MATTHEWPADEN

I’ve curated a list of 10 essential art books that I believe every character designer should have on their shelf.

Great character design is more than style—it’s storytelling. This article breaks down how to craft believable, personality-rich characters using shape language, expression sheets, and smart presentation techniques so art directors can’t help but fall in love with your work.

This guide walks you through how to pitch your illustration work professionally, confidently, and effectively.

Below I’ll walk through what’s actually happening, what veteran illustrators are saying, what the data shows, and—most importantly—concrete, tactical things illustrators (new and established) can do to survive and thrive in the coming years.

This guide breaks the fundamentals into easy, actionable steps so you can start creating lively, expressive cartoons today.