Top Illustration Magazines for Unmatched Artistic Inspiration

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 1 June 2023 10 min read

Whether you're an aspiring illustrator or a seasoned professional, staying inspired is key to your artistic growth. One of the best ways to find creative inspiration is by exploring the world of illustration magazines. In this blog, we'll discuss how to select the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration and introduce you to some of the top magazines in the industry. So, let's dive in and explore the realm of illustration magazines that will surely spark your creativity.

Selecting the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration

Before diving into the amazing world of illustration magazines, it's important to know how to choose the right ones that will truly inspire you. Here are some factors to consider:

Criteria for Choosing the Best Magazines

When selecting the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration, keep in mind:

Quality of content: Look for magazines that consistently showcase high-quality illustrations and engaging articles.
Relevance to your interests: Choose magazines that cater to your preferred styles, themes, and subject matter.
Frequency of publication: Consider how often the magazine is published—monthly, quarterly, or annually—to ensure a steady flow of inspiration.

Print vs. Online Magazines

Illustration magazines are available in both print and online formats, each with its own advantages:

Print magazines offer a tactile experience, allowing you to physically flip through the pages and savor the artwork. They're also great for collecting and displaying on your bookshelf.
Online magazines are easily accessible, often more affordable, and can be read on multiple devices. They also typically offer interactive features and additional content on their websites.

Ultimately, the choice between print and online magazines depends on your personal preferences and how you like to consume your inspiration.

Niche Focus and Target Audience

Some illustration magazines cater to specific niches or target audiences. For example, you may find magazines focusing on:

Children's book illustration
Editorial illustration
Concept art for video games and movies
Graphic novels and comic art

By selecting magazines that align with your interests and goals, you'll ensure that the content remains relevant and inspiring to your artistic journey.

Industry-Leading Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration

Now that you know what to look for in illustration magazines, let's dive into some of the industry-leading publications that have earned their place as the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration. These magazines have built a strong reputation for their exceptional content, innovative approaches, and recognition by the illustration community.

Established Titles in the Illustration World

There are several well-known magazines that have made a significant impact on the illustration industry. Some of these established titles include:

Communication Arts: A long-standing publication featuring the best in visual communication, including illustration, graphic design, photography, and more. It showcases a diverse range of artists and styles, providing a valuable resource for inspiration.
Illustration: This magazine is dedicated exclusively to the art of illustration and features both contemporary and historical works. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the medium and helps artists understand the broader context of their work.
3x3: This international magazine is focused on contemporary illustration and features a diverse array of artists from around the globe. It also hosts annual competitions, offering illustrators a chance to showcase their work and gain recognition.

These established magazines are known for their consistent quality and dedication to the world of illustration, making them excellent sources of inspiration.

Innovative Publications Pushing Boundaries

Some magazines stand out for their innovative approaches and boundary-pushing content. These publications often explore new techniques, styles, and ideas, providing fresh inspiration for artists to experiment with. Some of these innovative publications include:

Varoom: This magazine is dedicated to exploring the intersection of illustration, culture, and society. It features thought-provoking articles and showcases a wide range of contemporary illustration styles.
Nobrow: A publisher of illustrated books and a biannual magazine, Nobrow challenges the traditional boundaries between illustration, comics, and graphic design. They showcase unique and experimental artwork from a diverse range of artists.
Pictoplasma: Focusing on character design, this magazine and its accompanying festival celebrate the world of contemporary visual culture, from illustration and animation to street art and game design. It offers a fresh perspective on the role of characters in art and storytelling.

By exploring these innovative publications, you'll discover cutting-edge artwork and ideas that can push your own creative boundaries and spark new inspiration.

Award-Winning Illustration Magazines

Several illustration magazines have gained recognition through prestigious industry awards for their outstanding content and commitment to excellence. These award-winning publications include:

American Illustration: This annual publication showcases the best illustration work from the past year, as selected by a jury of industry professionals. It's a fantastic resource for discovering top talent and staying informed about current trends in the field.
Applied Arts: This Canadian magazine covers a wide range of creative disciplines, including illustration, design, photography, and advertising. Their annual awards competition highlights outstanding work from both established and emerging artists.
Society of Illustrators Annual: Published by the prestigious Society of Illustrators, this annual publication features the work of both established and up-and-coming illustrators. It offers a comprehensive look at the best in contemporary illustration and serves as an essential resource for inspiration.

