how to research an illustrator - brandes
TRANSCRIPT
How to choose your topic . . . the smart way
History of Illustration Research
Explore
But Keep It Researchable
What makes an illustrator
“researchable?”
What makes an illustrator researchable?
They have an established career– For example, they’ve been published or had
gallery shows
NC WyethShaun Tan Gary Larson
They aren’t your art school buddy.
What makes an illustrator researchable?
Other people have responded to their work in a public venue
What makes an illustrator researchable?
Biographical Dictionary Book Periodical (Magazine, Journal, etc)
Beware international illustrators
Sometimes the best sources for certain illustrators are not in English. Can you read the language you are researching in?
What makes an illustrator researchable?
Dead illustrators are easier to research
What makes an illustrator researchable?
Henry DargerUntitled (Battle scene during lightning storm. Naked Children with Rifles)
Strategies for Living Illustrators
Find their website and/or blog– Mine it for information, including bibliographies
Researching living illustrators
Bibliographies
Researching living illustrators
Request an interview– Make sure your email asking them if they will
answer a few questions for your project is:• Polite • Grammatically correct• Spell-checked• Doesn’t ask them info that is available elsewhere
Researching living illustrators
Determine your interview questions only after you’ve read up on them – avoid asking about information that is already published.
How the Library Can Help
• Open Reserves• Books for inspiration and research • Reference Articles– AskArt.com
• Magazine & Journal Articles, Annuals– Design + Applied Arts Index– Art Full Text
• Images – ARTstor
Inspiration
NC
PZ Call Numbers are forIllustrated Literature
NC Call Numbers are forIllustration + Graphic Design
PZ
OpenReserves
Books which can be used inthe library to research yourtopic. These books are a gold mine!
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