ArtCast Big Illustration Party Time Design Matters Light Grey Art Lab Will Terry's Youtube Channel (videos about professional practice as well as tutorials) Creative Mornings Paper Wings Guys with Pencils
Conventions/Conferences Spectrum Fantastic Art Live CTNX Animation Expo ICON - The Illustration Conference SCBWI Annual Conference Toronto Comic/Arts Festival Small Press Expo (SPX)
Professional Organizations Society of Illustrators (NYC based) Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (many local chapters) Graphic Artist's Guild
Juried Annuals Society of Illustrators Spectrum Communication Arts Illustration Annual
Magazines Applied Arts Magazine Communication Arts 3x3 ImagineFX
I already know I'm missing lots of stuff, so please give me your suggestions and spread the word! There must be so many cool illustration things people just don't know about. :)