By exploring these award-winning magazines, you'll be exposed to some of the most exceptional artwork in the industry, providing you with the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration.

Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration Featuring Emerging Talent

After exploring the industry-leading illustration magazines, you might be wondering about publications that specifically focus on emerging talent. These magazines offer a valuable platform for new voices in the illustration world and can provide you with fresh inspiration from up-and-coming artists. Let's discover some of the best illustration magazines for inspiration that showcase emerging talent.

New Voices in the Illustration Scene

Several illustration magazines are dedicated to promoting new and talented illustrators who are just starting to make their mark in the industry. Some notable publications that feature these new voices include:

Amelia's Magazine: Known for its eclectic mix of content, Amelia's Magazine showcases the work of emerging illustrators, designers, and writers. By introducing you to fresh talent, this magazine can help you discover new approaches and styles in illustration.
Firewords: This literary magazine presents short stories and poetry accompanied by striking illustrations from emerging artists. The combination of visual and literary art offers a unique source of inspiration and encourages you to consider the relationship between text and image.
Illustrators' Lounge: This online platform features interviews, articles, and artwork by emerging illustrators from around the world. It's a great resource for discovering new talent and learning about their creative processes and inspirations.

By exploring these publications, you can stay ahead of the curve and gain inspiration from the next generation of illustrators.

Diverse Perspectives and Styles

Another essential aspect of finding the best illustration magazines for inspiration is discovering publications that showcase a wide range of perspectives and styles. These magazines offer a diverse array of artwork, allowing you to explore different approaches and broaden your creative horizons. Some of these publications include:

Create Zine: This biannual magazine celebrates creativity in all its forms, featuring diverse illustrators, designers, and artists. The variety of content can help you discover new visual languages and expand your understanding of what illustration can be.
Wrap: Focused on contemporary illustration and design, Wrap magazine offers a diverse selection of artists and styles. Each issue encourages you to engage with the featured artwork by including illustrated wrapping paper, postcards, or other interactive elements.
Girls Club: This magazine is dedicated to showcasing the work of female and non-binary illustrators, offering a fresh perspective on the illustration industry. By featuring diverse voices, Girls Club can help you explore new styles and approaches to illustration.

Diversity in illustration is key to staying inspired, and these magazines can provide you with a wealth of creative ideas from various backgrounds and styles.

Magazines with a Global Reach

Exploring illustration magazines with a global reach can expose you to a wide range of artistic influences, techniques, and styles from different cultures. This can help you broaden your creative horizons and find inspiration in unexpected places. Some of these globally-focused magazines include:

Elephant: This quarterly magazine offers a fresh take on art and culture from around the world, featuring interviews, essays, and artwork from international artists and illustrators. It's an excellent resource for discovering global trends and artistic perspectives.
Flow: With its focus on creativity, mindfulness, and the beauty of imperfection, Flow magazine offers a unique perspective on illustration and art from various cultures. The magazine features artists from around the world, helping you explore different approaches to creativity.
Illustration Age: This online magazine offers a global platform for illustrators, featuring artwork, articles, and resources from artists worldwide. By exploring Illustration Age, you can find inspiration from a diverse range of talent and stay informed about international illustration trends.

By seeking out the best illustration magazines for inspiration with a global reach, you can expand your creative toolkit and discover new ideas from different cultures and artistic traditions.

Educational Resources in the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration

Now that you have discovered some of the best illustration magazines for inspiration, you might be wondering about the educational resources these publications can offer. Many illustration magazines not only showcase beautiful artwork but also provide valuable insights, tips, and advice for aspiring illustrators. Let's take a closer look at the educational resources you can find in the best illustration magazines for inspiration.

Tutorials and Tips for Aspiring Illustrators

One of the most practical resources you can find in illustration magazines is tutorials and tips from experienced artists. These step-by-step guides can help you learn new techniques, improve your skills, and experiment with different styles. For example, ImagineFX magazine offers in-depth tutorials on digital painting, character design, and concept art, catering specifically to digital artists. Similarly, 3x3 Magazine provides useful tips on traditional illustration techniques, like watercolor painting and ink drawing, to help you refine your craft.

By following these tutorials and tips, you can enhance your illustration abilities and learn from the expertise of established artists. So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy of the best illustration magazines for inspiration and start practicing!

