EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 11 © 2015 The Book Palace (96 pages PAGES in Full edition)

94 The Bookshelf This documentary is one of the most important examinations of what is required to "make it" as an illustrator, in what is a far from benign environment. Whilst considering just what defines "making it", the film looks at the lives of three illustrators at the top of their game. Eric Fortune, Brian Ewing and Andrew Bawidamann are all artists, whose work has garnered awards and acclaim. But as the camera pries beneath the veneer of success, the artists that it reveals are far frombasking in the comfort and certainty that the casual observer and many of their fans and followers might surmise. For many putative artists, the concept of "making it" is the ability to fund oneself entirely from one's own creativity. This is what all the protagonists in this film have achieved, but it is the singularity and obsessive focus required to get there that many viewers may find disconcerting. While this film is definitely not devoted to technique and procedure (there is plenty of that out in YouTube land already), this documentary does present a compelling look at the sheer discipline and drive required to carve out a career as an illustrator in the 21st century. Required viewing for all aspirant illustrators. Becoming A Successful Illustrator By Jo Davies & Derek Brazell Paperback 192 pages Fairchild Books £21.59/ $40.80 (also available in the UK as a Kindle edition £16.19) l illustrators is also available in the USA from budplant.com Illustration as a profession has witnessed seismic changes over the last decade. It's easy for many established practitioners of the craft to bemoan the erosion of fees and the increasingly uncertain environment that contractions in traditional sources of employment have created. That is why this book by Jo Davies and Derek Brazell is so refreshing—for anyone contemplating a career in illustration it's an absolute must read and, for even the casual enthusiast of illustration, there is a lot of insight to be gleaned from the contents of this delightful book. The tone of the book is upbeat, whilst acknowledging the challenges and demands placed upon illustrators. The book is broken down into sections such as folio presentation, understanding your commissioners, self-promotion, invoicing and book keeping. In essence, the skill sets which need to be adhered to for the pursuit of a career in illustration, with spotlights being shed on a selection of successful practitioners who share their experiences and offer advice. Definitely a book which should be read and absorbed by all aspiring illustrators and a must for every college library. The Divine Written by Boas Lavie Illustrated by Asaf and Tomer Hanuka Paperback 160 pages First Second £14.99/ $15.47 Asaf and Tomer Hanuka are twins, who have managed to establish careers as successful illustrators and while their work doesn't exactly mirror each other, it does spring from the same shared passions of their formative years. As a consequence, they will often collaborate on projects together and 'The Divine' is just such a project. Celebrated screenwriter Boaz Lavie's story of ex- army buddies, Mark and Jason, navigating their way through the war-torn landscape of 'Quanlom' to fulfil a well-paid but perilous mining contract makes for a very unsettling read. There is the all too familiar iconography of AK 47s and child soldiers, which Lavie counterpoints with a surreal and hallucinogenic juxtaposition of gods, demons and creatures beyond our ken. The Hanuka brothers' treatment of Lavie's script makes for a thoroughly gripping read, with Asaf's pencils complimented by Tomer's inking and sublime colouring, making this story their most impressive collaboration to date. For fans of Asaf and Tomer Hanuka's work, as well as lovers of exceptional graphic novels, this is an essential addition to the library. Making It Produced and Directed by Tony Moorman Featuring Andrew Bawidamann, Brian Ewing and Eric Fortune Running time 1 hour and 28 minutes www.makingitpictures.com $9.99