Interviews with Industry Professionals

Another valuable resource found in illustration magazines is interviews with industry professionals. These conversations provide insight into the creative processes, inspirations, and experiences of successful artists, which can be both informative and inspiring. For example, Varoom magazine often features interviews with renowned illustrators, allowing readers to learn about their artistic journeys and the challenges they have faced along the way.

By reading these interviews, you can gain an understanding of what it takes to succeed in the illustration industry and gather advice from those who have already made their mark. So, keep an eye out for interviews in the best illustration magazines for inspiration, and learn from the wisdom of successful artists.

Career Advice and Networking Opportunities

Building a successful career in illustration can be challenging, but the best illustration magazines for inspiration can offer guidance and support. Many of these publications feature articles on freelancing, self-promotion, and business strategies for illustrators, helping you navigate the professional side of the industry. For instance, Illustration magazine includes advice on building a strong portfolio, finding clients, and negotiating contracts, which are essential skills for any illustrator.

In addition to career advice, some illustration magazines also offer networking opportunities through events, workshops, and online communities. For example, Communication Arts magazine organizes an annual illustration competition that can help you gain exposure and connect with other artists and industry professionals. By taking advantage of these resources, you can expand your network, improve your skills, and increase your chances of success in the illustration world.

In conclusion, the best illustration magazines for inspiration not only showcase stunning artwork but also provide valuable educational resources for aspiring illustrators. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, learn from industry professionals, or find career advice, these magazines have something to offer for everyone. So, go ahead and dive into these publications to enrich your illustration journey!

Staying Updated with the Best Illustration Magazines for Inspiration

So, you've found the best illustration magazines for inspiration, and you're eager to make the most of these valuable resources. But how can you stay updated with the latest content and ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities? In this section, we'll explore various ways to keep in touch with your favorite illustration magazines and make sure you're always in the loop.

Magazine Subscriptions and Benefits

One of the most effective ways to stay updated with the best illustration magazines for inspiration is by subscribing to them. Subscribing to a magazine guarantees that you'll receive every issue, often before it hits the shelves. This way, you can enjoy the latest content, interviews, tutorials, and more without worrying about missing an issue. Some magazines, like Illustration and ImagineFX, even offer exclusive content and discounts for subscribers, making it an even more enticing option.

Subscriptions also come with additional benefits, such as access to digital archives and exclusive online resources. For example, a subscription to 3x3 Magazine gives you access to their extensive online archive, allowing you to explore past issues and discover even more inspiration. So, consider subscribing to your favorite illustration magazines to stay updated and enjoy all the perks that come with it.

In today's digital age, social media is a powerful tool for staying updated with the best illustration magazines for inspiration. By following your favorite magazines on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, you can receive updates on new issues, featured artists, and upcoming events. Additionally, social media offers a more interactive experience, enabling you to engage with the magazine's community, share your thoughts, and discover the work of fellow illustrators.

For instance, following Varoom magazine on social media allows you to stay informed about their latest interviews and articles, as well as any special offers or promotions. So, don't forget to follow your favorite illustration magazines on social media to stay connected and in the know!

Events and Exhibitions Sponsored by Magazines

Another fantastic way to stay updated with the best illustration magazines for inspiration is by attending events and exhibitions sponsored or organized by them. These events provide unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the illustration community, discover new talent, and even showcase your own work. Furthermore, attending events allows you to network with other artists and industry professionals, which can be invaluable in building your illustration career.

For example, Communication Arts magazine's annual illustration competition is a prestigious event that attracts illustrators from around the world. By participating or attending, you can gain exposure, connect with like-minded individuals, and stay updated with the latest trends in the industry. So, keep an eye out for events and exhibitions organized by your favorite illustration magazines and make the most of these opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of illustration.

In summary, staying updated with the best illustration magazines for inspiration is essential for any aspiring illustrator. By subscribing to magazines, following them on social media, and attending events, you can ensure you're always in the loop with the latest content, resources, and opportunities. So, go ahead and embrace these methods to stay connected with the illustration world and fuel your passion for art!

If you're seeking further inspiration and guidance on creating visually stunning illustrations, don't miss the workshop 'How To Design Your First Visual Story' by Lily Stock. This workshop will equip you with the techniques and knowledge needed to craft a captivating visual story, taking your illustration skills to new heights.